Vasak

This large genus consists of about 420 species of evergreen perennials, subshrubs, and shrubs occuring in tropical and subtropical parts of both hemispheres. Justicia adhatoda (malabar nut) has long been important in India for treating a wide range of bronchial diseases. It was introduced to Europe in 1699. Research has shown that it contains various alkaloids, including vasicine (also known as peganine), which stimulates contraction of uterine muscles, thus inducing or accelerating labor. It is now important as a source of this clinically useful drug. Another substance found in J. adhatoda is adhatodic acid. According to Mrs. Grieve (A Modern Herbal, 1931), adhatodic acid "exerts a strong poisoning influence upon the lower forms of animals and vegetable life, though non-poisonous to the higher animals". Justicia is named after James Justice, an 18th century Scottish horticulturist.

Erect, evergreen, sparsely branched shrub with ovate to lanceolate, prominently veined leaves, 10-20cm (4-8in) long. White 2-lipped flowers, 3cm (1¼in) long, with pink-veined lips, are borned in dense, terminal spikes, 5cm (2in) long, mainly in summer.


Common Name:
Vasak
Other Names:
Malabar Nut
Botanical Name:
Justicia adhatoda syn Adhatoda vasica
Genus:
Justicia
Family:
Acanthaceae
Native Location:
India, Sri Lanka
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with high humidity. Cut back ornamental specimens hard in early spring, and pinch out regularly to encourage a bushy habit. Plants under cover may be attacked by whitefly.
Propagation:
By seed sown at 16°C (61°F) in spring; by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:
Leaves are collected in the growing season and dried for use in the growing season and dried for use in herbal smoking mixtures, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
Height:
2-3m (6-10ft)
Width:
1-1.5m (3-5ft)
Hardiness:
Min. 7°C (45°F).
Parts Used:
Leaves
Properties:
A bitter, expectorant herb with a strong, tea-like odor. It relaxes spasms, lowers fevers, and stimulates the uterus.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for tuberculosis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and intermittent fever. Leaves are smoked to relieve asthma.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 248