Calamus marsh: properties, use and contraindications. Calamus marsh - medicinal properties and contraindications

The content of the article:

Calamus is a perennial, aquatic plant, belongs to the species Ayraceae. It has a brown color, a thick and branched root system. It can be up to 1 meter, the leaves are sharp, sword-shaped, with their bases touching each other. The root is ribbed and looks like a groove. The spadix has a cylindrical, geometric shape and has many flowers.

The leaves are green, 1–2 cm in size. The flowers are at the top, yellow in color, they form a rocking chair. The dry berry is the fruit of a flower. The bush blooms in early summer. Calamus can be found near a river, stream, in extensive thicket, or swamp.

The culture has several names, because it was brought to our land by the Tatar yoke. Other names of the root: “irny root”, “reed”, “Tatar potion”, “yaer”, “flat cake”, “kalamus”, “cinquefoil grass”.

Calamus root is a very popular herb; it is used by herbalists for medicinal purposes, the use of which has a healing effect.

Composition of flatbread

Calamus root contains many useful components. It is rich in components such as acorin, starch, ascorbic acid, protein and mineral salt, as well as essential oil, calamine.

Root oil produces phenylpropane. The root has acorine, acoretin, resin, calamine, choline, vitamins, lucenion, iodine. Aldehyde gives calamus its specific smell.

Healing properties of Tatar grass

• vasodilator;
• pain reliever;
• antispasmodic;
• antimicrobial;
• astringent;
• sedative;
• hemostatic;
• tonic;
• diuretic;
• enveloping.

Can cure many diseases. Let's list them:

• enteritis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• gastritis;
• hepatitis;
• cholangitis;
• cholecystitis;
• ulcer;
• cholelithiasis;
• angina;
• rhinitis;
• flu;
• pharyngitis;
• laryngitis;
• tonsillitis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• hypertension;
• varicose veins;
• depression;
• prostatitis;
• endometritis;
• menstruation;
• impotence;
• neurosis;
• migraine;
• wounds;
• stress.

It also strengthens hair, improves the condition of the central nervous system, helps with tuberculosis, liver disease, rheumatism, and urinary disease.

Flatbread regulates and improves the functioning of the digestive system, increases appetite, gastric juice, eliminates bad breath, relieves bleeding and inflammation of the gums.

Preparation and collection of calamus

Well-dried roots should break easily. Their color is brownish-yellowish, reddish or grayish. Broken roots should be pink or white. The raw materials have a bitter taste and a specific odor.

The root contains an alkaloid, phytoncide, starch, aldehyde, resin, minerals and vitamins. Calamus root treats: gout, malaria, toothache, cough, cramp, infection. Calamus tincture treats bronchitis, gastritis, and pneumonia.

Liver, diarrhea, cholecystitis are healed with alcohol tincture from the root. A preparation based on calamus root improves general well-being, hearing, and visual function.

Application of calamus

A decoction, infusion, or lotion is prepared from the root. Treats colds, headaches, cleanses the respiratory system. The root can muffle the effect of toxins on the body and neutralize the influence of hallucinogens.

Reed can improve memory and prevent heartburn. The plant is hardy and unpretentious. Does not require fertilizer, loves moisture. The flowers are used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, prevent hair loss, and prevent baldness.

Acts as a bactericidal agent in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, epidemics, and cholera. Used for chronic diseases, treats bronchitis, tracheitis. Effective for intestinal and duodenal disorders, loss of appetite. The product enhances potency in men, relieves pain, cramps during menstruation, menopause.

Treatment with Tatar grass

Sabelnik is able to treat the entire body with all its organs. Helps to establish the operation of such systems:

• respiratory;
• cardiovascular;
• nervous;
• urogenital.

Women's gynecological problems are treated with the help of a miraculous root. It is used for a sitz bath. The unpleasant odor of the mouth goes away if you rinse it with a herbal decoction. For typhoid, cholera, and flu, people used to eat calamus root. The plant stimulates the gastrointestinal tract.

The product removes phlegm, disinfects, and relieves pain. Helps heal wounds and cuts quickly. The drug is effective for colpitis, treats gastritis, tones nerve endings and cells.

It also rids the body of harmful worms; the patch with Yaer promotes the healing of the affected bone. The leaves of the plant lower the temperature and can be used externally. Used for flatulence and diarrhea.

