Vacha
Vacha (Acrorus Calamus)
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Vacha
Vacha with Latin name Acrorus Calamus, grows in wetland as monocot plants. Also known as Sweet Flag, the Vacha is used for its sedative, laxative, diuretic, and carminative purposes. The main uses of Vacha, the Acro Calamus, are when dealing with gastrointestinal problems (GI), problems such as ulcers in stomach and kidneys, upset stomach, loss of appetite etc. It is also used to calm down people during anxiety or excessive worries. Reports also say that the Vacha has medicinal properties that help in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and strokes. The powder paste of Vacha is also useful in treatment of certain skin diseases.
Its leaves are scented and rhizomes are used for both medicine and fragrance purposes. The dried and powdered rhizome is also used as a substitute for cinnamon and ginger. It has good medicinal values and is, therefore, used in a range of Ayurvedic medicines. The stems, leaves and flowers of Vacha have been reported to be used in Ayurvedic medicines for different purposes. The medicine created using Acorus Calamus is also used to subside the side effects of medicines that produce hallucinations.
People have to take caution and act only as the medicine is prescribed. Overdose of medicine can cause hallucinations and interferes with emotions.