Sweet Flag (Gorbach)
Also known as
Latin : Acorus calamus
English : Sweet Flag
Sanskrit : Vacha, Ugragandha
Hindi : Bach, Gorbach
Marathi : Vekhanda
Tamil : Vasampu
Telugu : Vasa
Malyalam : Vayampu
Kannada : Baji
"Bestows clear voice "RT is the meaning of the Sanskrit word vacha.
How it looks�It is a semi-aquatic rhizomatous herb, with much-branched creeping rhizomes. The rhizome is cylindrical, light brown externally and spongy white within. The leaves are
bright green, arising from the base, thick in the middle with wavy margins. The flowers are light brown without stalks and the fruits are oblong berries.
What we use�Rhizomes
What it does�It is thermogenic, aromatic, intellect promoting, emetic, laxative, carminative, anthelmentic, emmenagogue, diuretic, .expectorant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac,
anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and anti�pyretic.
How we use it�
In
abdominal pain�Paste bach, nutmeg and harad and take half a tsp of this as a digestive and antispasmodic. This can also be given to in dysmenorrhoea to relieve pain and promote
flow of blood.
In
worm infestation�Especially in infants when it is difficult to choose a safe medicine, a pinch of bach powder mixed in honey acts as a wonderful dewormant and may be used
every month.
In
diarrhoea and dysentery�The high content of essential oils and tannins make it a useful medicine .Paste the bach with buttermilk and drink it down to arrest loose motions and
relieve griping pains accompanying.
In
colds�In small doses, bach acts as expectorant by diluting phlegm and easing it out. For this vacha should be ground with honey and half a tea spoonful licked down. You could
also inhale the vapours of bach ground and added to boiling water.
In
cough�Even in whooping cough, the following recipe is useful. Roast the rhizome, and powder it and give a pinch of the powder with honey in children suffering from whooping cough,
to prevent severe bouts.
In
oral ulcers and coating of tongue�Rub a small piece of the rhizome in the tongue and cheeks to soothe oral ulcers. The dried and powdered rhizome and honey coated on the tongue ,
inside of cheeks and palate is excellent in removing speech disorders. This practice is followed in new born children to improve intellect and for speech clarity, and also in people
affected by paralysis and facial palsy where speech is also disturbed.
In
inflammation�honey and ghee should be mixed in bach before applying.
In
wounds�The powder is used for dusting on wounds to facilitate quick healing.
In
swellings�Paste mustard and bach in water and apply on inflammatory swellings.
