Calamus Root 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Calamus Root 100 g ($13.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:
Parasites  In a study of rats infected with Hymenolepis diminuta, a rhizome extract of A. calamus showed dose-dependent activity against intestinal tapeworm based on reduction in egg per gram counts, as well as reduced worm counts. Beta-asarone extracts showed slightly better improvement in H. diminuta infection compared with crude extracts from the plant.(1)

Anti-Inflammatory  In animal and in vitro studies, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions of A. calamus were attributed to observed neuroprotective, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. Interference with cytokines (interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and immunoglobulins has been demonstrated.(2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7)

Antimicrobial/Insecticidal  Calamus leaf and rhizome extracts, as well as calamus oil, have shown antibacterial activity against some human pathogens, including weak activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Antifungal activity against both human and plant pathogens has been demonstrated in vitro.(8), (9), (10), (11), (12) The methanolic extract from A. calamus was tested in vitro against 2 gram-positive and 11 gram-negative pathogens known to be contributors of urinary tract infections. In comparison with 14 other spice extracts, A. calamus showed the greatest antioxidant and antibacterial activity.(14)

1. calamus proved to be a good inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori biofilms by exhibiting considerable antibacterial activity in mucosal biopsy specimens obtained from male and female patients.(15)

Activity against the larvae of insects has been demonstrated in vitro and in animals such as cattle.(16), (17), (12), (18) An in vitro study showed beta-asarone extracts inhibited growth and viability of, and induced apoptosis in, a Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell line.(19)

Antispasmodic  Results of a study in isolated rabbit jejunum suggest that the spasmolytic effect of an A. calamus extract was mediated through the presence of calcium channel blockade-like constituent(s) concentrated in the n-hexane fraction, providing a strong mechanistic basis for its traditional use in GI disorders.(20)

Antiviral   Tatanan A, isolated from the roots of A. calamus, showed antiviral activity against dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) (21) and decreased DENV2-induced low-density lipoprotein levels, plaque numbers, and mRNA levels. Results suggest tatanan A inhibits flavivirus genus replication through a mechanism independent of activation of glucokinase. A methanolic extract of A. calamus also showed antiviral effects against DENV without a cytotoxic effect. (22)

Respiratory  In studies of isolated guinea pig trachea and atria, a crude extract of A. calamus demonstrated dual inhibition of calcium channels and phosphodiesterase, suggesting a pharmacological basis for its use in disorders of airways in traditional medicine.(23)

Cancer  Antioxidant activity of A. calamus has been described and may be responsible for observed effects in cancer cell lines. In vitro, essential oil extracts from the rhizomes within the fresh leaves of A. calamus expressed antioxidant activity. Collection of oils from leaves during the late summer months proved to be more fruitful.(24) Protection against irradiation-induced DNA strand breaks and chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity has been attributed to antioxidant activity. (25), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30) Induced senescence in colorectal cancer cells and upregulation of capases have also been described as mechanisms by which the extracts may decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. (31), (32), (33) Activity has been attributed to beta-asarone, sesquiterpenoids, and the lectin content of the plant. (34), (35), (12) One study showed that A. calamus extract effectively inhibited proliferation and viability, induced apoptosis, and suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor A expressions in prostate LNCaP cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. (36) In another study, an aqueous rhizome extract of A. calamus showed in vitro anticancer activities based on apoptosis and decreased cell viability in all cancer cell lines tested. (37) Another study resulted in lower tumor volume and lower areas of metastases in the lungs, reflecting anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects. (38) These results were accompanied by a decrease in the numbers of CD326⁺ and CD274⁺ cells in the tumor node. Also in vitro, essential oil extracts showed inhibition of human gastric cancer cell growth by causing G1 phase arrest and downregulation of Oct4 and NS post-treatment in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Longer exposure at higher doses produced a more clinically important cytotoxic effect. (39) In rodents, both alpha- and beta-asarone have been shown to be mutagenic. (12)

Cardiovascular  Extracts of A. calamus show antagonism of the calcium channel and effects on the nitric oxide pathway. Depending on the extraction method and fractions used, vasodilation and constriction and partial depressant effects on coronary flow and heart rate have been demonstrated in rats and in isolated heart studies. (40), (41)

Brain, CNS  Anticholinesterase activity has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies, which may have implications for the management of Alzheimer disease. (42), (43) Studies show that beta-asarone and A. calamus exert anti-depressant effects & improve cognitive function in rats with induced stress-related depression. (44), (45), (46), (47) Older studies and traditional uses suggest a sedative effect. (12) Oral treatment with aqueous extracts derived from A. calamus roots prevented memory deficits and stress through controlled oxidative stress and inflammation processes in male Wistar rats. Higher doses (600 mg/kg) resulted in better performance in terms of less memory impairment, suggesting dose-dependent effectiveness. (48)

Diabetes  A limited amount of research describes the hypoglycemic effects of various fractions of A. calamus extracts. Decreases in blood glucose, inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity, and enhanced adipocyte differentiation have been demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies. However, beta-asarone has also been shown to exert an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis. (12), (49), (50), (51)

Diuresis/Nephrolithiasis  In one study of Wistar albino rats with ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis and given an ethanolic extract of A. calamus (EEAC) rhizomes, diuretic action and protection from urolithiasis were observed due to suppression of urolithiatic promotors in serum, urine, and kidney tissue. EEAC increased urinary flow and dose-dependent excretion of sodium and potassium electrolytes. Finally, EEAC reduced oxalate levels and calcium in the urine and restored phosphate and uric acid levels in the serum and urine. (52)

