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Adhatoda Vasica (Malabar Nut) - Health Benefits and Side Effects
Botanical Name of Malabar Nut: Adhatoda vasica.
Other Common Names: Malabar nut, adulsa, arusha, vasaka, justicia adhatoda, adulsa arusa, adathodai, bakash, adathoda, adalodakam, adusoge, addasaramu, lion’s muzzle, atallion’s tooth.
Habitat: This shrub grows on the plains of India and in the lower Himalayans, up to a range of 1000 meters above sea level. This plant is also cultivated in other tropical areas. It will grow well in low moisture areas and dry soils.
Plant Description: Adhatoda vasica is a small evergreen plant, of the Acanthaceae family, with broad, lanceolate leaves measuring 10 to 16 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters wide. They become greenish-brown when dried and have a bitter taste. They have a smell similar to strong tea. The wood of the stem is soft, and makes a great charcoal for gunpowder. The flower has large, attractive, white petals, streaked with purple on the lower lip. The fruit is a small capsule with 4 seeds.
Plant Parts Used: The leaves, roots, flowers and stem bark of this plant are used in medicinal applications.
 Adhatoda Vasica Flower (Click on image to enlarge)
Therapeutic Benefits and Uses of Malabar Nut and Claims
- Adhatoda vasica has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years to treat respiratory disorders.
 The Herb Malabar Nut ( Adhatoda vasica) - Adhatoda vasica is thought to be useful in treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung and bronchiole disorders.
- A decoction of the leaves may be used as an herbal treatment for cough and other symptoms of colds. The soothing action helps irritation in the throat and the expectorant will help loosen phlegm deposits in the airway which makes adhatoda a good remedy for sore throat.
- A poultice of the leaves may be applied to wounds for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The poultice is also helpful in relieving rheumatic symptoms when applied to joints.
- It has been used to control both internal and external bleeding such as peptic ulcers, piles and bleeding gums.
- In Ayurvedic medicine, malabar nut has been used for a multitude of disorders including; leprosy, blood disorders, heart troubles, thirst, asthma, fever, vomiting, loss of memory, leucoderma, jaundice, tumors, mouth troubles, sore-eye and gonorrhea.
- This herb exhibits antispasmodic, expectorant and blood purifying qualities.
- Adhatoda vasica has also been used to speed delivery during childbirth.
Dosage and Administration
Malabar nut can be an ingredient in many preparations. It may be listed under any of its names. It is important to follow manufacturer’s recommended dosing schedules when taking any supplement.
Common dosing: 1 to 3 grams of dried leaves (or equivalent).
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Adhatoda Vasica - Malabar Nut
Adhatoda is considered safe in recommended usage and dosing. The safety of this herb has not been tested in children and should be avoided, unless directed by a medical professional. Use of this supplement is not recommended during pregnancy (except at birth, and then only under the direction of a medical practitioner.) Care should be exercised when taking this herb with other drugs or supplements that exhibit expectorant or antispasmodic effects.
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"The greatest wealth is health."
Virgil
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