Sanskrit: Vachá (meaning: speaking)
vacaa
Hindi: Bach
English: Calamus
Latin: Acornus cala- mus Linn.
Part Used: Rhizome Habitat : A semi– aquatic perennial cultivated in damp marshy places, or by the edge of lakes and streams in India and Burma (Myanmar) Energetics: Pungent, bitter, astringent-hot- pungent VK- P+
Tissues: Plasma,
muscle, fat, marrow/nerve, reproductive
Systems: Circulatory, digestive, nervous, reproduc- tive, respiratory
Action: Antispasmodic, decongestant, emetic, ex– pectorant, nervine, rejuvenative, stimulant
Uses: Arthritis, asthma, brain rejuvenation, cere- bral circulation promoter, colds, coma (as snuff), cough, deafness, detoxifies subtle channels, emetic, epilepsy, hysteria, insanity, memory, mental sharp- ness, nasal congestion, and polyps (as snuff); ner– vous system rejuvenation, neuralgia, shock (as
snuff), sinus headaches/sinusitis, transmutes sexual energy to spiritual energy; gastritis, colic pain, lar- yngitis, Váyu and Kapha rejuvenator. One of the best mind herbs. It removes the toxic effects of marijuana from the liver and brain. External—paste applied to head for headaches and arthritic joint pain. Powder may be sprinkled in home for removal of insects, fleas; keeps moths from woolens. Spiritual Uses: Sattwic
Precautions: Not to be used with bleeding disor– ders (e.g., nosebleeds, hemorrhoids) and other Pitta conditions. Excess use may cause nausea, vomiting, rashes, and other Pitta conditions. Preparation: Decoction, milk decoction, powder, paste