Common Names
Calamus root , Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag
Botanical Name
Acorus calamus
Family
Acoraceae
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
Habitat
Wetlands; indigenous to India, now found across Europe, in southern Russia, northern Asia Minor, southern Siberia, China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Australia, southern Canada and northern USA; Ayurvedic; European; North America.
Side Effects
Calamus is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. The FDA prohibits calamus use in food products because three of the four species of calamus found in the world contain a cancer–causing chemical called beta-asarone. The most common side effect to calamus is vomiting although fast heart rate and slowed intestinal movements have also been reported.
How to Prepare
To make a herbal tea, infuse ½ -1 teaspoon of dried leaves with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink.
Question?
What is the botanical name of Acorus root?
