Vasaka, also called Malabar nut tree, belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is most commonly found in Indian subcontinent (Assam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka), Laos and Myanmar. It is tall, dense, and an evergreen shrub.The leaves are large, oppositely arranged, smooth-edged and lance-shaped. It has capsular four-seeded fruits. The flowers are either white or purple in colour. Vasaka leaves are used in Ayurveda mostly to treat respiratory problems. The leaves contain several alkaloids which may have a bronchodilator effect of the bronchi. These alkaloids are said to exist in combination with an acid called adhatoda acid. It acts as a sedative, expectorant, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, bronchial antiseptic and bronchodilator.It is used to treat cough, chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, asthma, bronchial asthma and breathlessness. 
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Kashay, Tikta (Astringent, bitter)
	
Veerya (nature):Sheeta (Cold)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (Pungent)
	
Guna (qualities):Laghu, Ruksha (Light,Dry)
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Balances Pitta & Kapha