Ever heard of an Ayurvedic herb that works as an ornamental plant and a medicinal boon? That’s Vacha for you. Loosely translated, Vacha means to speak clearly. This makes sense as this ancient herb aids in boosting your memory, intelligence, and brings about a sense of focus and clarity.
The Vacha plant is one of the most aromatic herbs you’ll find and is commonly cultivated in marshy places in India and Burma. Like ginger, it also has rhizomes which are similar looking. Note that its taste can be bitter but its health benefits are just as potent. Vacha (Sanskrit name) is commonly known by other names such as Sweet Flag (English name), Acorus Calamus (Botanical name), and Vach/Dhoda Vach (Hindi name).
“Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha
Did You Know?
According to folklore, people in the Himalayas tie this herb around a child’s neck if the child is suffering from speech problems.
Nutritional Information & Dosage:
- Vacha capsules: 1-2 capsules, 2X a day.
- Vacha powder (churna): 1-2 pinch or 125-500 mg in divided doses.
- Calamus root: 1-2 pieces or as directed by your physician.
- Vacha essential oil: 2-3 drops or as directed by your physician.
Vacha Herb’s Versatile Uses
Vacha has one of the strongest effects on the nervous system, works to stimulate the satvic content in one’s body, and fires up the kundalini. Additionally, it possesses the following medicinal properties:
- Diuretic
- Anti-oxidant
- Rejuvenating agent
- Memory-booster
- Anti-inflammatory
- Appetizer
- Anti-microbial
- Expectorant
- Neuroprotective
- Carminative
- Anti-secretory
Additionally, Vacha helps to treat the following health problems:
- Low appetite and promotes digestive fire
- Reduces the risk of stomach ulcers by promoting better digestion
- Prevents gas formation and bloating
- Manages diarrhoea and colic pain
- Speeds up wound healing and also promotes glowing skin
- Reduces pain and swelling related to arthritis
- Aids in urine production and flushes out the stones.
- Manages speech issues due to Vata balancing and Medhaya properties
- Reduces anxiety, depression and stress, and acts as a memory-booster
- Reduces cough, cold, fever, and asthma
- Treat herpes due to presence of anti-herpes agents
- Relieves toothache related to oral problems
- Lowers headaches and promotes concentration
- Manages mental issues such as schizophrenia, neuralgia, epilepsy, paralysis, etc.
- Treats emotional stress, laziness, and opens up the mind
Did You Know?
You can improve your mood by using commercially-made Vacha flower essence which is made from brandy and water. Plus, Vacha has also been used to counter hallucinations since ancient times!
Vacha’s 360 Degree Benefits
Calamus’ benefits are well-researched and documented. Let’s take a look at its comprehensive health benefits and understand some simple home remedies you can try for a healthier and happier life:
Skin Issues
Vacha powder for skin is a natural remedy you can try to attain glowing skin. Simply make a paste out of Vacha powder and water and apply on your skin. This all-healing paste also helps to get rid of skin infections. Important: Make sure to do a patch test to see you’re not allergic to Vacha. If you have hypersensitive skin, it is recommended that you apply Vacha root paste with honeymilk.
Headache
For those who suffer from excessive headaches and mind-numbing pain, simply grind fresh Vacha root or make a paste out of dried Vacha powder with water and apply on your head. Alternatively, you can mix equal quantities of Vacha and Pipali and store in a container. Take about a pinch of this mixture and inhale through your nose. You’ll notice that the headache disappears immediately.
Poor Memory
Vacha acts as a perfect memory-booster and works on enhancing your concentration and focus. Take a few pieces of Vacha and boil it in the milk for some time. Then, take out the soaked pieces and let it dry under sunlight so that you can make a powder out of it. Consume around 2 gm of this powder with milk, twice a day. You can add a little mishri/sugar to it if the taste is too strong for you.
Sore Throat
Oftentimes, erratic weather changes can lead to a sudden onset of sore throat and infection. In this case, take Vacha root and keep sucking on it in your mouth. Note that the taste might be a bit bitter so be prepared mentally. That said, consuming this super-useful herb will ensure that all your throat-related issues disappear overnight!
