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Acorus calamus, also know as Sweet Flag is a perennial bog plant with sweet,
spicy-scented leaves. It has been used in North America by native peoples
for various purposes, including as a medicine and as a snuff. It was used as
an anesthetic for toothache and headaches, and in mild doses was commonly
used as a stimulant to combat fatigue. In
large doses it will cause
vomiting and dizziness. The Cree said that they can take Acorus calamus root
and "travel great distances without touching the ground" and it was a common
ingredient during the middle ages in European witches "flying brews".
It has been used safely as a sedative in Ayurvedic medicine for several
thousand years. The active part of the plant is the root, which contains
asarone.
Calamus has a strong herbal, warm, spicy, cinnamon-like fragrance, and has
been used as flavoring for beverages, or as an incense.
Used in incense mixtures in ancient Mesopotamia and by the ancient Egyptians
in their Kyphi mixtures, calamus root, also known as "sweet reed",
strengthens the nerves, improves energy and is said to be helpful during
times of emotional exhaustion.
In ancient times Calamus was considered a symbol of masculine vitality and
worldly success.
For more information on
Calamus, please read
King's
American Dispensatory.
Mazatec Garden describes the common
uses of many herbs. This is for informational purposes only, as we are not
advising or prescribing herbs for any specific medical condition or for any
specific use. Distribute this information freely. |
