Malabar Nut (Vasaka)

Malabar nut is an evergreen shrub of the Acanthaceae family, growing to two or three metres, with large lance-shaped leaves, a strong smell and dense spikes of white flowers marked with purple lines. Grazing animals avoid it for its bitterness. It grows throughout India, including Kerala, and is often used as a hedge.

The leaves and root, called Vasa or Vasaka in Ayurveda, are traditionally used for respiratory comfort and are key ingredients in classical preparations such as Vasarishta and herbal cough syrups.