Plant bitterness acts as an anesthesia. Calamus is considered one of the effective drugs that helps with achylia, abdominal cramps, and high acidity. Pain during menstrual flow, bladder dysfunction, anemia go away if you take calamus root. Calamus oil relieves stomach colic and hysteria.

People with low amounts of gastric juice are recommended to drink the Tatar remedy. After all, it promotes the release of hydrochloric acid, thereby improving digestion and appetite.

The extract is used as a diuretic for diathesis, malaria, and kidney disease. It has an expectorant, analgesic, laxative effect. The sensitivity of the spinal cord can be adjusted using cinquefoil. Used for cholecystitis, hepatitis.

1. Infusion It is prepared as follows: take crushed dry raw materials, add water, and boil for 15 minutes. Then the broth is strained and taken half a glass before each meal.
2. Alcohol tincture. Place the raw material in alcohol, let it brew for 24 hours and drink 25 drops per day. You can also use wine instead of vodka and take it to prevent vomiting. They drink a decoction for toothache and do a procedure with a fragrant bath. Make a lotion by dipping it in the prepared mixture and apply it to the affected area.
3. Decoction The preparation is simple: you will need fresh raw materials, which need to be boiled for 10–15 minutes. Strain and take half a glass before meals.

Recipes for treatment with calamus in folk medicine

Contraindications for calamus

It is worth remembering that before starting treatment yourself, consult a doctor. He will prescribe a course of treatment for you and will monitor you. Consumption of root extract should be moderate and not exceed the norm.

Exaggerating the dose may provoke a gag reflex. Therefore, if you notice a deterioration in your condition, contact the clinic and immediately stop the course of treatment.

Tatar grass is contraindicated in the following diseases:

• with inflammatory process of the kidneys;
• pregnancy;
• the presence of an acute stomach ulcer;
• hypotension;
• with nosebleeds;
• high concentration of hydrochloric acid.

The healing properties of calamus and more detailed information about this plant in the story:

The homeland of calamus is considered to be in Southeast Asia. It is believed that in Rus' they learned about calamus during the invasion of the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Tatar warriors knew that calamus was capable of purifying water, so they took it with them on campaigns and, if necessary, threw it into reservoirs. It has been noticed that the rhizomes continue to be viable for a long time. When they got into the water, they came to life and in this way the plants grew in Rus'. In those days, people called it “Tatar potion”, “Tatar saber”, Tatarnik. Merchants of the Middle East made a fortune by selling the aromatic dried roots of this plant as a spice or a candied delicacy. If you add a little calamus to a culinary dish, it will acquire a unique smell and taste. Candied pieces of rhizome can easily replace ginger or cinnamon for gourmets. In the Middle Ages, calamus was valued as an excellent disinfectant; it was chewed to prevent infection with cholera, typhus, and during outbreaks of these diseases. Doctors used the powder to sprinkle wounds to heal faster.

Description of the plant

The Latin name for calamus (or common) is Acorus calamus. This perennial loves to grow in damp places, in swamps. The height reaches 100-120 cm. Belongs to the aroid family. The rhizome is creeping, brownish, long (up to 1.5 m), grows horizontally, in some places it can reach a thickness of three centimeters. It gives off a characteristic aroma; it tastes hot-bitter, spicy-tart. Large sword-shaped leaves of bright green color grow from the growing points on the rhizome. Their height is from 60 to 120 cm, and their width is from 1 to 2.5 cm. A cob is formed on a flattened peduncle - a lateral inflorescence that tapers upward. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow. The fruit is a red multi-seeded berry. In Russia, thickets of calamus can be found in the Volga delta, Kuban and other southern regions, and sometimes in Siberia. Harvesting of these healing rhizomes is carried out in the fall, picking them up from the water with a rake or shovel. Then they must be washed thoroughly, freeing them from leaves, small roots that grow from the underside, similar to laces. Next, you should cut the raw materials into small pieces, lay them out to dry in the attic or quickly dry them in a dryer. Just don’t set the temperature to more than 30 degrees, then all the beneficial substances will be preserved. High-quality raw materials after drying are very fragrant, pinkish-white when broken. Its taste is bitter and specific.

What does it contain?

The aroma is due to the content of a large number of essential oils, consisting of asarone, calamen, calamenon, calamendiol. There are also sesquiterpene alcohols called calameol, camphor, borneol, camphene, eugenol, curcumene, caryophyllene, calarene, proazulene. A high content of phytoncides, acoron, isoacorone, acetic and valeric acids was found. Also fundamentally revealed:

• glycosides acorin, lucenion;
• alkaloid calamine;
• acoretin (bitterness);
• tannins;
• acoric acid;
• choline, iodine;
• ascorbic and palmitic acids;
• azarinaldehyde (giving a strong aroma to the rhizome);
• resins, mucus, starch.

How is calamus used?

It has been established that calamus rhizomes have the following properties:

• improve appetite, stimulate;
• increase the production of gastric juice;
• tone the heart muscle;
• strengthens brain vessels;
• relieve spasms;
• improve vision and memory;
• increase diuresis and bile secretion;
• have bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and wound-healing effects.

There is evidence that dosage forms from calamus rhizomes have calming and analgesic effects.

Rhizome powder is included in such tablets as “Vikair”, “Vikalin”. They are prescribed for the treatment of chronic, ulcerative lesions of the stomach or duodenum.

If you have problems with the stomach, digestion (especially if the acidity is low), or if you have diarrhea, you can purchase a package of calamus rhizomes at the pharmacy and prepare an infusion or decoction from the raw materials. For the decoction, take two tablespoons of calamus rhizome (chopped) and 250 ml of boiling water. After the mixture boils, keep it on low heat for another 10 minutes. Dosage: 50 ml of strained broth four times a day.

This decoction is good for washing wounds that fester or heal poorly. The pharmacy sells a powder called “Ambulance”, which also contains calamus rhizome powder. It is convenient to use for cuts, abrasions, wounds, for the treatment of acne and trophic weeping wounds. In addition, calamus is included in many preparations (gastric, appetizing). Here is an example of a collection that regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract:

• 1 part calamus rhizome;
• 2 parts peppermint leaves;
• 2 parts of valerian rhizome;
• 3 parts nettle leaves;
• 1 part buckthorn bark.

Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of this mixture. Place on low heat. After boiling, reduce the heat and leave on the stove for 10 minutes. Then turn off the gas, and let the broth stand under the lid for another 30 minutes. Drink the strained broth twice a day (morning and evening) 100 ml.

• 1 part calamus rhizome;
• 1 part thyme herb;
• 1 part mint leaves;
• 1 part rosemary herb;
• 1 part chamomile flowers;
• 1 part lavender.

Take 50 grams of this mixture of plants, pour two liters of boiling water, after boiling, keep on fire for 10 minutes, then turn off the stove. Leave for 30 minutes. After straining, pour the resulting healing aromatic decoction into a baby bath and bathe your baby in it for 15-20 minutes.

If you are vomiting, you can use a pre-prepared tincture. For it you will need 20 grams of calamus rhizomes crushed into powder and 100 ml of vodka. Preparation time: 14 days (in a dark cabinet). It should be taken orally before meals (20 minutes) three times a day, 20 drops. This tincture can be taken as a mouth rinse - a teaspoon per 100 ml of warm water.

Calamus preparations are appropriate for urolithiasis, hysteria, as well as for improving hearing, vision, memory, and preventing gum disease. If there is a bad odor from the oral cavity, rinse your mouth several times a day with an infusion prepared in this way: a tablespoon of crushed rhizomes is placed in a thermos, 250 ml of boiling water is poured. After two hours you can start filtering and rinsing.

When you suffer from heartburn, hold a little calamus root powder in your mouth (the amount that fits on the tip of a kitchen knife).

A problem familiar to many, you can also try to solve it with the help of calamus by preparing an infusion from it. Simply add a tablespoon of calamus root powder to a glass of water (cold). After 8 hours of such cold infusion, the strengthening agent will be ready. All you have to do is strain it. Rub this mixture three times a week into the roots of your hair. To achieve a good effect, such rubbing should be done for two months.

About contraindications

And now MirSovetov will warn readers about those cases when it is impossible to treat with this wonderful aromatic root:

1. For hypotension (it can further lower blood pressure).
2. For any bleeding.
3. In the acute phase of kidney inflammation or ulcers of the digestive system.
4. In case of individual intolerance to this rhizome.

You should be very careful when treating with calamus rhizome if you have increased gastric juice production. Then make a collection that will certainly contain those components that can suppress the increased production of hydrochloric acid. Avoid using calamus during pregnancy or lactation.

