Adathodai (ஆடாதோடை), known in English as Malabar nut and in other traditions as adhatoda or vasaka, is the botanical Justicia adhatoda, a plant of the family Acanthaceae. It is the leaf that is used.
Names at a glance
- Tamil: ஆடாதோடை (Adathodai), said to mean “untouched by goats”
- English: Malabar nut
- Other names: adhatoda, vasa, vasaka
- Botanical: Justicia adhatoda L. (family Acanthaceae)
- Part used: leaf
In the Siddha tradition
The Malabar nut leaf is among the best-known herbs of Siddha practice and is traditionally used to support respiratory wellness. AVM Herbals groups it with related herbs and preparations in the Respiratory collection; for how the range is organised by the three humours, read the Wellness Guide.
In the AVM Herbals range
The same herb is offered in two forms. Adathodai Powder is made from the Malabar nut leaf. Adathodai Manapagu is a Malabar nut syrup. Each product page gives the ingredients and the directions for use; please follow the directions on the pack. To learn what a powder or a manapagu is, see The Forms of Siddha Preparations.
தமிழில் சுருக்கம்
ஆடாதோடை (Justicia adhatoda) ஒரு மூலிகை; இதன் இலை பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. ஏவிஎம் ஹெர்பல்ஸ் ஆடாதோடைப் பொடியையும் ஆடாதோடை மணப்பாகையும் வழங்குகிறது; பயன்படுத்தும் முறைக்குத் தயாரிப்புப் பக்கங்களைப் பார்க்கவும்.
References
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Justicia adhatoda L., accepted species, family Acanthaceae: gbif.org/species/3173105
- English Wikipedia — Justicia adhatoda (Tamil name ஆடாதோடை, common names, leaf): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justicia_adhatoda
- AVM Herbals product listings (ingredient lines, part used): Adathodai Powder and Adathodai Manapagu
This is general traditional-use information, not medical advice. Please speak to a qualified practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a health condition, or considering any herbal product for a child.