Cane

(Cane)
Sanskrit: बेंत • Botanical: Calamus tenuis Roxb.

Vetra/Bent (Calamus tenuis) is the cane palm, distinct from the willow Vetasa though sharing a similar name. It is a climbing palm with long flexible stems used to make walking sticks and furniture. The young shoots are edible. The plant has compound pinnate leaves with spiny midrib. Its height reaches 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Medicinally the bark and young shoots have astringent and cooling properties. It is used in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and as an antidote for certain poisons. The Flagellum (whip-like flexible portion) is used externally. Dose: bark powder 2-4 masha; shoot decoction 1-2 tola.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Also Known As
English: Cane, Rattan
Sanskrit: वेत्र, वेतस
Hindi: बेंत, बेत

What is Cane / Vetasa 2 (बेंत)?

Vetra/Bent (Calamus tenuis) is the cane palm, distinct from the willow Vetasa though sharing a similar name. It is a climbing palm with long flexible stems used to make walking sticks and furniture. The young shoots are edible. The plant has compound pinnate leaves with spiny midrib. Its height reaches 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Medicinally the bark and young shoots have astringent and cooling properties. It is used in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and as an antidote for certain poisons. The Flagellum (whip-like flexible portion) is used externally. Dose: bark powder 2-4 masha; shoot decoction 1-2 tola.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)
  • Vishaghna (alleviates poison effects)
  • Jvaraghna (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.