Vayambu

  • Botanical Name : Acorus calamus
  • English Name : Sweet Flag
  • Sanskrit Name : Shataparvika
  • Malayalam Name : Vayambu (വയമ്പ്‌)
  • Part Used : Rhizome
About Image

Overview

  • Vayambu is a highly esteemed herb in Ayurveda, commonly used in home remedies.

Habitat

  • It is a robust aromatic semi-aquatic perennial herb.
  • Its rhizomes are creeping, jointed, vertically compressed (1.3-2.5 cm thick, pale to dark brown, and spongy inside).
  • The leaves are narrow, up to 80 cm long, linear to narrowly ensiform, glossy bright green, with an acute apex and amplexicaul base. The petioles sheath for 20-50 cm.
  • It is easily cultivated through rhizome cuttings in tropical and sub-tropical zones.

Phytochemistry

  • The leaves contain Δ-Asarone [(Z)-asarone] as the major component (27.4–45.5%).
  • Acorenone is dominant in the rhizomes (20.86%), followed by isocalamendiol (12.75%).
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • Vayambu tubers are traded as a brain tonic, coolant, and colic remedy.
  • The decoction of vayambu calms nerves and enhances memory.
  • It acts as a nerve tonic, aiding relaxation during stress and depression.
  • Given for acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach issues in infants.
  • It protects homes from insects, such as bed bugs, cockroaches, and mites.
  • Functioning as a diuretic, carminative, and laxative, it relieves throat discomfort and aids clear speech for children.
  • Vayambu fights chronic bronchitis and asthma.
  • It helps individuals curb tobacco habits.
  • Effective in treating bad breath, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, tooth decay, and loss of enamel.
  • Asarone oil extracted from vayambu roots has neuro-pharmacological effects and acts as a natural anesthetic.

Dermatological Perks

  • Paste made from finely ground vayambu roots treats skin issues such as rash, scabies, ringworm, eczema, white patches, red patches, and sunburn.
  • The paste kills germs, improves skin health, and eradicates disorders.
  • Vayambu provides glowing skin, controls bacterial and fungal infections, and aids in wound healing.
  • Rich in vitamins, it promotes healthy, flawless skin.
  • The anti-inflammatory properties of vayambu powder help heal acne and pimples when applied topically.

Follicular Fortification

  • Vayambu root extract is used to treat hair and scalp problems, including hair loss, rough hair, dull hair, grey hair, thin hair, and baldness.
  • Vacha (Vayambu) oil, being a natural insecticide,  is effective against lice, safe for external application, and gentle on the skin.
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