Botanical Index No. 185

Calamus

acorus calamus

Medicinal Actions

Analgesic, Anthelminthic, Antibacterial, Antigonadotropic, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Carcinogenic, Carminative, CNS-Sedative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emetic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Hyperemic, Hypotensive, Insecticide, Larvicide, Laxative, Negative Inotropic, Neurotonic, Ovicide, Sedative, Mutagenic, Respiradepressant, Sialagogue, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Aperitif Aphrodisiac Hallucinogen Insectifuge Tranquilizer Adenopathy Ague Angina Anorexia Anxiety Arthrosis Asthma Bacteria Bronchosis Bubo Cancer Cancer abdomen Cancer colon Cancer liver Cancer rectum Cancer spleen Cancer stomach Cancer testis Cancer uterus Cancer vagina Carbuncle Catarrh Cholera Conjunctivosis Constipation Cough Cramp Cystosis Deafness Diarrhea Dysentery Dyspepsia Enterosis Epilepsy Fever Fungus Gangrene Gas Gastrosis Gingivosis Gout Headache Hepatosis High Blood Pressure Incontinence Induration Infection Insomnia Lice Lumbago Malaria Melancholy Mycosis Nervousness Neurasthenia Nicotinism Ophthalmia Orchosis Pain Paralysis Respirosis Rheumatism Rickets Scirrhus Scrofula Snakebite Sore Sore Throat Splenosis Stomachache Swelling Teething Tuberculosis Tumor Typhoid Ulcer Uterosis Vaginosis Varicosis Vertigo Water Retention

General Dosage

2–7 g powdered root.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 1, only for the asarone-free diploid rhizome. Class 2b for the triploid and tetraploid. CAN reports that the beta-asarone in the oil is carcinogenic and nephrotoxic, and may cause convulsions. AHP hints that the risks, like those of safrole, may not be as serious as the press would have us believe. Oil carcinogenic, convulsant; kidney damage and tremors. May potentiate MAOI therapy. And a real bombshell for uncut aromatherapists, “In general, the topical application of any undiluted EO is not recommend”. EO LD50 = 777 orl rat; LD50 = 221 ipr rat; LD50 = >5000 der guinea pig.

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