We hope that the information received about the medicinal properties of calamus root will help you use this rhizome if necessary, without resorting to the help of drugs created synthetically. And in order not to harm your health, always consult a herbalist and follow the dosage and rules for preparing medicinal forms from plants. In very small quantities, calamus root powder is used as a spice in the preparation of soup, sauces, stewed cabbage, meat, and fish.

Calamus, the medicinal properties of which will be discussed in this article, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in damp places, preferring quiet creeks, marshy meadows, banks of rivers, ponds and lakes. The roots of the plant are used for treatment in both traditional and folk medicine. Sometimes the stems and leaves of the plant are used.

Calamus marsh is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of the same name. The plant has a tall, erect, unbranched triangular stem, the height of which can reach up to 1.0-1.2 meters. The leaves are fleshy, bright green in color, and have a somewhat elongated, linear shape. The rhizome of calamus is branched and can be up to 3 centimeters in diameter.

The flowers are small, pale green or yellow, collected in dense conical or cylindrical spikes up to 12 centimeters long. The fruit is a leathery red or green berry with many seeds inside.

This plant is widespread in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Here it can be found in the European part, in the south of Siberia and up to the Far East.

The birthplace of this plant is considered to be India or China, from where it spread further throughout Asia.

It is believed that calamus came to us along with the offensive of the Tatar-Mongols, who brought it from China. According to legend, they threw pieces of calamus rhizomes into the swamps to disinfect the water so it would be safe to drink. People still call calamus “Tatar root” or “Tatar potion”.

In addition to medicinal uses, calamus is also used as a spicy aromatic plant instead of bay leaves, ginger and cinnamon.

Calamus marsh composition and beneficial properties

Our ancestors knew about the beneficial properties of calamus. This plant is a real storehouse of valuable biologically active substances. The following were found in the roots and leaves of calamus:

Tannins;

Glycosides;

Alkaloids;

Vitamins, including ascorbic acid;

Minerals;

Organic acids;

Essential oil.

Calamus essential oil contains a number of valuable sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, pinene, evengol, borneol, camphor, camphen and other compounds. It should be noted that the chemical composition of calamus depends on the place of growth.

Calamus marsh medicinal properties

Thanks to its rich chemical composition, calamus has many medicinal properties, including:

Anti-inflammatory;

Sedatives;

Wound healing;

Disinfectants;

Calming;

Tonic;

Vasodilators;

Expectorants;

Antispasmodic.

Preparations with calamus root are used to treat a number of both internal and external diseases. It is used in the form of an infusion, decoction, or crushed into powder to treat disorders of the digestive system, remove kidney stones, improve appetite, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

A decoction of calamus root is considered one of the effective treatments for various stomach diseases. These properties of calamus are given by the glycoside acorin, due to which the production of gastric juice is increased, appetite is improved and digestion is stimulated.

Preparations with calamus root improve bile secretion, which has a beneficial effect on liver function.

For diseases of the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts, an infusion of both the roots and leaves of the plant is used.

As an antipyretic and expectorant, it is used for:

Bronchitis;

Bronchial asthma;

Pneumonia;

Pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is useful for sexual dysfunction, as well as for:

Various mental disorders;

Convulsions;

Neurasthenia;

Throat disease;

Oral diseases.

Calamus helps improve memory. Plant root powder or chewing small pieces:

Tones the body;

Calms the nervous system;

Reduces the craving for smoking.

The powder is applied externally to wounds, boils and ulcers.

Lotions made from fresh juice or decoction are used for snake bites. You can take the juice orally.

As a disinfectant, a decoction of calamus root is used for cholera and typhoid. To prevent these diseases, it is recommended to chew the root of the plant.

In gynecology, preparations of this medicinal plant are used for:

Painful periods;

Colpitis;

Endometriosis;

Vaginitis;

A decoction or infusion of the roots is used in the form of douches or sitz baths.

Baths with roots and leaves help with arthritis, polyarthritis, and rheumatism.

Calamus root decoction

To prepare a decoction of calamus roots, take 3 tablespoons of crushed roots and brew 500 ml of boiling water. Boil over low heat for 30 minutes. Filter and drink 100-125 ml three times a day before meals.

For baths, a decoction is brewed using 300 grams of roots and 5 liters of water. Boil the poured raw material at low boil for 5 minutes and cool. Then strain and use for baths or trays.

