More About Our Calamus Essential Oil

Size:  5 ml OR 30 ml violet glass bottle

Source:  India (Kashmir)

Production Method:  Steam distillation

Botannical Name:  Acorus calamus

Note:  From wild harvested roots, also known as Sweet Flag

Homeopathic Properties of Calamus Essential Oil

• Anti-convulsive
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory (Gastro-intestinal, renal-kidneys)
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Cephalic
• Diaphoretic
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Hypotensive
• Insecticide
• Nervine
• Relaxant (Digestive)
• Stimulant
• Stomachic
• Tonic 
• Tranquilzer
• Vermifuge

Uses

Internal–oral homeopathic dosage only (regular dose may be toxic), inhalation

External–topical application, massage, application to points and energy centers

Observations and Anecdotal Information

Calamus essential oil has been used in many cultures around the world.  It was once used as a biblical anointing oil in ancient Egypt and Middle East.

It has been used as an herbal remedy extensively by Native American tribes, including Pawnee, Lakota, Cheyenne, Cree, Penobscot, Mohegan, Osage, Omaha, Potawatomi, Dakota, and Algonquin.

It was historically considered so valuable that it became a primary trade commodity.  The dried rhizome was officially listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1916 and in the National Formulary from 1936 to 1950. Doctors prescribed it for indigestion, stomach ailments, and gas, and as a general tonic.  It has been used all over the world as a main ingredient in “Bitters”, to relieve stomach cramps and indigestion.

It is an adrenal stimulant.  It relieves vertigo and sinus headaches, and is thought to enhance brain function and mind power.  For this reason, it can be taken in a homeopathic dilution.

It is important to respect dosage and dilution levels for calamus root, as it can contain asarone (a ketone) in fairly substantial amounts, which may lead to toxicity.  For this reason, it should be used externally, or diluted into homeopathic dosages for internal use.

There are two main areas in India that produce this oil; Kashmir and Jammu.  The oil from Kashmir is typically under 15% asarone; the oil from Jammu can be up to 90% asarone.

As a massage oil, it is very effective for relieving the pain of gout, rheumatism, and arthritis, and for stimulating lymphatic drainage.

Cautions

• May cause convulsions or hallucinations when taken in high doses.
• Not suitable for children or pregnant women.
• Contains asarone, which is a possible carcinogen in high or long term doses.
• Consult with a health care professional for use with liver conditions, or convulsive disorders.
• Internal use with caution.  Use at homeopathic doses only, can be toxic at regular doses.

None of our products are recognized or approved by the FDA.  They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.  This information is anecdotal, and is provided for educational purposes only.  It is not meant to be taken as medical advice.  See a health care professional for medical advice.

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