Asthma/Cough
For treating respiratory issues like cough, cold, asthma, etc., simply prepare a Vacha kadha. Take a small piece of Vacha roots, 4-5 Tulsi leaves, and a pinch of black pepper powder and boil in water for some time. Consume this kadha (decoction) for lasting relief.
Stomach Worms / Gastric Issues
For treating various stomach-related issues, take 2 teaspoons each of dhania (coriander) powder and saunf (fennel) powder. Then add 2-3 gm of Vacha root pieces to it and mix this mixture in 2 kilos of water. Let it boil for some time and consume twice a day for best results. Alternatively, you can grind Vacha in pure and organic castor/coconut oil and apply on the stomach. Doing so reduces swelling of the stomach due to gas accumulation.
Piles
Everyone knows that piles can be quite painful to bear. To treat piles, take little Vacha powder and ajwain, and consume it on an empty stomach every morning.
Fever And Cold
For treating cold, prepare a paste of Vacha powder with water and apply on the top section of the nose. Plus, you can also take a few pieces of Vacha, 1-2 laung (clove), and little ginger and make a kadha out of it. Consuming this kadha (decoction) helps to treat fever and cold.
Epilepsy
To treat epileptic episodes, take 1/2 gm Vacha Churna (powder), and consume twice a day with either milk/water.
Diarrhoea
Small children oftentimes end up getting diarrhoea. In such a case, take Vacha root and burn it till it gets reduced to a powdery ash. Take 250 mg of this ash and add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and let your child lick this mixture.
Tooth pain related to the extraction
To treat tooth-extraction related pain, take 1/2 gm Vacha powder and heat suhage ki khaal on a Tawa till it swells up. Grind the latter to a fine powder. Mix both these powders and apply on the affected area for immediate relief.
Delayed Delivery
To treat pain due to delayed delivery, you can prepare a Vacha paste and apply on the navel area. This also helps to induce labour as it promotes strong uterine contractions.
Important: This herb should not be consumed during pregnancy.
Speech problems
You can take 1/2-1 gm of Vacha powder along with a teaspoon of honey to treat a variety of speech-related issues.
Obesity
If you apply a mixture of little Vacha powder and Triphala powder topically, it can help to reduce belly as well as thigh fat.
Arthritis/inflammation/joint pain
In order to reduce pain related to arthritis, mix 2 drops of Vacha essential oil to 4-5 drops of organic sesame oil. Massage in circular motions and as gently as possible on the affected area. Repeat the process twice a day area to manage pain.
Insomnia
Boil a few pieces of dried Vacha root in 20 cups of water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes and then take a bath with this water. Peaceful sleep will be yours to enjoy in no time!
Syphilis
To treat syphilis, mix calamus root powder, ashwagandha powder, and costus powder in the same amounts. Then, grind this mixture to a paste with ghee and apply on the affected areas.
Side-Effects & Precautionary Measures
Like every other Ayurvedic herb, over-consumption of Vacha too can lead to the following side-effects:
- Excessive acidity in case of people with a weak digestive system.
- Excessive sleepiness and drowsiness if consumed with other anti-depressants.
- Upset stomach
- Nausea/vomiting
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Kidney damage
Note: Some precautionary measures to keep in mind:
- Stop consuming Vacha at least two weeks prior to surgery.
- Lactating mothers should not consume this herb in any form.
- Avoid consuming Vacha in combination with antacids.
- Cancer patients should seek expert help before consuming Vacha.
- Vacha may lower your blood pressure so ensure that you’re constantly monitoring your BP levels.
- Avoid using Vacha in high doses for a prolonged period (more than 5-6 weeks)
- Avoid consuming Vacha if you have an aggravated Pitta as it can cause headaches. Please speak to your Ayurvedic practitioner to understand your Ayurvedic body type.
Important: Please seek help from your Ayurvedic practitioner to understand the recommended dosage of Vacha based on your health history, current problems, unknown allergies, etc.
