Syn.: Justicia adhatoda Linn.
Family: Acanthaceae
Arabic Name(s): Hasheshatus-Sa'al
Urdu Name(s): Adusa, Bansa,Basonta, Arosa, اڑوسہ، بانسہ
English Name(s): Vasaka
Parts Used
Leaf, flowers (Gulqand).
Quality/Temperament
Warm and dry in first order.
Functions and Properties (Pharmacological Actions)
Expectorant, antispasmodic, alterative, diuretic, germicide, antiparalytic, concoctive (for phlegm).
Specific Action
Expectorant and antispasmodic.
Medicinal Uses
Chiefly used as expectorant and bronchial antiseptic in chest diseases, efficacious in cough and asthma. Also regarded as of much benefit in tuberculosis. Juice of the leaves is recommended in fever and rheumatism. Fresh juice of the leaves is given in dose of about 12 g with the addition of honey and long pepper in cough and phthisis. Flowers, leaves, and roots are frequently regarded as an antiseptic (internally).
Compound Preparations
Sherbet Aijaz and in antitussive and blood purifier syrups.
Dosage
Powder 3 g., decoction 3 to 9 ml.
Corrigent
Black pepper (Piper nigrumLinn.) and honey.
Tenedium
Hyssopus officinalisLinn. (Zufa), and the roots and stem bark of the plant.
Comments
In large quantities (large doses) it is irritant and may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
