Division: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Common name: Basak, basakpata(Beng.); Malabar nut(Eng.).
Edible Parts: Leaves, root.
Life cycle: Perennial
Native Range: J. adhatoda is a native to Asia. The plant is found abudently in wild in all over Nepal, India, Pothohar region of Pakistan particularly Pharwala area, within Pakistan it is the Provincial flower of the Punjab (Pakistan).
Adhatoda consists of the fresh or dried leaves of Justicia adhatoda, a shrub growing in India. When dry they are of a dull brownish-green colour; odour, characteristic; taste, bitter. Cattle do not eat this plant as the leaves emit an unpleassant smell. Leaves are long and dark green in colour. When dry they are of a dull brownish-green colour; odour, characteristic; taste, bitter. Cattle do not eat this plant as the leaves emit an unpleassant smell. J. adhatoda is also a medicinal plant.
Leaf extraction of Justicia adhatoda is a good medicine for Asthma and cough. It is also a good medicine to stop internal and external bleedings like bleeding gums, piles and peptic ulcers.
Justicia adhatoda is a good ingredient in decoctions for all types of fever due to kapha and pitta doshas. It is expectorant, antispasmodic and good blood purifier. It speeds up the child birth.
