English Name: Sweet Flag
Hindi Name: Bach, Gora-Bach.
Sanskrit Name: Vacha, Ugragandha, Ugra, Sadgrantha
Latin Name: Acorus calamus Pennell
Hardy perennial herb of marshy places, to 6 feet tall, aromatic, rhizome stout, pinkish; leaves to 3/4 inch wide, with a prominent midrib; spadix stout, to 4 inches long. The genus Acorus is considered to be the most primitive extant monocot.
Application
The root is carminative, slightly tonic, and excitant, and forms a useful adjunct to other tonics and stimulants. It may be used in cases of flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia, feebleness of the digestive organs, and to aid the action of cinchona or quinine in intermittent. It forms an excellent substitute, in syrup, for Godfrey"s cordial. In flatulent colic of infants it is best combined with magnesia. Externally, it is a valuable application to indolent ulcers, and to keep up the discharges from blistered surfaces and issues. Dose of the infusion made by scalding 4 drachms of the root, coarsely bruised, in 8 fluid ounces of water, from 4 to 6 fluid ounces; of the powdered root, 20 to 40 grains; a tincture may be prepared from 1 part of the root and 5 parts of alcohol.
Chemical composition
Vacha contains essential oil, resin, extractive with chloride of potassium, gum with phosphate of potassium, starchy matter, woody fiber, and water. Besides this there is Acorin, Eugenol, Cafeine, asarone, Asamyl alcohol etc.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies Vata & Kapha.