Epilepsy  Limited studies in rats have shown that extracts of A. calamus, especially alpha-asarone and purified rhizome extracts, exert an anticonvulsant effect on induced seizures. Possible sites of action are the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors and sodium channel. (53), (25), (54), (55), (56)

Allergic reactions  In vivo, a pectic polysaccharide isolated from the rhizomes of A. calamus downregulated immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin E concentrations.(2) Prevention of mast cell degranulation has been shown in mice,(57) and an antihistaminic effect was shown in isolated guinea pig tissue. (58)

Botanical Name: Acorus calamus
English: Calamus Root
Also, known as Sweet flag root, Myrtle Flag Sweet Grass, Sweet Sedge, Sweet Rush Root, Sweetrush, Sweet cane. Gladden, Sweet myrtle, Myrtle grass, Cinnamon sedge, Vacha Vachaa, Ugragandhaa, Ugras Golomi, Shadgranthaa, Shataparvaa, Tikahnagandhaa, Kähudra-patra, Maangalyaa, Ghorbach, Vasambu, Vasa, Varch, Vasambu, Ghodavaca, Ghoduvaj, Ghodvach, Pillar Maruntho, Vaca, Vekhandas, Narru Berua, Baje, Bach Gora bach, Beewort, Bitter pepper root, flag root, Gladdon, myrtle root, myrtle sedge, pine root, rat root, Sea sedge, sweet cane, sweet cinnamon, sweet grass, sweet myrtle sweet root, Changpu Shoubu, Changpo, Bacch, Bajai, Vekhand, Varambu, Vadaja, Vayambu, Haimavati, Blastanashini, Jatila, kampean and Bojho
Habitat: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Origin: India
Harvested: Wild or cultivated.
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
The plant can very easily be cultivated from a root cutting and will grow quickly once established. Acorus calamu commonly known as sweet flag, is a plant that grows 30 to 100 cm tall. From more than the last 2500 years, this herb traditionally used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for its cognitive-enhancing properties Acorus calamus is a perennial plant with creeping and extensively branched, aromatic rhizome, cylindrical, up to 23 cm thick, purplish-brown to light-brown externally, and white internally Grows on the banks of shallow, clay-bottomed lakes, rivers, and ponda. When it is not flowering, the sweet sedge looks a lot like a yellow iris but is easy to identify by the pleasant lemony smell of its aromatic oil and by the unusual crimped edges of the leaves, the fragrant odor it emits when crushed, and the unusual flower spadix Semi-aquatic perennial. Easy to establish from the rluzome Grow in wet, mucky, rich soil, full sun to part shade. The leaves have smooth edges, which can be wary or crimped Leaves resemble those of the ris, but are greener and are flattened on one side, with smooth margins and parallel veins. Some leaves develop a cylindrical semi-erect spike or spadix 2 to 4 inches long, covered with tiny greenish-yellow flowers in a diamond-shaped pattern.

Acorus calamus is derived from the Greek words “ákoros,” meaning a plant with aromatic rhizomes or iris, and “kálamos,” meaning cane or reed. The fragrant underground portion (the rhizome) has been used medicinally since Biblical times. Popular European books on medicinal plants tout calamus as a “wonder drug”; however, because asarones (active components of calamus) are associated with the development of tumors in animals, use of calamus and its extracts is prohibited in the United States. Maximum limits for beta-asarone content in food and beverages have been set by the European Commission. Calamus has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders and childhood colic. Infusions of the rhizome have been suggested for the treatment of fever; chewing the rhizome has been said to relieve irritated throats and remove the odor of tobacco. Calamus rhizome is central to the Ayurvedic medical system as an aromatic, stimulant, bitter tonic, and expectorant, and has been used as an emmenagogue. In Ayurvedic medicine, A. calamus undergoes “sodhana,” a process of detoxification. Calamus has been used by American Indians to soothe toothache and headache. The Zeliangrong tribe of Manipur, India has used A. calamus for treatment of cough, headache, jaundice, gastritis, and stomachache, and to drive out evil spirits. A. calamus has also been used most often for cough by the Irula tribes in the Walayar valley of India. Calamus has been promoted on the internet as a hallucinogen. The ground rhizome is used as a spice and as commercial flavoring in drinks, cosmetics, and toothpastes.

Calamus leaves and rhizomes contain 1.5% to 3.5% of a volatile oil responsible for the plant’s characteristic odor and taste. The most characteristic constituent of the oil is asarone; concentrations can vary considerably among calamus varieties. The tetraploid variety of A. calamus found in India contains a larger amount of beta-asarone (75% to 96%). The diploid plant grows in North America and is beta-asarone free. The European triploid plant is a different chemotype of calamus, with oil containing less than 10% asarone. Alpha-asarone has also been identified; alpha- and beta-asarone are trans- and cis-isomer forms, respectively. More than a dozen additional compounds have been identified in the oil and extracts, including saponins, lectins, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and steroids. Hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, alcohols, phenols, furans, and other compounds have also been described. Ethanolic extracts and acetone, hydroalcoholic, and methanolic extracts have been studied, and high-pressure liquid chromatography methods for determining asarone content have been published. The chemical composition of the plant varies according to geographic location, plant age, climate, species variety, and plant part used.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use: