Known to promote healthy respiration, digestion, and to clear air passages, there are many Ayurvedic uses for malabar nut leaves. This beneficial ingredient comes from the Malabar Nut Tree and is native to Asia. What are malabar nut leaves you may be wondering, and how might they benefit you? Why are they considered so useful in Ayurvedic medicine? Let’s explore some of the major health benefits of malabar nut leaves, as well as usage and dosage.
Malabar Nut Leaves Health Benefits
Malabar nut leaves are often incorporated into Ayurvedic herbal formulas due to their natural healing properties. The leaves are particularly beneficial for the respiratory and digestive systems.
Soothes Respiratory Infections
Malabar nut leaves have natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. That’s why they have been used for so many years for conditions such as respiratory infections. In fact, many Ayurvedic herbal formulas geared toward respiratory support feature the malabar nut leaf as a primary ingredient. Malabar nut leaves may also be helpful for coughs and asthma as they help open airways.
Reduces Fever
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of malabar nut leaves also make this special plant useful in calming fevers. Although it’s important to address the direct cause of the fever and to seek medical care in serious cases, there are instances when malabar nut leaves can help soothe symptoms.
Improves Drinking Water
There’s also evidence to suggest that the antibacterial properties of malabar nut leaves can reduce the presence of bacteria in drinking water. Thus, if you want to make your water even more healthful and safe, you may want to consider adding this ingredient. You can do so by making the leaves into a paste with a mortar and pestle and then add to your drinking water. Best not to depend on this purification method if you are unsure as to whether your drinking water is potable. However, malabar nut leaves may add some extra purification!
Supports Healthy Digestion
Removing bacteria isn’t the only reason to add the paste from malabar nut leaves to your water. These versatile leaves can also ease indigestion and support healthy digestion. Malabar nut leaves are a safe, often effective way to address an uncomfortable but common problem that results from bacterial imbalance in the gut. For even stronger results, you consider adding a pinch of ginger to your water as well. The combination of ginger and malabar nut leaves can significantly soothe a rumbling tummy and support good digestion.
Wound Healing
Studies have revealed that malabar nut leaves are effective at promoting the healing of wounds in calves and can stop or slow excess bleeding. A plant that slows or stops excess bleeding is said to have astringent actions. Herbs that promote blood purification, by supporting the body’s natural detoxification process, are called alteratives. Malabar nut leaves do both. Due to its astringent properties, malabar nut leaf juice can help with peptic ulcers and hemorrhoids, while a paste made from the leaves can be applied directly to bleeding gums.
These are just a few of the herbal and Ayurvedic uses for malabar nut leaves—and some of the reasons why this powerful plant is included in many Ayurvedic herbal formulas, including Chyawanprash.
Essential Facts about Malabar Nut Tree Leaf
Names
- Botanical: Justica adhatoda, Adhatoda vasica
- Sanskrit: Vasa, vasaka
- Hindi: Adusa, arusa
- English: Malabar nut tree
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Bitter, astringent
- Guna (qualities): Light, dry
- Virya (action/potency): Cold
- Vipaka (post-digestive): Pungent
- Dosha (constitution): Balances Kapha and Pitta
Habitat
Malabar nut tree is very common in India and also grows throughout Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
Description
Malabar nut tree is a tall, evergreen shrub with long, lance-shaped leaves, white flowers, and yellow bark.
Parts Used
The whole plant can be used, but the leaves are used more often.
Nutrients
The leaves are rich in antioxidants as well as alkaloid compounds (vasicine).
Malabar Nut Leaves: Usage and Dosage
Suggested dosage varies greatly depending on the needs of the individual. In general, 5-20 mL of the fresh juice is advised. Or, for the dry leaf powder, 1-5 grams daily. Since individual needs and tolerance varies, it’s best to contact an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner to determine appropriate dosage.
The Malabar Nut Tree-A True Plant Ally
The uses and benefits of malabar leaves are indeed vast. This article is just an introduction to provide you with the essential facts, as well as some insight into how Ayurvedic practitioners use malabar leaves. Further usages for this beneficial plant include: supports skin health, purifies the blood, and is helpful at preventing infections. Furthermore, think of malabar nut leaf if you are looking to support healthy respiration and digestion.
