Justicia adhatoda L.
It is a smal evergreen dense shrub with foetid scent . Leaves entire , oblong-lanceolate , attennuate at both ends , minutely pubescent . The inflorescence is dense , short pedunculate , bractate and spike terminal . Calyx 5-partite , the lobes imbricate , the 2 lowest often subconnale ; corolla large , white with lower lip streaked purple . The fruit 4 seeded small capsule .
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Habit: Shrub
- Habitat: moist river banks , disturbed areas .
- Status : Least concern
Vernacular names
English - Malabar nut
Hindi - Arusha
Malayalam - Adalodakam
Tamil - Adathodai
Kannada - Adusogae
Medicinal Uses
* The leaves , roots , flowers , and bark of this plant have been used in the treatment of cough , colds , asthma , tuberculosis.
* The leaves are used to liquefy sputum .
* Warm infusion of leaves used to reduce eczema , rashes , itching and other skin ailments.
* Good for reducing joint pain and to subsidize arthritis swelling .
* Paste of boiled leaves are used to cure dysentery .
