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
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.