Infusion of calamus leaves

The infusion is prepared by brewing a tablespoon of chopped herbs with one glass of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave for 30 minutes. Strain and take a tablespoon orally three times a day before meals.

Calamus tincture

The tincture is prepared with 70 percent alcohol or vodka. To prepare the tincture, take 2 tablespoons of crushed calamus roots and pour 500 ml of vodka. Close the container with a lid and leave in a dark place for 7-10 days. Shake the jar periodically.

Then filter and use as directed. For oral administration, 15 drops of tincture are diluted in a tablespoon of water.

For gargling, lotions, and washing wounds, dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in 100 ml of water.

When to collect and how to dry calamus

The best time to collect calamus root is early autumn from September to October. Firstly, as a rule, by this time the water level in the reservoir decreases. Secondly, the growing season ends and the plant accumulates the maximum amount of nutrients.

The dug up roots are thoroughly cleaned of soil, silt and other debris. At home, all accessory basal shoots and stems are cut off from the root. The root is washed and cut into small pieces approximately 10 to 20 centimeters long.

Dry it by spreading it in one layer in the shade and in a well-ventilated place. For better drying, the roots can be turned over several times. After a day, two dried roots can be cut into smaller pieces.

Dried raw materials are stored in cotton bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes. For use in cooking, raw materials can be stored in a tightly sealed jar or container.

Drying is allowed in special drying cabinets, ovens, and electric dryers for vegetables and fruits. The temperature is not higher than 60 degrees.

Leaves are harvested during the growing season. Also dry in the shade in a ventilated area.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications when calamus root cannot be used for treatment. Treatment with calamus preparations is not recommended for:

Pregnancy;

Bleeding of various etiologies;

Exacerbation of kidney diseases;

Low blood pressure;

Increased acidity of gastric juice;

Exacerbation of gastric ulcer.

It must be remembered that strongly brewed root or consumption in large quantities can lead to vomiting.

Calamus marsh use in folk medicine

Calamus has found very wide application in folk medicine. Herbalists recommend it:

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

To improve appetite;

Cold;

Sore throat;

Oral diseases;

Impotence;

Diseases of the lungs and throat.

Calamus marsh for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract

To improve digestion, brew a tablespoon of calamus root with 500 ml of boiling water and place on low heat or a water bath. Boil for 15 minutes, covering the container with a lid. Strain and take 150-170 ml three times a day half an hour before meals.

For heartburn, take 1/4 - 1/3 teaspoon of root powder with water.

If there is a decrease in appetite or anorexia, take a tablespoon of calamus root infusion three times a day, half an hour before meals. To prepare it, pour a tablespoon of crushed root into 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Then strain.

When you don’t have time to prepare an infusion, you can use an alcohol tincture of the root. It is also taken before meals, 15-20 drops, pre-diluted with water.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a decoction is prepared. To prepare it, take 4 grams (1 teaspoon of root 3.7 grams) of crushed calamus root and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Cover with a lid and place over low heat or water bath. Boil for 20-30 minutes and remove. Leave for another hour and strain.

Drink the decoction warm, half an hour before meals, 150-165 grams.

For constipation, calamus is used in combination with buckthorn, mint leaves, nettle, valerian and dandelion root. To prepare the mixture, take 2 tablespoons each of calamus root, buckthorn bark, nettle and mint, and 1 tablespoon each of valerian and dandelion root. Mix all the herbs thoroughly and brew 2 tablespoons of the mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water. Boil over low heat (or water bath) for 10 minutes. Cool slightly and strain. Take the decoction twice a day, 1/3 cup.

For flatulence, gastritis, stomach ulcers, colitis, diarrhea, poor appetite, heartburn: pour 1 tablespoon of crushed root into a thermos with 400-500 ml of boiling water and leave for 7 hours. Strain and drink half a glass three times a day before meals, warm.

During treatment, one must not forget that the daily dose of prepared drugs should not exceed 500 grams, so as not to cause nausea and vomiting.

Calamus for throat diseases

Calamus for teeth

If you have a toothache, you should rinse your mouth with an alcohol tincture solution. You can buy the tincture at the pharmacy or make it yourself using 70 percent alcohol or vodka.

