Calamus Acorus calamus

chopped calamus root

Common Names

Calamus root , Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag

Botanical Name

Acorus calamus

Family

Acoraceae

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Calamus Root

How to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden| Folklore

Medicinal Uses: * Amenorrhea * Aphrodisiac * Asthma *

Ayurvedic * Colds * Congestion * Headache/Migraine * Sore
Throat * Stop Smoking

Properties: * Abortifacient * Analgesic * Antibacterial *

AntiCancer * 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, deltacadinene, elemicin, ethanol, eugenol, galangin , limonene,
magnesium , menthol, terpenes, tannin, zinc

How to Use: Calamus

Sweet flag, or calamus has been used since 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. Traditional uses
include :amnesia, heart palpitations, insomnia, tinnitus, chronic
bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.
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.)
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.

Traditional Chinese Medicine In 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. 2

Ayurvedic Medicine Vacha , speaking more clearly, promotes

circulation to the brain, sharpens memory, and enhances
awareness. 6
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. 2,3,4
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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.
Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic * European * North America *

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. 2
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. 5
The Hebrews used the oil pressed from Acorus, along with oils
of olive, cinnamon andmyrrh ,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. 1
References:
Works Cited
1. Ernst and Johanna Lehner Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and
Trees (2003).

2. Richard Mabey. The New Age Herbalist (1988)

3. FDA warnings
4. Mountain Rose Herbs
5. Grieve, Maud Mrs. "A Modern Herbal" (1931)
6. Khalsa, Karta Purkh Singh, Michael Tierra. "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs", Lotus,
(2008)
7. Balch, Phyllis A.,CNC. "Prescription for Herbal Healing", (2002)p.67

Acorus is an antioxidant that has special effects on the central nervous system
and used to treat a broad range of brain conditions, including stroke.