Adoosa
Adoosa
Adoosa, commonly called as Vasa in Ayurveda, is a popular medicinal plant. All parts of this plant (leaves, flower, root) have medicinal properties. It has a characteristic odor and bitter taste.
Consuming Adoosa powder along with honey is considered to be beneficial in cases of respiratory infections such as whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma as it helps promote the secretion of sputum from the air passages due to its expectorant property. Adoosa (Vasaka) might also help manage the symptoms of arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis and gout. It also reduces cramps due to its antispasmodic property.
Adoosa is an effective home remedy for managing skin problems. Topical application of fresh Adoosa leaves paste on skin helps manage boils and ulcers by reducing the pain and inflammation in the affected area due to its anti-inflammatory property. Applying Adoosa powder along with honey evenly on the affected area helps to control ringworm, itching and skin rashes due to its antibacterial property. The paste, powder and the root decoction of Adoosa also helps reduce fever by lowering body temperature due to its antipyretic property[2][3][5].
Consuming Adoosa powder along with honey is considered to be beneficial in cases of respiratory infections such as whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma as it helps promote the secretion of sputum from the air passages due to its expectorant property. Adoosa (Vasaka) might also help manage the symptoms of arthritis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis and gout. It also reduces cramps due to its antispasmodic property.
Adoosa is an effective home remedy for managing skin problems. Topical application of fresh Adoosa leaves paste on skin helps manage boils and ulcers by reducing the pain and inflammation in the affected area due to its anti-inflammatory property. Applying Adoosa powder along with honey evenly on the affected area helps to control ringworm, itching and skin rashes due to its antibacterial property. The paste, powder and the root decoction of Adoosa also helps reduce fever by lowering body temperature due to its antipyretic property[2][3][5].
What are the synonyms of Adoosa?
Adhatoda zeylanica, Titabahak, Bahak, Vachaka, Bakas, Basak, Vasaka, Malabar Nut tree , Aradusi, Araduso, Arusa, Aduss, Adusoye, Adalodakam, Adarooshaka, Adulsa, Vasa, Vasanga, Basanga, Vishuti, Bhekar, Vansa, Adatodai, Adda, Saramu, Adusa[1].
What is the source of Adoosa?
Plant Based
Precautions when using Adoosa
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Take Adoosa powder with any natural sweetener as it is extremely bitter in taste.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Avoid Adoosa during breastfeeding[4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Avoid Adoosa during pregnancy. It has abortifacient property. It stimulates the uterine contractions. It also promotes the release of prostaglandins. Thus, Adoosa is known to have a property similar to oxytocin hormone[2][4].
Recommended Dosage of Adoosa
- Adoosa Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Adoosa Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Adoosa Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Adoosa
1. Adoosa Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Adoosa.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
2. Adoosa Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Adoosa.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
3. Adoosa Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add honey to it or take it with water 1-2 times a day.
4. Adoosa Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Adoosa Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink it twice a day preferably after meals.
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Adoosa.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
2. Adoosa Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Adoosa.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
3. Adoosa Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add honey to it or take it with water 1-2 times a day.
4. Adoosa Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Adoosa Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink it twice a day preferably after meals.
Benefits of Adoosa
FAQs about Adoosa benefits
1. Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying Adoosa paste helps to reduce burning sensation and heal the damaged skin due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water to form a paste.
c. Apply to the affected area to reduce sunburn.
2. Wound healing
Adoosa helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Adoosa powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with coconut oil to form a paste.
c. Apply to the affected area for quick wound healing.
Sunburn occurs when the sun rays increase the Pitta present in the skin and reduce the Rasa Dhatu. Rasa Dhatu is the nourishing fluid which gives color, complexion and glow to the skin. Applying Adoosa paste helps to reduce burning sensation and heal the damaged skin due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water to form a paste.
c. Apply to the affected area to reduce sunburn.
2. Wound healing
Adoosa helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Adoosa powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with coconut oil to form a paste.
c. Apply to the affected area for quick wound healing.
Recommended Dosage of Adoosa
- Adoosa Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Adoosa
1. Adoosa fresh Leaves
a. Take 4-5 leaves of Adoosa.
b. Crush to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the boils.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of boils and ulcers.
2. Adoosa Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control ringworm, itching and rashes.
a. Take 4-5 leaves of Adoosa.
b. Crush to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the boils.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of boils and ulcers.
2. Adoosa Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Adoosa powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control ringworm, itching and rashes.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Major chemical constituents present in Adoosa possess significant expectorant, bronchodilator and antibacterial properties. The alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone are potent bronchodilators. Vasicinone, an oxidation product of vasicine is a more potent bronchodilator.
Modern Science View
Adoosa is available in the market under various product forms such:
1. Tablet
2. Capsule
3. Powder
4. Raw herb
1. Tablet
2. Capsule
3. Powder
4. Raw herb
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa helps in digestion by activating the trypsin enzyme. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that helps in the breakdown of proteins. Thus, Adoosa helps in the digestion and absorption of proteins from the small intestine[2][3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa is useful to fight against tuberculosis infection. Vasicine in Adoosa has mucolytic (dissolves thick mucus) property. It also increases the level of lysosome cells. Lysosome cells helps to kill the harmful micro-organisms and toxins. Thus, can be used as an adjunct therapy in case of tuberculosis[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Adoosa can be used in case of tuberculosis. It helps to reduce excess mucus and gives relief from cough due to its Kapha dosha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Adoosa in voice clarity. However, it might improve the voice or speech[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa is considered beneficial in cases of respiratory problems because of its expectorant activity. It promotes the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract and eases breathing. It also has a soothing effect, which reduces irritation in the throat[5].
Ayurvedic View
Respiratory problems like cough, cold, asthma or bronchitis occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha and leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. Adoosa due to its Kapha balancing property helps to loosen and remove mucus from the body and provides relief in cough.
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa (Vasaka) might reduce fever due to its antipyretic activity. It helps to lower the body temperature and can be used in malarial fevers[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Adoosa might help manage the symptoms of fever like internal inflammation due to its Sothhar (anti-inflammatory) and Jwaraghna (anti-fever) properties. It also gives a cooling effect to the body due to its Sita (cold) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa might help reduce cramps due to its antispasmodic property. It relaxes the smooth muscles and relieves the cramps[5].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Adoosa for Dyspnea(shortness of breath); however, it might be used for cough and breathlessness due to its expectorant property[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a condition that might occur in case of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Dyspnea occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha and leads to the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. Adoosa due to its Kapha balancing property helps to loosen mucus and clears respiratory passages, thereby helping in breathing.
Modern Science View
Adoosa leaves has various medicinal uses. The decoction of Adoosa leaves is used to manage cough and cold due to its expectorant property. A paste of Adoosa leaves is applied on the wounds to promote healing due to its quick healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to manage skin infections due to its antibacterial property[5].
Ayurvedic View
Adoosa leaves can be used topically in conditions like arthritic pain, inflammation or boils due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Adoosa can be used as a tincture due to its expectorant, antispasmodic and febrifuge properties. It provides relief from cough, reduces the cramps in the muscles and manages fever[5].
Modern Science View
Adoosa is used as an ingredient in various cough syrups along with ginger and tulsi because of its antispasmodic and expectorant properties. It relaxes the respiratory passages and helps to loosen and remove the sputum from respiratory passages[5].
Ayurvedic View
Adoosa, is used in cough syrups to manage cough. According to Ayurveda cough generally occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha and leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathways. Adoosa helps to remove mucus from the respiratory passages and relieves cough due to its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Vasaka might help manage the symptoms of arthritis as it contains certain constituents which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These constituents inhibits the proteins responsible for inflammation and reduces the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Adoosa might help manage the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like inflammation which generally occur due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha and formation of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to incomplete digestion). Adoosa leaf paste can be applied to the affected area to help provide relief from inflammation and pain due to its Sita (cold) and Kapha balancing properties.
Tips
1. Take 4-5 leaves of Adoosa.
2. Crush them to form a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area and repeat till the symptoms get reduced.
Tips
1. Take 4-5 leaves of Adoosa.
2. Crush them to form a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area and repeat till the symptoms get reduced.
Ayurvedic View
Adoosa leaves can be used in the form of a paste to manage conditions like inflammation or boils due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips
1. Take 4-5 Adoosa leaves.
2. Crush them to form a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area.
4. You can use this remedy once a day to get rid of boils and ulcers.
Tips
1. Take 4-5 Adoosa leaves.
2. Crush them to form a paste.
3. Apply it on the affected area.
4. You can use this remedy once a day to get rid of boils and ulcers.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Ahmad S, Garg M, Ali M, et al.A phyto-pharmacological overview on Adhatoda zeylanica Medic. syn. A. vasica (Linn.) Nees.Natural Product radiance.2009;8(5):549-554.
- Alam K, Pathak D, SH Ansari.Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations on Adhatoda zeylanica (Medic.): A Review.Pharmacognosy Journal.2010;2(12): 513-519.
- WebMD.Malabar nut: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Hossain T, Hoq O. Therapeutic use of Adhatoda vasica. Asian J Med. Bio. Res. 2016; 2(2):156-163.
- Singh SK, Patel JR, Dangi R, et al. A complete over review on Adhatoda vasica traditional medicinal plants. Journal of Medicinal Plant Studies. 2017;5(1):175-180.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.