Names of Vasambu in different Indian Languages:
Sanskrit – Vachha
Hindi – Vasaka
Tamil – Vasambu
English – Calamus
Telugu – Vasa
Kannada – Baje
Malayalam – Bavambu
Botanical – Acorus calamus
Other common Indian names – Vacha, Bach, Baje, Vayambu, Vasa, Agri-turki
Family Name – Aroideae, Araceae
How to use Vasambu?
There are different ways one can take vasambu internally. I have listed few of them below.
1. Crush Vasambu and boil it in water. Boil till the water is reduced to half quantity. Filter and drink the boiled water.
2. Dip Vasambu in water. Swipe it on a stone and use. For babies and infants, this is one of the best way to give.
3. Show Vasambu directly on flame till it is burnt and become black. Use a tong or pot holder to heat on direct flame. You can show on gas top or vilakku. Lit the vilakku using gingelly oil(nallennai in Tamil) or Castor Oil(Vilakku ennai). You can swipe it on a stone and use it. Or you can grind the burnt vasambu and store the powder in an air tight container. Some people coat the vasambu with castor oil(Vilakku ennai in Tamil) before showing it on fire.
You can mix vasambu with honey to consume it.
Top Health benefits of Vasambu | Vasaka | Acorus calamus:
1) Vasambu for acid reflux, indigestion and stomach problems:
Vasambu is very good for many stomach related ailments like indigestion, bloating, flatulence, loose motion, acid gastritis. It helps to cure stomach ulcer and gastric problems. It regulates the production of stomach acid and aids for easy digestion. It eases hear burn and counter acidity problem.
2) Vasambu for babies and Infants:
Vasambu helps to remove gas, stomach discomfort and cold from infants and babies. But we have to be very careful when we give vasambu for small infants and babies as over dosage can cause serious side effects. Please consult a doctor before giving anything to small infants and babies.
Applying vasambu externally is not a problem mostly. People tie a rope made with vasambu beats on hands of infants and babies. Whenever they lick it, it helps to cure stomach problems and the smell also helps to protect them from various ailments.
3) Vasambu for making kajal | Vasambu Pottu:
Burn vasambu till it turns to black color. Swipe it with water and make a paste like kajal consistency. You can apply it as a bindi on forehead, cheeks and feet. Some people apply this paste around baby’s navel to cure stomach problems. Make sure to get a thick consistency. Do not add more water. Otherwise it will become runny.
4) Vasambu for Bed bug and insects:
Vasambu helps to protect our houses from various insects, bed bugs, cockroaches, mites. You can sprinkle vasambu powder under the bed and corners of cupboards. If you have kids in your home, better to tie it in a cloth tightly and place it. It should not be reachable to children and take care that they do not consume it.
5) Vasambu for Cold and Cough:
Vasambu is a great herb for curing common cold and cough. 1/4 tsp of vasambu powder can be taken internally daily to get rid of cough and common cold. Start taking vasambu early as soon as you have the symptoms of cold a
