Sweet flag rhizome cut – Acorus calamus var. americanus

This aromatic rhizome, often nicknamed "aromatic reed," is harvested in late summer, then dried and cut for ease of use. It is used in many ancient pharmacopoeia preparations, particularly to support digestion and balance nervous states.

Description

Acorus calamus is a semi-aquatic perennial plant growing on riverbanks, swamps, and stream banks. Its thick, ridged rhizome gives off a distinctive odor, a cross between ginger and camphor. The "americanus" variety is renowned for its safety compared to other subspecies, which are richer in toxic compounds.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Sweet flag, calamus, aromatic reed
• Latin name: Acorus calamus var. americanus
• Family: Acoraceae (or sometimes Araceae)
• Part used: Rhizome
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: North America, Asia, temperate Europe
• English name: Sweet flag root
• German name: Kalmuswurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de cálamo
• Name in Italian: Radice di calamo aromatico
• Name in Arabic: عِقْرِبِيط (ʿIqribīt)

Main virtues

Calamus is traditionally used as a digestive tonic, a gentle stimulant, and a room fragrance. In baths or as a fumigation, it is used to revitalize the body and clarify the mind. It is also found in spiritual traditions as a natural incense or plant offering.

Main constituents

Essential oils (asarone*, eugenol, natural camphor), tannins, mucilages, organic acids, starch, flavonoids. (*non-carcinogenic form in the americanus variety)

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon of chopped rhizome for 250 ml of water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then filter.
• Bath: concentrated decoction of 30 g per 1 liter of water, to be added to the bath water.
• Incense: break a few pieces to heat on charcoal or diffuse in a potpourri.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Use only the americanus variety, which is considered safe.
• Avoid prolonged internal use or use in high doses without professional supervision.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or for young children.

History and origin

Calamus has been used for thousands of years: by the Egyptians, the Romans, the peoples of India (where it is present in Ayurveda), and the indigenous peoples of North America. It is renowned for its ability to purify, tone, and perfume. It has long been placed in travelers' shoes to ward off fatigue and unpleasant odors.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: dry, in an opaque, airtight container.
• Packaging: cut bulk, kraft bag or airtight box.
• Appearance: fibrous pieces, beige to light brown.
• Smell: Warm, camphoraceous, sweet and slightly earthy.

Sources and references

• Flora of North America – https://floranorthamerica.org
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• USDA GRIN – https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov
• Traditional Ayurvedic and Native American texts

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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