Vasavaleha: what it is, what's in it and how it's taken

Vasavaleha is one of the classical preparations of Ayurveda, and it is the base LungsPure is built on. Here is what it is, what goes into it and how it is taken, in plain terms.

What the name means

The name joins two words. Vasa is the Sanskrit name of the herb Adhatoda vasica (also called Justicia adhatoda, or adusa in Hindi), a shrub that grows across India. Avaleha is a type of Ayurvedic preparation: a thick, jam-like paste, made by cooking herbal juices or decoctions with sugar or jaggery until they set, then adding ghee, honey and spices. An avaleha is taken by licking it off a spoon, which is where the name comes from.

What goes into it

Classical recipes for Vasavaleha, as recorded in Ayurvedic formularies, are built around:

• Vasa leaves, as a juice or decoction, the main herb
• Sugar or jaggery, which makes the avaleha set and keeps it stable
• Pippali (long pepper)
• Ghee and honey, added as it cools

Different makers adjust the recipe, and some add other herbs. That is why it is worth reading the label: a good maker prints every ingredient and its quantity.

How it is traditionally used

In Ayurveda, Vasavaleha has long been used for the respiratory system, and Vasa is one of the best-known herbs for the chest in classical texts. Modern research on Vasa has mostly studied its natural compounds, such as vasicine, in the laboratory; large human trials are few. We think it is fair to describe it as a traditional preparation with a long history of use, not as a proven treatment.

How it is taken

• A spoonful, licked slowly or taken with warm water or milk, usually once or twice a day. Follow the dose on the pack or from your Ayurvedic doctor.
• Because it contains sugar and honey, people with diabetes should ask their doctor first.
• It is not meant for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children, unless a doctor advises it.
• It works alongside prescribed treatment only with your doctor's knowledge, never instead of it.

How LungsPure uses it

LungsPure starts from a Vasavaleha base and adds further herbs, 16 ingredients in all, each with its quantity printed on the pack. It is made in our own facility in Kota and taken as one spoon at night, before sleeping. It is made to support your lungs through city air, alongside masks, purifiers and your doctor's advice, never instead of them. See the full ingredient list →

Read next: Can you really detox your lungs? · a checklist for poor air days

Sources: Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH); published laboratory studies on Adhatoda vasica and vasicine.