Vasaka is a well-known herb in indigenous systems of medicine for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis. Our respiratory systems provide one of the most important rhythms of our lives.

Through our breath, this system welcomes in oxygen and prana (the vital life-giving force, central to Ayurveda) into our bodies—in fact, the breath is the main way we bring in prana. But what do we do when this system needs a little extra love and support? Luckily for us, we have the abundant Ayurvedic pharmacopeia at our fingertips. You may already be familiar with some of the quintessential herbs that support a healthy respiratory system, like tulsi, Pippali, licorice, and even ginger—but what do you know about Vasaka? If that name doesn’t ring a bell, well, you’re in good company, as it is little known in the West outside the circles of herb enthusiasts and practitioners. Vasaka is an ancient herb that has been used in Ayurvedic formulas for ages. Any time an herb has such a longstanding reputation, it deserves our attention. Let’s take a moment now and look a little more closely at Vasaka to see what makes this such a timeless and steadfast herbal ally.

Vasaka In the Landscape:

Vasaka may not be readily recognized in our society, but it is well-known in India. If we were to travel to the Indian subcontinent, we would find that this small evergreen shrub is a common part of the landscape. It happily grows in dry climates and dry soil (although it can also be found growing in tropical areas), and it stretches across the Indian plains up to the foothills of the Himalayas.1 We would even see volunteers of this plant lining the roadways throughout the land.2 While the shrubs themselves are nothing remarkable in appearance, their flowers are their crowning glory. (For you gardeners out there, Vasaka would be worth growing for its flowers alone.) One of Vasaka’s names—vasa—translates as “perfume,” and it can be safe to bet that this name stems from the plant’s flamboyant flowers.3 In fact, thanks to these flowers, Vasaka is also known in Sanskrit botany as

“lion’s muzzle” and “stallion’s tooth”—two undeniably powerful names that honor the strength of the plant.4

An Herb with History:

Its prevalence in India can also be found in the inventories of practitioners. Vasaka is recognized as a powerful herbal aid that brings potent support to the lungs and respiratory system, with a few additional (but no less valued) benefits. There is a popular Bengali saying that particularly captures the community’s respect for Vasaka, translating as, “a man cannot die of the disease in an area where Vitex Negundo (Bana), Adhatoda Vasica (Vasaka), and Acorus calamus (calamus) are found, provided that he knows how to use them.”5

Such marked respect for its power isn’t a new experience for Vasaka. On the contrary—this sort of saying is backed by Vasaka’s reputation, and this sort of reputation takes years in the making—thousands of years, to be exact.

Its first recorded mention can be traced all the way back to the Atharvaveda, the ancient Vedic text that is thought to be the root of Ayurvedic herbalism.6

This alone alludes to its longstanding and elevated place in India and in Ayurveda—not to mention the fact that generation after generation has passed the knowledge of how to use Vasaka along. This certainly is a deep reputation backed by several millennia of human experience and benefit.

So What Does It Do?

Vasaka’s uses are still very much needed, and thankfully, this knowledge is available to us. As we have mentioned, Vasaka brings powerful support to the lungs and respiratory system, particularly when excess pitta and Kapha are involved. Due to its expectorant action, it greatly helps with relieving respiratory congestion (excess Kapha, anyone?). And, as it promotes healthy bronchodilation, it also helps with easy, comfortable, and relaxed breathing.7 As an added bonus, this aids in the lungs’ ability to receive more prana and more oxygen.

There are a great many Ayurvedic formulas that harness Vasaka’s special work in the lungs and respiratory system. For example, Anthrapachaka (Indian ipecac), Bibhitaki, licorice, Pippali, and Vasaka combine well to support healthy, even bronchodilation while removing excess Kapha congestion in the lungs. If you’re looking to support easy, regular, and deep breathing, try adding Vasaka to trikatu and honey. Of course, we offer a couple of formulas that utilize many of the herbs that balance and support the respiratory system, like our Lung Formula tablets and our Bronchial Support herbal syrup. These balanced and Tridoshic formulas use the powers of Vasaka in combination with other herbs well-known for their respiratory support. And, we can’t forget about one of our favorites—Chyavanprash! This delectable herbal jam definitely leans on Vasaka’s ability to support healthy lungs and respiration.

Keeping with the theme of cleaning out excess pitta and Kapha, Vasaka also helps balance rasa and Rakta Dhatus (plasma and blood tissue layers). Vasaka helps clear out excess pitta in Rakta Dhatu, which may manifest in the form of excess heat, while also clearing out Kapha that has become stuck in rasa Dhatu. And cleaner, healthier Dhatus often means healthier and more beautiful skin. Adding Vasaka to Manjistha, neem, and chrysanthemum can help level out skin imbalances that are rooted in this aggravated Dhatus.8 In addition, Vasaka can also help with pitta type issues relating to the blood, but this application of Vasaka is advanced and requires the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.9

The Herbal Energetics & Effect on the Doshas

Vasaka’s power can be explained through the lens of its herbal energetics. As we explore Vasaka powder, we notice that the vibrant green of the fresh leaves has turned a dark, almost brown color. And the smell! Powdered Vasaka’s rather strong smell is a foreshadowing of its taste (its name of “perfume” certainly doesn’t come from the powder).

There’s a deep smokiness, with grassy undertones, perhaps a bit reminiscent of lapsang souchong tea.

Once that powder hits our taste buds, there’s no mistaking how bitter and astringent this herb is. We’re not sure about you, but we will never forget what Vasaka tastes like!

The bitter and astringent tastes that comprise Vasaka’s rasa (taste) speak volumes to its energetics and its power. The bitter taste cools off pitta while it lightens and dries out kapha. It’s also great for clearing things out—heat, ama, congestion, and excess moisture throughout, as well as toxins or stagnation in rakta Dhatu.10 The astringent taste also dries out kapha while it chills out pitta.11 These tastes combined make a dynamic duo, and they certainly back Vasaka’s ability to conquer kapha and pitta imbalances that may settle in the respiratory tract or even in rasa or rakta Dhatu. Plus, Vasaka’s virya (temperature) is pretty cooling, which is another reason why it is indicated to help calm angry, aggravated pitta, particularly when it settles in the respiratory tract.

These energetics are remarkably like Vata dosha, and Ayurveda believes that like increases like, so it goes to reason that Vasaka can easily increase and aggravate Vata. Also, with all this coldness, it is not recommended for long-term use by itself, as it can inadvertently damage Agni (digestive fire). Furthermore, Vasaka causes constriction throughout the body, including in the female reproductive system, causing the uterus to contract. Under some conditions, this action may be warranted, but it certainly is not recommended during pregnancy.12 Ultimately, because Vasaka is so powerful and is rather extreme in its energetics, it is best to use it in a formula to even out its intense qualities or to use under the guidance of a practitioner.

Upon learning just how much Vasaka can do for the respiratory system (and more!), it is no wonder that so many generations have passed along the knowledge of this herb after benefitting from it. We’re so thankful they did! With a healthy respect for just how powerful this ancient herb is, we know we can support our lungs and respiratory systems with this timeless and steadfast ally—and this makes us breathe a sigh of relief.

References

1 “Adhatoda Vasica—Health Benefits and Side Effects.” The Herbal Resource. https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/adhatoda-vasica.html.

2 Dr. Eby Abraham. “Adhatoda Vasica.” medicalplantdatabase.com, 13 Apr. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9s4yKRzSCc.

3 Sebastian Pole, Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice (London: Singing Dragon, 2013), 288.

4 Naveen Patnaik, The Garden of Life: an Introduction to the Healing Plants of India (Madison: Doubleday, 1993), 58.

5 Sanjay Kr Uniyal, KN Singh, Pankaj Jamwal, and Brij Lal, “Traditional use of medicinal plants among the tribal communities of Chhota Bhangal, Western Himalaya.”Journal of Ethnobotany and Ethnomedicine. 20 Mar. 2006, 3.

6 “The Ayurvedic Herbal Cure for Ebola-like Symptoms.” The Holistic Works. 18 Aug. 2014, https://theholisticworks.com/2014/08/18/the-ayurvedic-herbal-cure-for-the-ebola-virus/.

7 Pole, 288.

8 Ibid.

9 Ibid.

10 “Bitter Taste.” Banyan Botanicals. /info/ayurvedic-living/living-Ayurveda/diet/six-tastes/bitter-taste

11 “Astringent Taste.” Banyan Botanicals, /info/ayurvedic-living/living-Ayurveda/diet/six-tastes/astringent-taste.

12 Pole, 288.