Calamus

Biological Name: Acorus calamus

Calamus is found all over the world.

Characteristics: The rhizome has an intensely aromatic fragrance and a tangy, pungent and bitter taste. The leaves often undulate on the margins. Calamus is an aromatic, bitter stomachic, which stimulates appetite and digestion and is a stomach tonic. It has spasmolytic, carminative and sedative effects, in addition to being externally hyperemic. stimulant, emetic, nauseant, stomachic, aromatic, expectorant, carminative, antispasmodic and nervine sedative.

The rhizome has an expectorant action, due to the presence of the essential oil.

In China, Calamus root is considered to have antiarrythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory, antitussive, antibacterial and expectorant properties. Calamus has been used for lack of mental focus, stomach problems, acidity and an aid to quite tobacco smoking. It has been shown to be of low toxicity in animals and adverse reactions are rare. Though recent studies have revealed the presence of B-asarone, a carcinogen, the American variety is considered superior to the European because it seems to lack this ingredient.
The Native Americans would chew the root while running long distances to increase endurance and stamina. Externally it is added to the bath to quiet the nerves and induce a state of tranquility. Tincture of Calamus is useful as a parasiticide when directly and frequently applied to lice and scabies infestations.
Calamus does have emmenagogic properties and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Action: Stimulant, stomachic, aromatic, expectorant, carminative, nauseatic, anti-spasmodic, nervine sedative, inc. Uses: Cleans brain, useful as aphrodisiac, expels phlegm, anti-poison, useful in dropsy, paralysis, nervous complaints, indigestion, cough and cold.