**VASAKA (Adhatoda vasica Nees)**

Family: Acanthaceae

🌿 Habitat & Distribution

Thrives across most SARC countries.
Found naturally in lower Himalayan ranges.
Cultivated in gardens and medicinal farms.
Prefers well-drained soils, adapts to tropical & subtropical climates.

🌱 Botanical Features

FeatureDescriptionPlant TypeDense shrub, perennialHeight1.2 – 2.5 mBranchesLong, ascending, oppositeBarkYellowish, tereteLeaves12.5 – 20 cm × 3.8 – 6.3 cmPetioles1.3 – 2.5 cmFlowersShort dense spikes, 2.5 – 7.5 cm, white/pale violetSeeds6 × 5 mm, ovoidFloweringMonsoon to post-monsoonFruitingLate winter

🌿 Parts Used

Leaves
Roots
Flowers
Bark

Key Compounds: Alkaloids (vasicine, vasicinone), tannins, flavonoids

💧 Methods of Preparation

Infusion (steeping)
Aqueous extract (for syrups/decoctions)
Leaf juice (fresh)
Tincture (alcohol-based)
Compound decoction (multi-part boiling)

☣️ Toxicity

Ether extract of leaves toxic to grain insects.
Medicinal doses generally safe, avoid overuse of concentrated extracts.

🌸 Dermatological Uses

Traditional Ayurveda & Unani medicine
Leaf poultice used for:
- Scabies – relieves itching, kills mites
- Minor wounds & infections – promotes healing
- Eczema & rashes – reduces irritation

💊 Dosage

PartRecommended DoseLeaves juice15 – 25 mlFlowers juice10 – 20 mlRoots decoction40 – 90 ml

🌬️ Additional Notes

Also used for respiratory disorders: cough, asthma, bronchitis
Acts as a bronchodilator and expectorant
Follow traditional dosage; avoid excessive concentrated use

[The plant Adhatoda vasica Nees, often referred to as VASAKA in Sanskrit, has several common names in Hindi and Nepali.

Hindi Names In Hindi, this plant is most commonly known as:

अडूसा (Aḍūsā)
अडुल्सा (Aḍulsā)
अडोसा (Aḍosā)
अरुसा (Arusā)
बाँसा (Bānsā)

Nepali Names In Nepali, the plant is typically called:

असुरो (Asuro)
कालो भासक (Kālo Bhāsak)]

Useful Plant

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