Ashu’s Curiosity
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashu’s mother remains concerned about the advent of any new virus or disease.
She is now taking all necessary precautions, especially during winter when anyone in the family has health symptoms like sneezing and coughing.
She also considers that Ayurvedic herbs can boost immunity against these deadly diseases. One such herb is Adulsa whose leaves juice is prepared by her and she gives them 1-2 teaspoons on a daily basis.
Ashu needs to know more about this natural cough reliever that comes from Ayurveda. He also wants to understand what other health benefits are, how Adulsa cough syrup works and any side effects of it.
So now Ashu in searching on Know Ur Diet, let us see what he finds on it:
What is Adulsa or Malabar nut?
Adulsa leaves also known as Malabar nut, are a medicinal plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda has highlighted many health benefits related to the consumption of Malabar nuts.
Most of the benefits are related to respiratory diseases such as chest congestion, common cold, Asthma & even provide relief in Tuberculosis. Juice from Adulsa leaves can be a good home remedy. It can give you instant relief & even boost your immunity against future contagion.
In Ayurveda, Adulsa has been mentioned by different names such as Adusa Swarasa, Vasaka & Vasa Svarasa, all of them indicating its ability to cure.
Read about Herbs & Spices
Fun facts about Adulsa or Malabar nut
Adulsa is also called Adathoda in Tamil language which means “untouched by goats”. This is because these plants are not eaten by goats due to their bitter taste.
Nutritional Value of Adulsa
Here is the list of nutrients and compounds available in 100g of Adulsa or Malabar nut:
| Nutrients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy (calories) | 106 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16.4% |
| Fats | 1.6% |
| Fibers | 6.4% |
| Proteins | 6.5% |
| Potassium | 31.15g |
| Calcium | 67.99g |
| Iron | 0.70g |
| Copper | 0.06g |
| Zinc | 0.06g |
| Chrominum | 0.04g |
Source: www.pharmeasy.in
Health Benefits of Malabar nut/Adulsa:
As we have mentioned earlier, Adulsa leaf juice can be a good remedy to treat respiratory diseases. But it can be beneficial for other non-respiratory diseases as well:
Common Cold
Due to its antiviral and antitussive properties, Adulsa can effectively cure a common cold and give you instant relief from a choked throat and nose. Cough and cold are some of the major contagious diseases that widely prevail during the winter season.
Adulsa leaves juice can pacify symptoms of the common cold such as the growth of thick sputum, wheezing & fever. Traditionally, medicines for treating bronchitis and lung diseases have extract from Adulsa leaves and roots.
Asthma
In recent years, there has been a constant rise in new Asthma cases due to pollution & wrongful lifestyles. Asthma can be lethal in its chronic stage.
The healing properties of Adulsa leaves can lower the inflammation in the lungs & ease the movement of air. It can also improve the breathing process of Asthma patients. Compounds present in Malabar nuts such as vasicine and vasicinone both are therapeutical respiratory agents and are effective against asthma.
Prevents Tuberculosis
Research has found that compounds in Adulsa carry anti-tubercular properties. These compounds are effective in eliminating the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the respiratory region.
Also, these compounds can increase the secretion of essential bronchial enzymes that can protect the lung tissues and sputum of any damage from tuberculosis.
Hemorrhage
You can even take Adulsa leaves for different types of internal bleeding & nose bleeding.
The juice of Adulsa leaves with sugar & milk for faster relief.
Immune System
Not only it provides you relief from respiratory diseases but it can also strengthen your immune system to cope with future infections as well. You can also consume it just as an immunity booster.
Adulsa has anti-inflammatory properties due to its compounds like vasicine. These compounds lower the effects of any inflammation in the respiratory and digestive areas.
Cures Ulcers
Adulsa leaves have anti-ulcer properties which means it can cure ulcers in an effective way. There are certain studies that have proved that juices from Adulsa leaves if consumed regularly then it can provide relief in ulcers. Person with dyspepsia can also consume its juices for better relief.
Adulsa Cough Syrup
No one loves to get a choked nose & throat, so many of us normally take cough syrup that is easily available in chemist shops. But they are also accompanied by some side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, excessive sweating & some problematic ones such as vomiting, belly pain & even high blood pressure.
Adulsa cough syrup is a great substitute to them with more effectiveness and rarely any side effects. You can prepare it at home as well but it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is easily available at any nearby Ayurvedic shop. There are many other herbs in Ayurveda that can give you relief from common cold & cough. But none of them is as effective as Adulsa cough syrup.
Dosage
When we talk about the dosage of Adulsa juice or syrup, then we need to consider the age & health of the patient. There is no proper scientific research about the range of appropriate dosage but there are certain recommendations for it.
Overdosage of natural products can have adverse effects on your health. So you must remain stuck to a certain dose.
Children: They are more vulnerable to cough & common cold, so Adulsa can be a given to them but limit the dosage to 0.3ml per kg of their weight.
Adult: The dose should be limited to just 20ml a day. You can take the quantity twice or thrice a day.
Timing: Have it before or after 2 hours of the meal.
Adjuvant: Honey, milk & raw sugar.
Malabar Nut/Adulsa Side Effects
There are no concrete studies about the side effects of taking the juice of Adulsa leaves or Adulsa cough syrup on any category of people.
But then also, it is advisable to refrain from having it if you are pregnant women or breastfeeding. There is no research about its effects on fetuses & newborns, so it should be avoided.
Conclusion
Ashu now knows how Adulsa can be effective against any respiratory disease and infection such as common cold, coughing and even tuberculosis.
It has been used as a home remedy for respiratory diseases for years & even Ayurveda has highlighted the effectiveness of Adulsa cough syrup in eliminating chest congestion and pathogens in the respiratory tract.
Other than this, you can also use leaves of Malabar nut for internal bleeding, ulcers & Asthma. It can give you some relief in its early stages.
It is safe for people from any age group or sex (except for pregnant or breast-feeding women) but should be taken in the proper dosage, taking an overdose can have adverse effects.