For periodontal disease, caries, and toothache, traditional healers recommend rinsing your mouth with an infusion or decoction of calamus roots and herbs. To prepare the infusion, pour 300 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of roots. Leave for two hours. Before use, the decoction must be heated to a comfortable temperature.

Calamus for impotence

Use a vodka tincture prepared from one part of calamus roots and 10 parts of vodka. The tincture is infused for at least two weeks in a dark place. Take 30 drops diluted with water three times a day half an hour before meals.

Calamus for nervous disorders and diseases

For convulsions, memory loss, and hysteria, take a tincture prepared from one part of calamus root and 5 parts of vodka, which must be infused for two weeks. Take 15-30 drops, pre-diluted with water three times a day.

This tincture can be taken to improve vision, indigestion, gastritis with low acidity, and diarrhea.

Calamus marsh in gynecology

In folk medicine, calamus root is often used for various pathologies of the female genital area. It helps cope with the side effects of menopause.

For hormonal disorders and hot flashes associated with the onset of menopause, it is recommended to drink a decoction of calamus roots. It is prepared as follows. Pour 100 grams of crushed calamus root into a thermos with one liter of cold boiled water. Leave for 8 hours. Then pour the infusion into a saucepan and place in a water bath for half an hour. Cool and strain. Drink 1 glass of decoction twice a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days.

This decoction can be drunk in case of fatigue and increased sweating, which often accompany a woman during this difficult period of life.

In addition, root powder helps with menopause. It is taken three times a day, a teaspoon, with water.

A decoction prepared from 3 teaspoons of crushed root and 400 ml of water normalizes sleep and improves brain function. You need to boil it over low heat for 15 minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink half a glass three times a day before meals.

For douching for gonorrhea and other inflammatory diseases, prepare a decoction of 2 tablespoons of crushed root and 0.5 liters of hot water. Leave for an hour.

Calamus for the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases

For pneumonia: 6 grams of crushed roots (about 1.5 teaspoons), pour 200 ml of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 30 minutes. Strain and add the broth to the original volume. Drink 2 tablespoons three times a day after meals.

This decoction can be drunk for rheumatism, worms, anemia, and menstrual irregularities.

For coughs and tuberculosis, a tincture prepared from 50 grams of calamus roots and 500 ml of vodka helps. Take 1 tablespoon, diluted with water, once a day.

For anemia, gallbladder diseases, urolithiasis: brew 1 tablespoon of the root in a thermos with 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Strain and drink the infusion throughout the day, dividing it into three equal portions. The course of treatment is 21 days. Then, after a 2-week break, treatment can be repeated.

The use of calamus root in cosmetology

A decoction of calamus roots and herbs was traditionally used to rinse hair. This rinse helps prevent hair loss, baldness, and strengthens the hair roots. A decoction is prepared from the roots, stems or leaves. Pour one tablespoon of raw material into 0.5 liters of boiling water and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Rinse your hair with the decoction 3 times a week.

Why is calamus beneficial? Find out more about the medicinal properties of the plant in the video.

An adult plant reaches a height of about 120 cm, has a flattened stem with a one-sided sharp edge, pointed sword-shaped leaves and small green flowers collected in a spadix.

Only calamus roots have healing properties. By the way, the rhizome of this plant is branched, which allows you to collect a lot of raw materials. Its main habitat is swamps, banks of rivers and lakes, and meadows.

How to collect and store calamus roots

As already mentioned, only the root of the plant has healing properties. The collection of raw materials usually falls in the fall (September-October). This period is characterized by a decrease in water levels in reservoirs, which greatly facilitates the process. During collection, the plant is completely dug up, the root is cleaned of silt and soil, separated from the stem and adventitious roots and washed. The peeled and dried root is cut into pieces of 10-20 cm and left in a ventilated area (not in direct sunlight) for some time. When the raw material has dried a little, it is peeled and dried, spread out in as thin a layer as possible. Let us remind you that the sun's rays should not fall on it, and air should constantly circulate in the room. Store ready-made medicinal raw materials in canvas or paper bags.

Calamus root: medicinal properties

This plant has been known for its healing properties for a long time. Our great-grandfathers also prepared alcoholic tinctures and infusions from its roots to treat the stomach and nervous system, as well as powders for external use in inflammatory processes. Calamus roots contain tannins, esters, acarine, ascorbic acid, calamine alkaloid, and starch. Thanks to such a rich composition, it is successfully used to treat inflammation (both internal and external), stomach and duodenal ulcers, diarrhea and other disorders in the digestive system. Also, products with this root help remove kidney stones and increase appetite. Does calamus root have any side effects? Reviews from hypotensive patients suggest that it should be used with caution: it helps lower blood pressure. It is also not recommended to use it for a long time: it contains a small amount of b-asarone, which tends to accumulate in the body and adversely affect some organs and even systems.

Recipes using calamus root

• For intestinal diseases, treatment with a decoction of rice (2 tablespoons) and calamus root (10 g) is quite effective. To prepare, rice cereal and crushed calamus root are poured into 400 ml of cold water (2 cups) and boiled for 20 minutes. The cooled and strained broth is drunk instead of food at least 3 times a day. The general course of treatment is 2 days.
• To prepare a healing infusion, take 3 parts of dried rowan fruits and 1 part of crushed calamus root. One spoon of this raw material is poured into a glass of water, infused for an hour, and then brought to a boil, infused and cooled. This miracle remedy should be taken half a glass three times a day before meals.
• Calamus roots are useful for inflammation of the gums and oral cavity. In such cases, prepare an infusion from a teaspoon of raw materials and 1.5 cups of boiling water. The raw material is infused for 2 hours, and immediately before the rinsing procedure it is heated.
• To treat coughs and even tuberculosis, calamus vodka is prepared: the roots (50 g) are infused with alcohol (0.5 l). Before use, the mixture is diluted with warm water so that it is not so strong. You should drink vodka no more than once a day, but this is enough to improve the patient’s condition.
• Externally, calamus root is used together with

Calamus marsh– a herbaceous plant, a representative of the Calamus family. Its homeland is considered to be India, China, East and South Asia. It is also widespread in Europe, where this marsh plant was brought by the Arabs. And it came to Ukraine thanks to the Tatars.

There is a legend that the Tatars carried calamus rhizome with them as a means of disinfecting water. This is even fixed in the name of the plant, which is also known as the “Tatar potion”. The official name Acoruc comes from a Greek phrase meaning “plant with a fragrant root.” Moreover, it is the calamus rhizome that has many medicinal properties. It is interesting that the plant does not pollinate in a foreign land, since only in its homeland there are insects that are capable of doing this. In other countries, calamus does not form fruits and reproduces using the root, that is, vegetatively.

The plant grows in swamps, the banks of reservoirs, loves damp and marshy places, as evidenced by its name. For a long time, calamus was used for various rituals. Its roots were dried and used for incense for religious purposes. Incense and medicinal ointments were also made from it. The Tatars learned to use the antibacterial properties of the plant to purify water. To do this, they planted rhizomes, which they brought with them, into nearby reservoirs.

Calamus was also used by doctors of Ancient Greece and Rome, and Finnish traders brought them valuable raw materials. In Europe, the first dried calamus root appeared in the 16th century. An Italian doctor bought it from the German ambassador. The Viennese botanist Clausis was the first to grow calamus from pieces of rhizomes. He spread the wonderful plant to most botanical gardens in Europe, after which calamus began to be found in many countries. Additional information on this plant is in the video below.

Collection and storage

The root of calamus is harvested for medicinal purposes. It is a reddish outside and white inside process approximately the thickness of a human finger (see photo). The root consists of many branches and has a very pleasant aroma. This part of the plant is harvested in early spring or autumn. At this time, the water level in reservoirs decreases, so the rhizome can be pulled out of the silt without much effort.

To begin with, the root is dried a little in the open air and then harvested. To do this, the roots are thoroughly cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in special dryers. The bark is also not thrown away, but thinly sliced ​​and dried in a cool room. The plant should be dried at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees, since exposure to high temperatures destroys essential oils and other biologically active substances. The leaves of the grass are collected in July-August. Dried raw materials should break easily in your hands, which indicates its readiness. Store it in paper bags for up to 3 years.

Growing: planting and care

Growing calamus is possible both in open ground and indoors. Having decided to cultivate this plant, you should thoroughly study the specifics of planting and care. This is exactly what will be discussed in this section of the article.

Transplantation and propagation of plants is carried out by dividing the mother rhizome. To do this, it is carefully disassembled into sections, in which the kidney must be clearly identified. The plant should be planted so that the pieces of rhizome are laid horizontally. This will form a good shoot and a healthy root.

