Calamus Oil
Calamus is a rich nutritious plant that belongs to the plant family of Araceae. It is a red-like aquatic plant that was initially trusted to treat colic in children. Calamus plant grows up to a maximum height of 1 m. The leaves of this plant are shaped like a sword. These erect leaves resemble the Yellow Flag and this was the main reason that ‘Calamus’ is often called as ‘Sweet Flag’. This priceless herb is indigenous to India and Slovenia. It is also found growing in many parts of North America, Europe and Asia. Calamus is found in plenty in moist areas along the streams, ponds or swamps. It is grown widely in Asia for its high value in the herbal science called Ayurveda. Calamus plant bears flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The long-branched rhizome is found immersed in the sand. The whole plant has a unique fragrance that differentiates this variety from the rest of the herbs. This peculiar fragrance by itself has healing properties. Calamus herb was a significant part of the ‘holy anointing oil’ during the Biblical times and was denoted in Exodus. This herb is widely grown in the Eastern and Asian countries for its medicinal roots and rhizomes. The Indian Calamus root has an appealing and strong fragrance than the European varieties. For this special reason, the Indian Calamus roots are often imported by other countries. Calamus oil is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of the Calamus plant through steam distillation method.
Latin name: Acorus Calamus.
Alternative names: Flagroot, Sweet Cane, Sweet Flag, Sweet Grass, Sweet Root, Sweet Rush, Bacc.
Calamus root grows well in marshy and swampy places where the texture of soil is wet and damp. It is often found growing in plenty near the lakes, marshes, ponds and ditches. Initially this herb was found growing in the wild and is now cultivated in many parts of the world. Propagation is carried out by dividing the clumps of the rhizome and transplanting it in shallow waters. The most ideal time for harvest is during early Autumn or Spring season. Harvesting of the rhizome is done during the months of September and October. A pointed hook is used to extract the Calamus root from the deep mud. The harvested rhizome is washed thoroughly and split into two before drying it. The split rhizomes are dried well in shade. Calamus oil contains bitter principles, tannin, glycoside, mucilage and other volatile oils. This natural oil has diaphoretic, anticonvulsant, insecticide, bactericidal, stomachic, expectorant, tonic, antiseptic, vermifuge, carminative, stimulant, hypotensive and spasmolytic properties.
Uses: Calamus essential oil is mostly used as a tonic for treating nervous complaints, dysentery, colic in children, vertigo and headaches. Even the chronic digestive disorders are treated with the curative effects of Calamus essential oil. It controls and arrests the bacteria in the stomach and benefits the digestive system. This oil also has properties that aid the sexual health and well being of the reproductive system.
