Calamus (Acorus calamus)

Calamus has several names like- Acorus calamus, Sweet flag, Cinnamon Sedge, Grass-Leaf Sweetflag, Kalmus, Sweet Rush, Vayambur, Ugragandha, etc.

Contents

Habitat

Acorus calamus grows in central Asia, Europe, southern Russia, and Siberia. Habitats include wetlands, shores of small lakes, marshes, ponds, rivers, swamps, and other natural water-body¹. They are commonly seen and grow fresh near the natural or artificial waterways and bottoms of Palais.

Description

The Acorus calamus plant is approximately 1 to 3.5 inches tall. Its leaves match with the iris family plants. This plant consists of clusters of basal leaves that grow from a widening rhizome. The Acorus calamus leaves are vertically and yellowish-brown, radical, with pink sheathing at their bases, flat and narrow, sword-shaped, narrowing into a tall, sharp point, and have lateral veins. The calamus leaves have flat edges, which can be crimped or curved. This plant can be identified from the iris family, including different alike plants, by the leaves’ ridged edges. The flowers are pleasantly aromatic. A semi-erect spadix develops from a portion of the flower stem. The spadix has a human finger-like solid cylindrical shape and tapers at every end. The spadix will be 5 to 10 cm in length when fully grown. This plant’s rhizome has a brown exterior and white interior coloring. There are many coarse fibrous roots underneath it. The plant releases a fragrant odor when crushed.

Part used

Plant rhizomes or roots are utilized for medicinal purposes.

Traditional Uses and benefits

All portion of the plant holds volatile oil having calamine, terpenoids, calamenone, calamenol, eugenol, pinene, asaronaldehyde, and camphene.

The calamus has been used for treating pain, gastrointestinal diseases, anorexia (loss of appetite), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), upset stomach, and flatulence (intestinal gas) from the medical aspect.

In herbal medicine: In Chinese, Nepal, and Indian traditional medicine, the leaves, roots, and stems, are used in treating various diseases.

In the aroma industry: Calamus essential oil is used in the perfume industry. The essence from the rhizome is also used as a flavoring for foods.

As food: The young stems can be picked when under 12 in (30 cm), and the inner stalks can be eaten freshly. The roots can be adopted to manufacture candy.

Dosage and Precautions

The Dried root or rhizome 1-g by decoction two times daily.

Note: The appropriate dose of calamus depends on several factors such as the user’s sex, health, age, and several other conditions.

Toxicity

The Acorus calamus holds ?-asarone², which is a carcinogen and toxic. The primary mechanism of the Acorus calamus comprises a strong interaction with “GABAA” receptors.

Warning

Overdose of the Calamus³ might cause lower blood pressure, kidney damage, seizures, and shaking in some cases. Utilizing high amounts might cause heart problems for some people with heart infirmities. Next, the calamus can harm the central nervous system if not eaten properly. It might prompt too much drowsiness if coupled with medications applied pre and post-surgery. Calamus is also not safe when consumed by mouth throughout pregnancy or during breast-feeding.

DISCLAIMER

The content and information on newerapost are for information and educational purposes only. A guide to self-diagnosis and self-treatment is not intended and should not be used as a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers are urged to consult a physician. The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition. Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.

Reference