Calamus Root (Acorus calamus)

Acorus calamus or sweet flag calamus as it is also known as is a perennial herb belonging to the Acoraceae family. The rhizome of the plant is used for its medicinal purposes and as an ingredient in perfumes due to its strong scent.  Acorus calamus is found all over Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, India, the Middle East, and North America. Used since biblical time, children and adults suffering from colic or indigestion were offered calamus for quick relief.  People who wanted to stop smoking once used the calamus root as chewing on pieces of the root reduced the craving for tobacco. American Indians discovered the benefits of calamus and used it to treat aches of all kinds - from toothaches to stomach aches. Today, calamus is also used as a cooking spice.

Benefits of calamus include: The aroma and stimulating properties of the calamus root has been used to treat digestive problems down the ages. It improves the functioning of the stomach and reduces problems such as cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence and indigestion. The expectorant properties of calamus help loosen phlegm and make it an ideal treatment for bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions.  Calamus also stimulates the uterus leading to regular menstrual cycles.  Calamus improves the recovery process of the brain and nervous system especially after a stroke.  When applied on the skin, calamus can provide relief for skin problems such as burns, rashes, varicose veins, boils, and rheumatic pain.  

Calamus is a plant. The root (rhizome) is used to make medicine. Despite safety concerns, calamus is used for gastrointestinal (GI) problems including ulcers, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), intestinal gas (flatulence), upset stomach and loss of appetite (anorexia).