Abstract

AN OVERVIEW ON A TREMENDOUS DRUG VACHA AND IT’S TYPES

Bhavna Parihar*, Shiromani Mishra and Reeta Malviya

Abstract

Vacha – Acorus calamus is very rich in medicinal values, used in Ayurvedic medicines since the ancient times. Vacha is an tremendous herb having various health benefits. The name “Vacha” in Sanskrit means speaking clearly because this plant stimulates intelligence and expression. In Ayurveda, Vacha is known as rejuvenating herb because of its effect on the nervous system. It is bitter in taste, Katu in Vipaka, Ushna in Virya and Medhya in Prabhav. It is used in the dried form. It having antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, immunomodulations and adaptogenic properties. It is used in diarrhea, slurred speech, headache, edema, skin diseases, eye diseases, colic, piles, indigestion, acid gastritis, heart disease and ear diseases. Vacha is mentioned as one of the Rasayana dravya and its regular intake is said to make one endowed with sharp intellect and sweet voice and also as brain tonic. The chemical constituent reveals the presence of asarone, beta-asarone, eugenol, methyl eugenol, tannins and essential oil in it. Here an attempt has been made to compile the information of the drug Vacha giving a scope for further researches on Vacha and there types.

Keywords: Vacha, Acorus calamus, Hemavati, Kulanjan, Mahabhari, Dvipantara Vacha.