Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) Dried Rhizome Pieces 80g
[80g Jar]

Price: AU$11.00 In Stock: 21 Available
Quantity:

Traditional uses:
Acorus calamus was a very popular plant in Europe from the middle ages, right through to today, finding application mostly as aphrodisiac, elixier and stimulant, and in magic rituals. Its presence in North America before European settlement is uncertain, but its use as a stimulant and hallucinogen since then has been well documented. Acorus calamus has found popularity in quitting smoking, as it induces mild nausea if chewed just before smoking tobacco. Chewing of the root was also said to alleviate toothache.

Sweet flag is also used externally to treat skin eruptions, rheumatic pains and neuralgia. It is a folk remedy for arthritis, cancer, convulsions, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, epilepsy etc.

Pharmacology:
Acorus calamus derives most of its psychoactive and medicinal action from its active component beta-asarone, which makes up a large percentage of the essential oil produced from the root of asian and indian strain. Small amounts of eugenol, safrole and bitter principles are also present. The root of the american variety is generally low in beta-asarone.

Many countries, including Australia, prohibit the use of calamus, calamus oil or asarone in food and aromatherapy preparations due to it being suspected of having carcinogenic properties. Safrol, which is only present in small quantities in the oil is a presumed carcinogen and should not be consumed in large quantities.

Caution:
Not for Human Therapeutic Use.
 
Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) Dried Rhizome Pieces 80g
Click to enlarge