Malabar nut

Justicia adhatoda

Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, cleansing, bronchodilator; well-known Ayurvedic remedy for bronchitis, asthma, cough, fever, jaundice and tuberculosis; root for malaria, diphtheria and gonorrhoea.

Safety notes

Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Preparation

Leaf powder 2 g; leaf juice 8–16 ml; bark decoction 28–56 ml; root bark powder in small amounts.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Vasaka. In Ayurveda the leaf (adulsa) is the classic cough remedy; the alkaloid vasicine was the basis of the modern expectorants bromhexine and ambroxol. In India it is worked into many cough syrups.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic, cleansing, bronchodilator; well-known Ayurvedic remedy for bronchitis, asthma, cough, fever, jaundice and tuberculosis; root for malaria, diphtheria and gonorrhoea.

Preparation and amount

Leaf powder 2 g; leaf juice 8–16 ml; bark decoction 28–56 ml; root bark powder in small amounts.

Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →