Benefits of Vacha (Calamus) Sweet Flag | Indian Herbs
The word vacha comes from the Latin root vox and means ‘speaking’. It’s appropriate then that this herb is said to help with talking, because it stimu-lates and nourishes the speech centres of your brain. It has an affinity to allof the seven tissues in the body except blood.
Vacha was held in high esteem by the Vedic seers because of its ability to revitalise the nervous system and stimulate brain function. Put a half tea-spoon of vacha in one teaspoon of honey and give it to your children everyday to give them a brain boost.
Vacha is used in the treatment of anaemia and blood disorders.
It can also be used to improve the digestion by alleviating flatulence and indigestion, as well as for clearing your mouth of any coatings on the teeth and tongue.
This herb is pungent, bitter and astringent to the taste, with a heating potency. Because of its pungent effect, it can help alleviate problems related to vata and kapha doshas and clear your channels of subtly occurring blockages.
Vacha promotes lactation, so breastfeeding mothers can mix a half teaspoon with one strand of saffron and a quarter teaspoon of long pepper in a glass of milk.
When in need of its benefits, take 250 milligrams of the powder in warm milk twice a day. You can also use it as a paste by adding a little water or oil to ease the pain of an arthritic joint.
Don’t take more than the recommended dose, because it can cause vomiting. And don’t use vacha if you’re prone to bleeding disorders such as piles or nosebleeds.
