| |
Calamus (Acorus calamus)
|
Calamus root essential oil is obtained from Acorus calamus . The oil has many wonderful medicinal and therapeutic properties.
Calamus herbal tea is especially popular in China and Russia. Calamus is a medicinal herb which grows in water, near streams, small pounds or lakes, etc. Calamus can be found throughout the Northern hemisphere, from ancient lands of China or warm regions of India to the US and Canada. Health benefits of calamus tea and calamus are mentioned in ancient Chinese manuscripts, and ancient Chinese practitioners were well aware about the therapeutic properties and healing powers of this interesting natural remedy.
The aroma and stimulating properties of the calamus root has been used to treat digestive problems. It improves the functioning of the stomach and reduces problems such as cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence and indigestion.
Calamus helps loosen phlegm and make it an ideal treatment for bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory conditions. It 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 from burns, rashes, varicose veins, boils, and rheumatic pain.
A few drops of calamus oil in a warm bath can help reduce fatigue and exhaustion.
Calamus oil is used in production of perfumes. Medieval houses used the calamus plant to cover the floors and provide a sweet smell to thatches roofs. Calamus is also believed to be an aphrodisiac due to its stimulant properties. Calamus root is an ingredient in the making of absinthe liquor, bitter and as a flavoring for pipe tobacco.
Calamus possesses the following medicinal properties:
Antirheumatic & Anti Arthritic: This oil is particularly stimulating for the nerves and the blood circulation. It stimulates and increases the rate of blood circulation in the affected area and gives relief from the pain and swelling associated with rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
Antispasmodic: The Essential Oil of Calamus is known for its anti spasmodic properties. It relaxes all sorts of spasm, but is particularly effective on nervous spasm. Thus, in cases of nervous afflictions and disturbances, this can be administered, but in very mild doses.
Antibiotic: Due to its toxic nature, the Calamus Essential Oil does not allow any biotic growth and acts as an anti biotic. This property can be used to fight infections, both internal and external.
Cephalic: This essential oil has a refreshing effect on brain (of course, when taken in very mild doses, else the effects may be devastating on the brain). It activates it and is also effective in curing neurotic disorders. This oil is also considered to induce and promote positive thoughts.
Advertisement
Circulatory: Being a stimulant, this increases blood circulation and helps nutrients and oxygen reach every corner of the body. This circulation also stimulates metabolism.
Memory Boosting: The Essential Oil of Calamus has memory boosting effects. This can be administered to those who are undergoing or have undergone memory loss due to ageing, trauma or any other reason. This also helps repair certain damages done to the brain tissues and neurons.
Nervine: Most of the effects of this essential oil deal with brain and the nervous system. So, as expected, this oil is a nervine and helps maintain good health of the nervous system. It helps recover them from shock and other damages. It also reduces chances of epileptic and hysteric attacks, nervous afflictions etc.
Stimulant: The Calamus Essential Oil is particularly stimulating for the nervous system and the brain. It stimulates nerves and the neurons and helps attain alertness and steadiness. It also stimulates certain discharges such as those of hormones, blood circulation and other functions going on inside the body.
Tranquilizing: A low dose of this oil can induce sleep and work as a tranquilizer. This may be of great help to those who suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia. This effect relaxes the body and the mind and helps get a good rest.
Other Benefits: It can be used to treat neuralgia, which is caused due to the pressure exerted on the Ninth Cranial Nerve by the surrounding blood vessels, triggering off acute pain and swelling. Calamus Oil makes the blood vessels to contract and reduce pressure on the cranial nerve. Further, due to its numbing and tranquilizing effect on the brain and the nerves, it reduces feeling of pain. This oil is also used for treatment of headache, vertigo etc. and it is a sedative.
Few Words of Caution: The Essential Oil of Calamus contains a compound called asorone, which is toxic and considered procarcinogen. However, it is neither hepatotoxic nor directly hepatocarcinogenic, and it must first undergo metabolic l'-hydroxylation in the liver before achieving toxicity. Studies have shown that its oral ingestion can cause prolonged severe convulsions and tumours. So, oral ingestion should be avoided unless under guidance of an expert practitioner. Pregnant ladies should avoid its use.
Blending: Calamus Essential Oil blends well with essential oils of cedar wood, cinnamon, clary sage, labdanum, lavender, marjoram, olibanum, oregano, patchouli rosemary, tea tree and ylang-ylang
Disclaimer: The information presented
herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements,
it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
|
|
