Dr. Santosh Singh Thapa
The basic quality of healing of a medicine is primarily remains latent in the herbs, shrubs or plants. They are processed with chemical reactions and produced in desired size and shapes as capsules or sometimes in fancy bottles. Usually, the chemical procedures make the medicines harmful. What if the herbs or shrubs are directly consumed?
Even the herbs and shrubs taken without prescription may harm us, sometimes even more adversely than processed medicines. Therefore, prescription is always a must. However, herbs are more reliable indeed. Today we learn about a shrub that has strong relevance in Nepalese community for it has been used since ancient time.
Vasa, equally known as Asuro, is commonly available all over Nepal. This is a shrub which grows up to the height of 4-8ft giving white colour flowers.
Medicinal uses: Externally, the paste made out of leaves if applied acts as anti-inflammatory & pain-killer, therefore, a very good medicine in swelling & pain and skin diseases.
Internally taken as juice or decoction, it cures diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding piles, excess menstrual bleeding, burning urination and fever. It proves a very good medicine for asthma and cough. Given to smoke the powder leaves at attack of asthma, it heals and comforts.
Useful parts : leaves, root, flowers
Medicinal dose : 10-20 ml leaves juice.
40-80 ml decoction of root.
[Santosh Singh Thapa, BAMS, is a Ayurdeva doctor, presently posted at Chandraayu Health Centre, Dhangadhi, Kailali.]