Vacha (Acorus Calamus, Sweet flag) in Ayurvedic medicine is used to treat headache, toothache and nasal diseases.
Vacha (Acorus Calamus) is an aromatic and bitter herb that reduces mucus in the body. It contains a yellow aromatic oil which is volatile. The oil in roots are extracted for medicinal use. The oil is contained mainly in the outer skin of the root, it has a fragrance reminiscent of patchouli oil. The fresh roots contain about 1.5 – 3.5% essential oil, dried roots contain about 0.8%.
The benefits of the herb are not only to the brain and the nervous system but also to other parts of the body. In Ayurveda, vacha has been described as bitter and pungent in taste and hot, sharp, dry and light in effect. It alleviates kapha and vata but aggravates pitta.
According to Ayurveda, headache is not a single disorder, but it is a symptom that may appear in several conditions of the head and may be caused by different factors – due to vata, pitta or kapha imbalance. If headache is due to kapha – accumulation of kapha in head, usually sinuses, dull aching pain in the region of temple, nose and surrounding area, then you can use vacha to treat it.
Here are four recipes of using vacha:
Recipe 1: vacha juice or extract oil for nasal and sinus diseases
– Apply fresh juice or 1 drop of the extract oil in each nostril, or nasal cavities
– This treats nasal polyps and sinus congestion
Recipe 2: vacha juice or extract oil for headache
– Apply fresh juice or extract oil to the region of temple
– This treats headache
Recipe 3: vacha and ghee for headache
– Mix vacha with ghee
– Apply it to the nostril
– This remedy treats headache, and benefits brain and mind benefit
Recipe 4: vacha for toothache
– Apply vacha juice or extract oil to the gum
– This treats toothache
Please note, vacha might not be safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Avoid use it if you are in these conditions. Consult with your doctor if you have other ailments.
