root oil
The root oil is strong and fragrant, its taste warm, bitterish, pungent and aromatic. Its active principles are taken up by boiling water. It is a thick, pale yellow liquid, and has a high toxicity(see cautions.)
calamus root natural healing remedy
Sweet flag, or calamus has been used since way back in ancient times, however modern misuse of the root oil has given rise to concerns over its use.
Traditionally calamus was used for its effects on the digestive system and the lungs. This herb eliminates phlegm, clears congestion, and tranquilizes the mind.
Other traditional uses include :amnesia, heart palpitations, insomnia, tinnitus, chronic bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.
Common Names
Calamus root , Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
Botanical Name
Acorus calamus
Family
Acoraceae
Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Calamus Root
heartburn and dyspepsia
In Europe calamus is used as a digestive aid, helping to counter acidity and ease heartburn and dyspepsia. The root is also chewed to help toothache and to help stop smoking. Acorus can blunt gastric upset during the acute phase of drug withdrawal.
Preparation Methods & Dosage
Traditionally taken as a tea, however internal use is not recommended for the casual user. Seek guidance from a herbal practitioner. Calamus may be used externally as a bath additive, or as an alcohol rub for sore muscles and circulation.
Plant Description
Flowers:Spike
Leaves
Average of 1 cm. The sympodial leaf of Acorus calamus is somewhat shorter than the vegetative leaves. The margin is curly-edged or undulate. The leaves are fragrant and were used as a strewing herb. Botanists distinguish between the Acorus species by the number of prominent leaf veins. Acorus calamus has a single prominent midvein and then on both sides slightly raised secondary veins (with a diameter less than half the midvein) and many, fine tertiary veins. This makes it clearly distinct from Acorus americanus.
Root
Aromatic, spicy, part used medicinally
Preferred Habitat:Wetlands
Distribution
Probably indigenous to India, Acorus calamus is now found across Europe, in southern Russia, northern Asia Minor, southern Siberia, China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Australia, southern Canada and northern USA.
Calamus Side Effects
Calamus Side Effects: The essential oil of calamus contains aserone, which has a high toxicity. In high doses, it is hallucinogenic. European varieties have a low concentration of aserone compared to those from India. The FDA has issued warnings about the marketing of Aserone contained in Calamus extract as a “Legal Ecstasy”, and does not permit the use of calamus in food products. Do not use this herb internally without the supervision of a qualified expert. Use the whole herb only in external applications; never use the essential oil of calamus in extract form.
Traditional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine traditional Chinese medicineIn TCM sweet flag is used to treat deafness, dizziness and epilepsy. It is used by the Akha people of Thailand for stomachache. The Chinese use it for vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine ayurvedic medicineaVacha , speaking more clearly, promotes circulation to the brain, sharpens memory, and enhances awareness.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Other Facts
Medicinal Uses
* Amenorrhea
* Aphrodisiac
* Asthma
* Ayurvedic
* Colds
* Congestion
* Headache/Migraine
* Sore Throat
* Stop Smoking
Properties
* Abortifacient
* Analgesic
* Antibacterial
* Antioxidant
* Antirheumatic
* Aromatic
* Bitter
* Carminative
* Diuretic
* emetic
* Emmenagogue
* Nervine
* Psychedelic
* Sedative
* Uterine Tonic
Parts Used
Rhizome
Constituents
*cineole
*alpha-pinene
*alpha-terpineol
*azulene
*beta-asarone
*camphene
*camphor
*choline
*delta-cadinene
*elemicin
*ethanol
*eugenol
*galangin
*limonene
*magnesium
*menthol
*terpenes
*tannin
*zinc
History and Traditions & Folklore
Sweet Flag was brought to Europe by the Tartars in the thirteenth century, and is one of the herbs mentioned in the book of Exodus.
The name ‘acorus’ is derived from the Greek word ‘acoron’, a name used by Dioscorides, which in turn was derived from ‘coreon’, meaning ‘pupil’, because it was used in herbal medicine as a treatment for inflammation of the eye.
The Hebrews used the oil pressed from Acorus, along with oils of olive, cinnamon and myrrh ,in a sacred anointing oil used at the Tabernacle, and used the leaves as a sweet, strewing herb for all places of worship. Acorus leaves are still scattered today on festival days.
Best Choices
100% Natural
Calamus Oil
$18.33
(Acorus Calamus) Therapeutic Essential Oil by Salvia Amber Bottle 100% Natural Uncut Undiluted Pure Cold Pressed Aromatherapy Premium Oil - 30ML/ 1.1fl oz
AROMA: Aromatic with Bitter Taste, Characteristic Spicy, Warm, Woody Odor. METHOD OF EXTRACTION: Steam Distilled
TEXTURE and CONSISTENCY: This expertly blended oil is the perfect texture and consistency for massage and will leave your skin hydrated and healthy. USES: It helps maintain the right oil balance in the skin, making it an excellent choice for all skin types.
USES: It helps maintain the right oil balance in the skin, making it an excellent choice for all skin types.
NOTE : These aromatherapy oils are only for external use.
CALAMUS OIL
$9.99
Pure Gold Calamus Essential Oil, 100% Natural & Undiluted, 10ml
100% PURE CALAMUS ESSENTIAL OIL - Pure Gold Only Produces The Highest Quality Essential Oils. Our Calamus is 100% Pure and Completely Undiluted. Botanical Name:acorus calamus
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10ml Bottle of Pure Gold Calamus Essential Oil
CALAMUS OIL
$10.83
100% pure therapeutic grade essential oil of Calamus
Products come in amber glass bottles and Tamper Proof European Black Tamper Evident Caps with orifice reducer plugs for easy pouring!
Botanical Name : Acorus Calamus - Sweet Cane - Sweet Flag
Country of Origin : India/Slovenia
Method of Extraction : Steam Distillation Root