Abstract

Dr. Sohit Singh*, Dr. Manoj Yadav and Dr. Manoj

ABSTRACT

Last few eras have again shown a important resurgence of interest in medicinal plants. The reason behind is the increasing awareness about the limitations of the synthetic chemotherapeutic agents. Now herbal medicines and natural products are in big demand all over the world. One of the important medicinal plants used in Ayurveda traditional medicine to treat different ailments and maintain health condition is Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.). Vacha (Acorus calamus L.) is a herb extensively used in the Indian system of medicine belongs to the family Araceae. As traditional medicine, the plant is useful in 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. Ayurveda advocates Shodhana (Purificatory procedures) for poisonous substances to render it safe and effective for therapeutics. But mentioning of Shodhana for a non poisonous plant like Vacha is a matter of great curiosity with regards to the purpose of Shodhana. In this review an attempt has been made to scrutinise the notion and relevance of Vacha in view of both classical and modern thoughts.