Calamus root is a water-based plant that grows in wet areas and has long stems and roots. It has been used for centuries in North America, India, and China to treat various ailments. The active ingredient is the root, which contains asarone A and B, with B-asarone being carcinogenic. It can be consumed, added to a bath, or used as a mouthwash, but care must be taken in how much is ingested as it can cause hallucinations and altered reality.
Calamus root is a water-based plant that grows along the edges of lakes and swamps. It is characterized by long, tall stems that can reach up to three feet (0.914 m) in height. Its roots can grow to a similar length and branch around it just below the ground. These plants are easy to grow and can exist anywhere there is water, soil, and sunlight. Calamus root is often found in the same environment as cat’s tail.
The Latin name for calamus root is Calamus acorus, and it is also known as sweet flag, acorus, and cinnamon sedge. It is green and grass-like in appearance, and rarely bears fruit. When it does, the fruit is berry-like and small, containing almost no seeds.
This plant has been used in North America, India, and China for centuries to treat a multitude of ailments. The active portion of the plant is the root structure, with long stems without medicinal effects. Calamus root contains an active ingredient known as asarone, which is divided into two subtypes, A and B. Asarone A is found in all calamus root plants and produces a stimulating effect when consumed. B-asarone is found only in Indo-European and Asian calamus roots, and has a sedative effect that has been compared to that of chlorpromazine. This type B asarone is considered carcinogenic.
Common problems treated by calamus root include headaches, neuralgia, and memory loss. It has also been used to treat stomach problems, such as indigestion and loss of appetite. Additionally, calamus root can be added to a bath to improve circulation, or used as a mouthwash for gum disease. When eaten, the plant has a slightly bitter taste. If too much is consumed, it can cause stomach upset or vomiting.
In holistic medicine, these roots often take various forms, including capsules and as an essential oil that is added to a diffuser. They can also be smoked, which is supposed to produce detoxifying effects. The plant can simply be eaten, but care must be taken in how much is ingested. Eating a two-inch (5 cm) piece of calamus root can produce mild stimulation, but a ten-inch (25 cm) piece can cause an experience much like taking the narcotic LSD. These include hallucinations and an altered perceptual reality. Native American tribes sometimes ingested the root for this purpose.
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