Acorus Calamus has been used for treating convulsions, insanity, epilepsy, mania, neuropathy and other mental diseases in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Acorus Calamus (Sweet flag, Vacha, Chang Pu, 菖蒲) is an aromatic stimulant. According to Ayurveda it has ability to bring clarity to the consciousness. The root has been used as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system and mental disorders, such as convulsions and epilepsy.
Acorus calamus is a major herb used by yogis for the mind and meditation. Ancient yogis used this herb to stimulate the power of self-expression and to enhance intelligence. Calamus is said to promote circulation to the brain, sharpen memory, enhance awareness and consciousness, and increase communication in speech.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, phlegm accumulation in heart, brain and other related organs can cause loss of consciousness or other brain disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, Acorus Calamus (Chang Pu, 菖蒲) is an acrid, aromatic, bitter and warming herb. It has effects to clear the channels to the consciousness by removing phlegm. Thus it is used to treat dizziness, deafness, mania, epilepsy, coma, convulsions and other brain and nervous disorders.
Three Recipes of Acorus calamus
Recipe 1: Acorus Calamus and Pig’s Heart for Epilepsy
This is a Chinese recipe.
– A Pig’s heart (cut in pieces)
– 8 cups of water
– Put it in a non-iron pot
– Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-60 minutes
– The soup is ready to serve
– Take dried root of Acorus Calamus 100g
– Ground it into powder
– Consume acorus calamus powder 3g with 1/2 cup of the soup of pig’s heart on empty stomach
– Once a day
Recipe 2: Acorus Calamus Decoction
You may also use acorus calamus to make a decoction:
– Dried acorus calamus 3-5 grams (fresh root 10-25 grams)
– Water 1 cup
– Boil and simmer for 10 minutes
– Drink it, twice a day
– This decoction removes phlegm accumulation, clears the mind and has a euphoric effect
Recipe 3: Acorus Calamus and Ghee for Epilepsy
In Ayurvedic scripture, the Charaka Samhita, vacha (acorus calamus) with ghee is used for treating epilepsy. Here is the recipe:
– One part of vacha
– Four parts of ghee
– Eight parts of water
– Boil to make a decoction
– Take it daily for treating epilepsy
For treating epilepsy, you might add gotu kola, asafoetida, choraka and jatamansi to the recipe.
Please note, according to the traditional medicine guidelines, acorus calamus should not be used for the patients who has yin (blood, fluid) deficiency and drying symptoms due to its warming and drying properties. You should consult with your doctor before using it.
