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Calamus Root

The plant is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, adapted to moist soil. The root is pungent and aromatic. In south Asia it is valued chiefly as a drug, but is sometimes used for flavoring beer, cordials and other drinks, or is coated with sugar as candy. Only the roots are used.

	2 oz	4 oz	8 oz	1 lb
Calamus Root c/s	$2.64	$4.62	$8.25	$13.86
Calamus Root Powder	$3.04	$5.32	$9.50	$15.96

Properties/Uses - Calamus Root is considered to have anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory, anti-tussive, anti-bacterial and expectorant properties. Calamus has been historically used for lack of mental focus, stomach problems, acidity, and as an aid to quit tobacco smoking. Calamus has been used in Asia for at least the last 2000 years for a number of beneficial reasons. The ancient Chinese used it to lessen swelling and for constipation. In India, Ayurvedic medicinal practice has used the magical root to cure fevers, for asthma and bronchitis, and as an all around sedative. The root was also used by the ancient Greeks and included in the traditional remedies of many other European cultures. The root was also well-known in Biblical times and mentioned in Exodus 30: 22-25 as one of the ingredients of the 'holy anointing oil'. The Cree Indians of Northern Alberta use calamus for a number of medicinal reasons including: as an analgesic for the relief of toothache or headache, for oral hygiene to cleanse and disinfect the teeth, to fight the effects of exhaustion or fatigue, and to help cure/prevent a hangover. Other Native tribes used it to treat a cough, made a decoction as a carminative and as an infusion for cholic. It has been used in incense mixtures in ancient Mesopotamia and by the ancient Egyptians in their Kyphi mixtures, calamus root, also known as "the sweet reed", strengthens the nerves, improves energy and is said to be helpful during times of emotional exhaustion. Externally, it is added to the bath to quiet the nerves and induce a state of tranquillity. Tincture of Calamus is useful as a parasiticide when directly, and frequently, applied to lice and scabies infestations.

Botanical Name - Acorus calamus

Part Used - Root

Common Names/Synonyms - Sweet Flag.

Cautions - Calamus does have emmanagogic properties and should be avoided during pregnancy. No side effects or contraindications with normal use.

Calamus Root in larger sizes


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