College of Natural Diet & Digestion

College of Natural Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Vasaka / Vasa Herbal Powder (Adhatoda vasika)

Bitter, cold bronchodilator, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic. Lung anti-inflammatory. Aka Malabar Nut

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Vasaka is excellent for supporting proper function of the lungs. It eliminates excess pitta and kapha from the respiratory tract. Vasaka promotes healthy brochodilation and supports clear, comfortable breathing.
  • Supports proper function of the lungs and healthy respiration
  • Supports clear, comfortable breathing
  • Promotes healthy brochodilation
  • Reduces excess pitta and kapha in the lungs
Also known as Malabar Nut, Justicia adhatoda, Justicia vasica.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

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
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

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)
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

Antitussive

ANTITUSSIVE

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

SEE ALL 'ANTITUSSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

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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.

SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

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Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

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

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

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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

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Mucolytic

MUCOLYTIC

An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus.

SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

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

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

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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.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

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.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

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

Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

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

Abortifacient

ABORTIFACIENT

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

SEE ALL 'ABORTIFACIENT' FOODS / HERBS

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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

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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

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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

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Abortifacient, Bronchodilator, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Decongestant

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Abortifacient, Bronchodilator, Emmenagogue, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Emmenagogue, Oxytocic, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic

    Garlic has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Diuretic, Sedative, Antimicrobial, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Emmenagogue, Mucolytic, Decongestant, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Hing (Asafoetida)

    Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Antitussive, Expectorant, Abortifacient, Bronchodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Daikon Radish

    Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Thyme (fresh)

    Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Bronchodilator, Mucolytic, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Antispasmodic, Expectorant

    LEARN MORE

  • Sage

    Sage has these Actions in Common

    Emmenagogue, Uterine-stimulant, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Bronchodilator, Expectorant, Decongestant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Diuretic, Mucolytic, Uterine-stimulant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Oxytocic, Uterine-stimulant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Pushkaramoola

    Pushkaramoola has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Diuretic, Emmenagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Plantain Leaf

    Plantain Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antitussive, Decongestant, Expectorant, Mucolytic

    LEARN MORE

  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil

    Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common

    Antitussive, Decongestant, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic

    LEARN MORE

  • Inhale Steam

    Inhale Steam has these Actions in Common

    Expectorant, Mucolytic, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Decongestant

    LEARN MORE

  • Jasmine Flower

    Jasmine Flower has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Antitussive, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Oxytocic, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Kushta

    Kushta has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Bronchodilator, Diuretic, Expectorant, Uterine-stimulant

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Vasaka / Vasa may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Vasaka / Vasa may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Vasaka / Vasa. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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