Vasaka / Vasa Benefits, Uses, Side Effects According to Ayurveda

Health Virtues of Vasaka / Vasa

Personalized medicine systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, indivdual constitutions, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics
Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.
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COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

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TASTES

The 6 Tastes
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

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AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types
Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.
Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.
Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.
The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.
Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.
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PACIFIES

AGGRAVATES

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors
Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.
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PACIFIES

CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

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PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

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SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

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AGGRAVATES

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

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Other Health Virtues

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Vasaka / Vasa
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)

Mind, Stress & Sleep:

Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:

Antitussive

ANTITUSSIVE

Cough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.

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Bronchodilator

BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.

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Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

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Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS

Mucolytic

MUCOLYTIC

An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus.

SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

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Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

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Heart & Circulation:

Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

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Kidney & Urinary:

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:

Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:

Abortifacient

ABORTIFACIENT

An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. These herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'ABORTIFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

SEE ALL 'EMMENAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Oxytocic

OXYTOCIC

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and prepares the uterus for labor. It has a vasoconstricting effect. Emotionally, it is tribal.

SEE ALL 'OXYTOCIC' FOODS / HERBS

Uterine Stimulant

UTERINE-STIMULANT

Causes contractions in the uterus often by stimulating production of oxytocin. These herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy.

SEE ALL 'UTERINE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Strength, Muscle Health:

Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Vasaka / Vasa

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common
Abortifacient, Bronchodilator, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic
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Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common
Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Abortifacient, Bronchodilator, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Decongestant
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Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common
Abortifacient, Bronchodilator, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic
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Fenugreek

Fenugreek has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Emmenagogue, Oxytocic, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant
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Garlic

Garlic has these Actions in Common
Alterative, Diuretic, Sedative, Antimicrobial, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Mucolytic
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Cinnamon

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common
Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Emmenagogue, Mucolytic, Decongestant, Expectorant
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Hing (Asafoetida)

Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Antitussive, Expectorant, Abortifacient, Bronchodilator
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Daikon Radish

Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic
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Thyme (fresh)

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Mucolytic, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Antispasmodic, Expectorant
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Sage

Sage has these Actions in Common
Emmenagogue, Uterine-stimulant, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic
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Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic
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Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Vasaka / Vasa

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Sedative, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Decongestant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant
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Punarnava

Punarnava has these Actions in Common
Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Diuretic
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Goldenseal

Goldenseal has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Diuretic, Mucolytic, Uterine-stimulant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory
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Yarrow

Yarrow has these Actions in Common
Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Oxytocic, Uterine-stimulant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory
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Pushkaramoola

Pushkaramoola has these Actions in Common
Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Diuretic, Emmenagogue
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Plantain Leaf

Plantain Leaf has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antitussive, Decongestant, Expectorant, Mucolytic
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Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common
Antitussive, Decongestant, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic
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Inhale Steam

Inhale Steam has these Actions in Common
Expectorant, Mucolytic, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Decongestant
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Jasmine Flower

Jasmine Flower has these Actions in Common
Alterative, Antitussive, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Oxytocic, Uterine-stimulant
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Kushta

Kushta has these Actions in Common
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Bronchodilator, Diuretic, Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant
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Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

College of Natural Diet & Digestion

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Vasaka / Vasa Herbal Powder (Adhatoda vasika)

Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Health Virtues of Vasaka / Vasa

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

The 6 Tastes

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

The Three Doshas / Body Types

The Four Temperaments / Humors

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Other Health Virtues

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Vasaka / Vasa Experiences are Personal Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

SEDATIVE

ANTITUSSIVE

BRONCHODILATOR

DECONGESTANT

EXPECTORANT

MUCOLYTIC

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

ANTIMICROBIAL

ALTERATIVE

DIURETIC

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

ABORTIFACIENT

EMMENAGOGUE

OXYTOCIC

UTERINE-STIMULANT

ANTISPASMODIC

Foods with a Similar Nature to Vasaka / Vasa

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

Garlic has these Actions in Common

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common

Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

Sage has these Actions in Common

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Vasaka / Vasa

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Punarnava has these Actions in Common

Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

Yarrow has these Actions in Common

Pushkaramoola has these Actions in Common

Plantain Leaf has these Actions in Common

Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common

Inhale Steam has these Actions in Common

Jasmine Flower has these Actions in Common

Kushta has these Actions in Common

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Respiratory, Lung, Throat & Sinus

CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

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Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Vasaka / Vasa
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS