Besides keeping the digestive system healthy, calamus extract also relieves headaches that arise from improper digestion (12, 13). Olea europaea (Olive) fruit oil, Commiphora myrrha† (Myrrh) oil, Cinnamomum cassia† (Cassia) leaf oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum† (Cinnamon) bark oil, Acorus calamus† (Calamus) root extract, Picea mariana† (Northern Lights Black spruce) leaf oil, Hyssopus officinalis† (Hyssop) leaf oil, Vetiveria zizanoides† (Vetiver) root oil, Boswellia carterii† (Frankincense) oil Calamus infusion helps in relieving colic pain. Chemical compounds in calamus oil It relaxes the body and mind. Hydrocarbons, car… Calamus contains an ingredient called asarone. It can lower the heart rate and blood pressure, making it dangerous for people already suffering from hypotension. Calamus leaves and rhizomes contain 1.5% to 3.5% of a volatile oil responsible for the plant's characteristic odor and taste. In China, the plant is used to treat hearing problems, vertigo, and epilepsy. Calamus oil is toxic. This gives relief from the swelling and … They should never be used during pregnancy. Calamus essential oil is good for stimulating the nerves and promoting blood circulation. Methyl eugenol has been known to cause skin sensitization and can be hazardous in other ways as well. Calamus essential oil can be used for many things, including helping your immune system, brain, or heart. She completed her Bachelors in Dental Surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, in 2007. Accodring to a 2017 research published in the journal of medicinal plant studies, besides valeriana jatamansi and nardostacys grandiflora, calamus extracts act as an effective tranquilizer states (2). The root has a pungent, aromatic taste, and is used in medicine as a stomachic; the leaves have an aromatic odor, and were formerly used instead of rushes to strew on floors. DISCLAIMER: Momprepares.com is intended to be used for educational and informational purposes only. People throughout Europe use the herb for intestinal upset and to aid digestion. Though calamus oil benefits are numerous, the prominent ones include: Calamus is a tranquilizer. However, if your stomach produces excess acid, it can be troublesome as you may feel chest burn or cramps (14). The oil also contains a small percentage of eugenol, which is likely where the yellowish tint and spicy scent of the oil comes from. ) A species of Acorus (A. calamus), commonly called calamus, or sweet flag. The botanical name of calamus is Acorus calamus. Sometimes the leaves are used to produce oil, but rarely. 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-isoasarone. Other aromatic sedge varieties can be found in India and are also used in perfumes and medicine, such as Calamus odoratus. Our organically crafted Calamus Root Oil is steam distilled from the rhizomes of the Acorus calamus, native to India, central Asia, southern Russia and Siberia, and parts of Eastern Europe.Often acclaimed as an ideal herb for meditation and introspection, Calamus is recommended by saints, yogis and Ayurvedic philosophers for enhancing the functions of the … A low dose of the oil can induce sleep. It is a base note, providing a medium strength fixative anchor for spicy or oriental perfumes and colognes. This is not to say that the plant or its oil is effective against cancer, as much more research needs to be performed before such a conclusion can be made. But it is not known if calanus oil has any … Constipation is a condition where there is a difficulty while passing the stools. It is a fragrant plant. The essential oil of Calamus is extracted from the root of the Calamus plant, Calamus gets its name from the Greek word for reed, calamos. This is a hallucinogen which is metabolized in the liver as trimethoxyamphetamine which is known as herbal ecstasy. It treats intermittent fever. Tranquilizer is a medicine that reduces tension and anxiety. The FDA banned calamus from uses in food and medicines in 1968 as calamus contains more than 75% asarone. Color, Consistency, and Smell of calamus oil Popularly known as “sweet flag,” the calamus essential oil is extracted from its roots. Although used in traditional medicine over centuries to treat digestive disorders and pain, there is no clinical evidence for its safety or efficacy – and ingested calamus may be toxic – leading to its … Calamus essential oil blends the best with: You may add just a couple of drops to your bathtub. The compounds shyobunone and isoshyobunone present in calamus essential oil have insecticidal properties. After 6 months of use, out of 88 epilepsy patients, the medicine cured 66 of them. Calamus has sedative effects and can cause excess sleepiness as well as interfere or exacerbate medications from surgery. Few therapists place diluted calamus oil drops in both the nostrils of Down syndrome patients. Depression can be life-threatening, if left untreated. It is an oral and dermal toxin and a known carcinogen, and thus should be avoided. Depending on where the oil is produced, the percentage of asarone can be extremely high or rather low. Right use in moderation is the key! It can be bad for your heart and cause low BP/ blood pressure. It was mentioned in Exodus as an ingredient of the anointing oil. Poor quality oil will have a more camphorous note. The oil starts working after 15 minutes itself. The compound alpha asarone present in the aroma of calamus oil eases memory problems and loss of concentration and stimulates your body and mind (6). [1]. If you're new to essential oils, you can download our free eBook: The Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils. It might also decrease the size of fat cells in animals. All information found on MomPrepares.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Alpha-asarone has also been identified and exists in both the cis- and trans-isomer forms.6 More than a dozen additional compounds have been identified in the oil and extracts, including saponins, lectins, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and steroids. Another plant, the yellow flag iris, resembles calamus. Some people take calanus oil for reducing weight, lowering blood pressure and … However, the plant, root, extracts, and oil are all banned from use in the United States. Native Americans created remedies for colic, digestion issues, and fevers using calamus. Momprepares.com, its parent company, and subsidiaries does not assume liability for any actions taken after visiting these pages and does not assume liability if one misuses essential oils. It is elsewhere called "sweet cane" ( Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20). History of calamus oil Hence, it is often referred to as calamus root essential oil (1). The calamus oil benefits are abundant. Calamus has antidepressant (fights depression), and anxiolytic (fights anxiety) properties (3, 4). The herb has been mentioned in many prominent ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and the Indians. It has an aromatic cylindrical rhizome that grows up to 2.5 cm thick. It grows in temperate and sub-temperate regions, especially in India and Srilanka. According to the ancient Ayurveda, rhizomes or roots of calamus are highly effective in treating asthma. The whole plant is aromatic and features small yellowish-green flowers and sword-like leaves. We have found the oil from Nepal is better than the oil imported from India. The chemical is also a danger to aquatic environments. Alpha asarone and β-asarone present in the essential oil of Acorus calamus have a depressive action on the nervous system causing a reduction in epilepsy (7). the Latin for cane, Hebrew Kaneh, mentioned ( Exodus 30:23) as one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil, one of the sweet scents (Cant 4:14), and among the articles sold in the markets of Tyre ( Ezekiel 27:19).The word designates an Oriental plant called the "sweet flag," the Acorus calamus of Linnaeus. The Indian people value calamus as a traditional medicine. An article published in the journal of drug delivery and therapeutics states that an herbal medicine containing Acorus calamus reduces the epilepsy attacks by 50%. The plant has 2% essential oil that mainly comes from its roots or rhizomes via the process of steam distillation. The calamus essential oil possesses insecticidal activity and are highly effective against tobacco armyworm, Spodoptera litura, larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncates, and the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila (16, 17). During the study, researchers treated wounds with calamus oil in the form of ointment and compared it with wounds treated with povidone-iodine. Either way, it is not safe for anyone not trained in its use, as it can be extremely difficult to determine which type you have. It can interfere with other drugs: The effects of allergy medicines, antihistamines, antidepressants, atropine, and scopolamine may reduce when used with this oil. Those who already have a low BP, should avoid using this oil. Particularly, the effects of drying medications like antihistamines, other allergy medications, atropine, scopolamine, and even antidepressants may be lessened when used in conjunction with the herb or its oil. Research in animals shows that calanus oil might help prevent hardening of the arteries. [2]. Calamus oil is thick and has a yellow hue. Calamus oil consists of 32 major components, which mainly include Α-asarone, methyleugenol, β-asarone, α-cedrene, preisocalamenediol, acorenone, isoshyobunone, 1,4-(trans)-1,7- (trans)- acorenone, 2,6-diepishyobunone, β-gurjunene, cryptoacoronecamphor, calameon, calamen, clamenol, sesquiterpenes, camphor, (z)-sesquilavandulol, shyobunone, dehydroxyisocalamendiol, acorenone, isocalcamendiol, α-selinene, linalool, isoshyobunone, (z)-methyl isoeugenol, (e)-methyl isoeugenol, βasarone, calamenene, isocalamendiol, (z)- methylisoeugenol, acoragermacrone, δ-cadinene, cedrol, α-cedrene, berganotene, α palchoulene, α-guaiadiene, 4-(5- hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one, dehydrofukinone, and elemicin. As such, you may hear the oil referred to as calamus root essential oil. Calamus has been used in different ways for thousands of years throughout history. These plants are sometimes mistakenly referred to as “sedges” or “rushes”; however […] For instance, ancient Egyptians used the plant for its aphrodisiac effects. It’s also anti-inflammatory, and so can help relieve pain and swelling associated with such afflictions as rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. When there is a wound on your body, the healing takes place via various stages such as collagen synthesis, maturation, wound contraction, and epithelialization. Colic is a pain of sudden onset, which also calms down suddenly. Acidity or hyperacidity is a condition where there is an excess production in the stomach acid. The volatile oil, which is mainly found in the rhizomes of the mud-loving plant, is responsible for medicinal and aromatic qualities of calamus. Mom Prepares is an essential oils and natural living blog. Calamus is native to India. MomPrepares.com © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Calamus: Substandard calamus oil is being sold on the market this year. Depending on where the plant grew and where the oil was produced, the percentage of this constituent can be as high as 80 percent. Usually, your stomach produces acid to digest foods. Throughout Europe, calamus was considered a 'wonder drug.' Calamus oil is rich in anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties that increase blood flow to the affected area. It’s botanical family is Acoraceae and the plant’s origin is India, Nepal, and Brazil. [6]. It also stimulates certain discharges, including those of the hormones, blood circulation, and other functions going on inside the body. According to Western medicine, calamus is useful to relieve all kinds of digestive troubles such as gas, bloating, constipation, and colic. When you consume calamus in small amounts, it helps you relieve acidity. In certain parts of India, calamus nasya application is practiced wherein they use few drops of diluted calamus oil to treat and prevent repetitive ear infections, colds, and flu. Calamus is mentioned in the Scriptures as one of the ingredients of the holy anointing oil used by the Levite priests in the Old Testament. Calamus (also known as sweet flag, bitter pepper root, Rat root, sweet cane, myrtle grass, and sweet sedge) is a perennial herb with tall, hard, and sharp leaves, as well as a knobby rhizome that is often used in herbal medicines. Calamus oil has bronchodilatory effects, thus it dilates your airways (9). From some types of calamus, a major component of the oil (up to 75%) is beta-asarone. Find out more about calamus essential oil here! It also contains a red pigment called astaxanthin which gives the oil a red color. Calamus (Acorus calamus var. The pain results explicitly when there is a contraction of muscles while passing bowel or gas. However, the use of calamus essential oil dates back to the ancient times when Egyptians used the calamus plants for their aphrodisiac effects. According to the ancient Indian medical science, Ayurveda, roots of calamus help in relaxing and calming down. Being genotoxic, they also may mutate cells. Later on, Asians utilized the root for the same reason. It was commonly used as a sedative and nervine. This oil should never be used during pregnancy as it can stimulate periods. This is … However,the two are botanically unrelated. Calamus essential oil has been used as a flavoring for the food and beverage industry for beer, tonics, tooth powders, and more. Often acclaimed as an ideal herb for meditation and introspection, Calamus is recommended by saints, yogis and Ayurvedic philosophers for enhancing the functions of the brain, improving memory power, increasing intellectual capacity and for stimulating proper circulation to the brain. Hence, it is often referred to as calamus root essential oil … There is a North American variety of calamus that has none of this in it. Another article published in a leading journal also confirms the insecticide properties of the essential oil of sweet flag. Many of them show the effects of the plant's oil being effective against various microbes. For safe use, please contact your medical practictioner or health care provider. It improves the responsiveness and interaction of patients. What blends with calamus oil? According to Ayurveda and Chinese medicines, calamus is used with complementary herbs such as Bacopa monnieri & Centella asiatica to treat Alzheimer’s (8). The essential oil extracted from Acorus calamus also has anti-inflammatory properties. Calamus oil is an essential oil distilled from the roots of Acorus calamus. Ayurvedic practitioners have used the aromatic herb for centuries for a variety of ailments, ranging from expelling intestinal worms to aiding memory. Ayurveda calls sweet flag a rejuvenator of the brain and nervous system. The most important part of calamus plant is its root. Poland and Yugoslavia produce calamus oil with a scent considered to be more uniform and long-lasting. Speak to your doctor and use the oil as prescribed. It also has multiple names such as Bhutanashini, Ugragandh, Jatila, Baje, Vayambu, Bach, Vacha, Vekhand, Vadaja, Vasa, Bacch, Vasambu, Bajai, bach, Vasa bach, Acorus odoratus, Acore Olorant, Acore Roseau, and Acorus americanus. The essential oil of Acorus calamus was first extracted from the rhizome in 1592 at Frankfurt. It is a perennial (lives longer than two years), which grows up to 2 meters. The English word "calamus," was derived from the Latin word for "cane," and is used to translate the Hebrew word "qaneh" (pronounced "Kaw-neh"). The leaves and rhizomes of these wetland monocot plants have a strong fragrance. Acorus calamus (also called sweet flag or calamus, among many common names) is a species of flowering plant, a tall wetland monocot of the family Acoraceae, in the genus Acorus. Few medicinal plants enhance the process of wound healing and calamus is one of them. How to use calamus oil? Asarone is proven to alleviate memory and nerve problems. Calamus is a well-known expectorant (11). The better quality calamus oil, with its refreshing cinnamon-like scent, blends well with Amyris (Amyris balsamifera), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), and others. The plant has 2% essential oil that mainly comes from its roots or rhizomes via the process of steam distillation. It is estimated that calamus has been used for around 4,000 years in a variety of ways. *Down’s syndrome is an incurable genetic disease characterized by physical and mental disabilities. It can cause kidney damage, shaking, and seizures. Calamus is popular in the traditional medicine systems of Europe and Asia. Its rhizome is used as a spice, similar to ginger. The plant was mentioned in the Bible as well. Indian calamus is known to contain higher quantities of beta-asarone, which may have toxic or carcinogenic qualities if taken in excess. Side effects of calamus oil. The healing properties of the plant are attributed to its volatile oils. Due to the beta asarone content, the oil should not be used by anyone at home. The Middle Eastern version of this plant is far more toxic than its North American Cousin. One of the best calamus oil benefits is that it fights Alzheimer’s. Uses and Benefits of calamus oil The literature says that the roots, leaves, and stem of calamus have been used since 2000 years. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This toxin in … The simple things that you used to find pleasure, will no longer make you happy and you might have suicidal thoughts. Russian calamus only has around six percent, while Indian calamus can reach 80-90 percent or more. It is used as a flavoring agent in food & beverage industries for years. The plant goes by many other names, including cinnamon sedge, myrtle grass, myrtle sedge, sweet calamus, sweet cane, sweet flag, sweet root, sweet rush, sweet sedge and its botanical name, Calamus aromaticus. Further, due to its sedative action, it brings the fever down (18). It is a base note, providing a medium strength fixative anchor for spicy or oriental perfumes and colognes. Also known as “sweet cane,” calamus is an ancient herb that is perhaps what we now know as lemongrass. Symptoms of calamus toxicity include dizziness, shaking, seizures, and kidney damage. It has also been used in the following ways: In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, calamus is still listed as a treatment for 'acute and chronic dyspepsia, gastritis, intestinal colic, anorexia, and gastric ulcer. She is a passionate health blogger and a medical writer too. Calamus is a semi-aquatic, sweet-smelling herb with creeping roots. Throughout the ages, it has been used as a herbal remedy for numerous complaints. Calamus oil is used in cosmetics and perfumes, scenting woody or leathery fragrances. It is carcinogenic and can cause genetic defects. Get your Free Copy of our eBook: The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils. angustatus) essential oil comes from an aquatic plant. However, the beta-isoasarone content can vary widely among species from 0% to 96%. It clears the sinuses of mucus, and thereby, easing cold. Ultimately, I would ideally like to get my hands on the essential oil of American calamus, although it is much harder to find than is the essential oil of Indian calamus. Even after two years of treatment, there were no epileptic attacks in cured patients. According to ancient Ayurveda, rhizomes/ roots of calamus are useful to treat bronchitis. There as well as in Turkey, you can buy candied calamus rhizomes to help alleviate bronchial and digestive complaints. According to ancient Ayurveda, the rhizomes or roots of calamus are useful to treat fever. Native tribes used to make a decoction from the calamus roots to relieve coughing (10). Scientific name of calamus oil The Turkish people use it to combat infections. It is also called German ginger when used in crystalline form. The plant is about two percent essential oil, which comes mainly from the rhizomes through steam distillation. According to a research conducted in 2014, Calamus speeds up all the aspects of wound healing. Ancient herbal remedies used only the dried root of the plant not the concentrated essential oil from the plant. It is a state where you do not find life enjoyable. Calamus. Even though the oil has quite a few potent capabilities, it should not be used in aromatherapy or by home users due to the potential beta-asarone content. [4], On WebMD, there is a long list of side effects from the plant and its oils: [5]. It is still utilized in some parts of the world. Calamus is a herbaceous aquatic plant which is scientifically known as Acorus calamus. The oil is used in the internal treatment of bronchitis, sinusitis, and digestive complaints. Calamus oil is used in cosmetics and perfumes, scenting woody or leathery fragrances. They are also known as Sweet Flag and Calamus. When calamus is used with ginger, it provides quick relief from cold, flu, congestion (blocked nose and chest). Calamus essential oil smells like warm, spicy wood. However, the use of calamus oil goes back to the ancient times of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Dr.Kamakshi G.Mahale is a Dental Surgeon by profession. On the other hand, anxiety is a state of over-worrying, so much that it interferes with your day-to-day life. Calamus oil is a stimulant and is used as a tonic to rejuvenate the brain and nervous system. The compound β-asarone present in the essential oil helps you relax. The oil is produced there and in Russia, as well as in smaller amounts in parts of Europe, Siberia, and China. We bridge the gap between scientific research and the everyday essential oils user. When the oil is not used as instructed, you might experience these side effects: Though calamus has innumerable health benefits, it has been banned in the US by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1968. It can be toxic, the symptoms of toxicity are dizziness, seizures, and kidney damage. Beta asarone, also known as cis-isoasarone, is highly toxic when swallowed and is carcinogenic. It is a carcinogen and should not be used in aromatherapy. β-asarone present in the essential oil is useful in insanity, hysteria, and mental retardation because of sedative action (4, 5). In Biblical times, calamus was used in perfumes, incense and as an ingredient in the special holy anointing oil used by the priests in the temple. In other portions of the book, it was called 'sweet cane.'. Since many are unaware of what this essential oil could do to health, here is a detailed article highlighting its uses, health benefits, properties, and chemical compounds, and much more. Calamus is a semi-aquatic, sweet-smelling herb with creeping roots. Nasya also helps to clear the mind and increase focus. Calamus is a plant. Thanks to the compound asarone in it. There is not a lot of studies that readily apply to humans on calamus. Alzheimer’s is a condition that is accompanied by memory loss. Calamus Essential Oil is particularly stimulating for the nervous system and the brain. The disease worsens with age and affects the mental abilities, making even the usual conversations challenging. Calanus oil contains omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosopentaenoic acid. Acorus calamus, popularly known as sweet flag, belongs to the genus Acorus L. of the family Acoraceae. Due to the beta asarone content, the oil should not be used by anyone at home. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. As an herb, calamus has been used in many ways. The plant and its oil are emmenagogues, meaning they could stimulate menses. Calamus (Acorus calamus) is only available in Young Living’s “ Exodus II™ ” Essential Oil Blend. Calamus plant is well grows in damp marshy place & watery and it native regions are Europe and Asia and popularly grown in Manipur and the Naga Hills of India and edges of lakes. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice. Asthma is a condition where the airways constrict (decrease in size) and there is excess mucus production, leading to shortness of breath. Sweet flag is commonly found growing in damp, marshy places, and on the banks of streams. Mom Prepares is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. What is calamus oil? essential oil dates back to the ancient times, Color, Consistency, and Smell of calamus oil, Treating Your Chronic Headaches With Essential Oils, 10 Best Massage Oils (With Reviews & Buying Guide). The rhizomes contain oil which has many medicinal uses. Acorus calamus is a tall perennial plant belonging to the Acorus genus. Calamus may also interfere with certain drugs. Calanus oil is a red-colored oil that comes from a type of plankton in the North Seas. It grows to a meter high, is reed-like in appearance, flourishes in the mud around streams and lakes, and is in the Araceae family of plants. The root (rhizome) is used to make medicine. Properties of calamus oil If you have social anxiety, you avoid social gatherings. Epilepsy is a nerve disease where the brain activity becomes abnormal, causing: Epilepsy is also known as fits or convulsions. It is mentioned in the Ayurve… The extraction method used for cypress essential oil is it is steam extracted from roots. Asarone is a poison which has been shown to cause cancer, and has ill effects on heart, liver and kidney functions. Histopathology or lab examination confirmed that calamus speeds the wound healing process by assisting in all the phases (15). It stimulates nerves and the neurons and helps achieve alertness and steadiness. Though calamus oil is extremely helpful in aromatherapy and rejuvenating baths, it is not meant for household use, as it can be very toxic and dangerous at higher concentrations. [3]. However, there was one promising study of interest: A study in 2017 found that calamus oil was effective in combating cancer cell growth and proliferation in vitro. ', Vacha is the name for calamus in traditional Ayurveda. (2) 2.