Calamus
(Acorus calamus)
Also know as Sweet flag
Botanical Information
Perennial herb which grows in wet swampy areas and has stiff, sword-shaped leaves. The tiny green flowers are in tall spikes.
Working with Calamus
Part(s) Used
Rhizome
Herb Forms
Tinctures, bulk herb.
Affects
Calamus has a beneficial effect on the stomach and is taken as an appetite stimulant and for dyspepsia, gastritis, colic, flatulence, hyperacidity, and liver congestion. It is said to lessen the enjoyment of tobacco and is chewed when trying to break the nicotine habit. It is also taken as a tea for alcoholism. A few drops of calamus are sometimes given before meals to children with poor appetites.
Calamus has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy. The European and Asian varieties of calamus contains beta-asarone, which is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. The American variety is generally preferred, because it does not contain this compound and also shows a stron
