Sweet Flag (Gurbach)

Sweet flag / Gurbach (گڑبچ) or Acorus Calamus is a perennial herb that has wonderful medicinal values. It is used in all medicinal systems of India. It is an important ingredient of most of the Ayurvedic medicines. It is mentioned in many of the great Greek classic literatures on medicine.

Health Benefits:

1. Sweet flag gives immediate relief in stomach problems. It clears a distended and uncomfortable stomach and also relieves headache associated with weak digestion. It clears flatulence and colic and increases appetite.

2. This has been most effective from ancient days in assuring remedy to children ailing with stomach disorders. It is an inevitable ingredient for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

3. This herbal medicine is highly beneficial in the treatment of asthma. It clears the phlegm matter from the bronchial passage. Sweet flag is roasted and powdered. Then about two gram (a pinch) of this powder is mixed in honey and given for intake.

4. Infants catch cold very easily. For them this is a handy remedy. A pinch of sweet flag powder taken with honey provides immediate relief. Or a little of this paste can be given to the infants along with breast milk. An easy method practiced here is to apply the paste on the nipples of the feeding mother.

5. A pinch of powder can be given in the morning and evening to clear the intestines of children.

6. Sweet flag is useful to treat mouth ulcers, bad odors, coating and rawness of tongue caused by inflammation. A small piece of sweet flag can be rubbed on the tongue. Ayurveda considers it as an anesthetic for toothache.

7. A paste of sweet flag can be applied externally in cases of skin disorders like eczema, ringworm and scabies.

8. Sweet helps to get relief from stammering. A pinch of this powder can be taken in the morning and evening for some days till it gives relief.