Plants in open ground should be protected from severe frosts. For the winter, calamus can be hidden in the basement or brought into the home, but there it must be provided with proper conditions.

Medicinal properties

The medicinal properties of calamus are due to its composition. The rhizome of the plant is rich in essential oils, bitters, alkaloids, starch, and resin. Contains tannins, choline, vitamins.

Calamus essential oil is produced on an industrial scale. It is a viscous dark liquid with a characteristic aroma. It is recommended to combine the unpleasant smell of the oil with other essential oils, thus obtaining an equally useful oil composition. Complementary oils are patchouli, lavender, cedar, frankincense, myrtle, cinnamon, and all citrus oils. Essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an antiseptic. It has proven itself in the treatment of periodontal disease and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Calamus has a positive effect on mental balance and is used to treat hysteria and apathy. In gynecology, the oil is used for douching, as well as for problematic menstruation and menopause.

Calamus essential oil is great for hair and skin care. When applied to the skin, the oil has an irritating effect, which has a beneficial effect on hair growth and also strengthens it well. The oil has excellent healing properties, which allows it to be used to treat wounds, cracks, and purulent ulcers. Calamus is indicated for the care of sensitive skin: it relieves irritation and has bactericidal properties. To strengthen your hair, you should rinse it with a decoction of this plant. The decoction can be taken orally for lichen, while simultaneously wiping the affected areas with it.

The healing properties of this amazing plant will help restore male strength. To do this, 100 grams of the root are infused in vodka for several weeks in a dark place. The finished product is taken 30 ml 3 times a day. This tincture, if used correctly, will definitely help. cure impotence.

Use in cooking

In cooking, calamus is known as a spicy and aromatic seasoning. Its aroma resembles the smell of roses, citrus fruits, and it tastes tart. This plant is used in the preparation of canned fish, sweets, and in the alcoholic beverage industry.

When making sweets, calamus root is often used in candied form. It replaces expensive spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Candied rhizome can be prepared at home. To do this, you need to peel and cut the calamus root into small pieces and boil it in sugar syrup, then dry it and put it in a jar, sprinkling it with sugar. In this form, calamus is added to puddings, pastries, and cookies. The aroma of this plant goes well with fruit drinks, jelly, compotes, and juices. The resulting candied fruits are served with tea as a separate dish or used to decorate dessert dishes. The dried root is a traditional spice for Indian and Islamic cuisine.

Jam from this plant is prepared as an original delicacy. The root is dug up and soaked in cold water for 3 days. This water must be changed every day. Next, the rhizomes are cleaned and left in water for another night. In the morning, the rhizome is boiled several times, constantly changing the water so that the bitterness goes away. The root is then placed in a container of cold water. After boiling it a second time, the root is left in cold water until the morning, changing the water from time to time. After this, the calamus is cut into small pieces and filled with water, changing it as often as possible until all the bitterness is gone. The root is carefully transferred to a napkin so that it absorbs all the moisture. Next, prepare syrup from 800 grams of sugar and a glass of water. Add calamus to the boiled syrup and cook it over low heat, making sure that the jam does not burn. After the syrup thickens, the calamus is transferred to a dish and sprinkled with sugar. When the root has cooled, you can transfer the jam into a glass jar.

When preparing hot dishes, chopped rhizome is added a few minutes before cooking. In soups and main courses, calamus can be used instead of bay leaves and ginger. Dried calamus goes especially well with meat dishes. Fried meat with the addition of rhizomes turns out simply incomparable. Calamus gives fish dishes an original spicy aroma and a slight bitterness.

Some housewives also use the leaves of the plant, adding them to fresh salads, which become even more vitamin-rich.

Benefits of calamus and treatment

The benefits of the plant are known in folk medicine. In China, it is used as a tonic and antipyretic.

Calamus has a positive effect on the condition of people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Decoctions reduce gas formation in the intestines and help digestion. This plant is often included in herbal preparations to normalize digestion. The decoction gently relieves intestinal colic – paroxysmal pain in the intestines. It also helps improve liver function and the removal of bile, which is indicated for diseases of the gallbladder and liver. Based on calamus, the pharmaceutical industry produces a number of drugs that are intended for the treatment of gastritis, ulcers, as well as kidney and gallstone disease.

When used externally, the plant is effective for toothache, as well as inflammation of the oral cavity and larynx. Calamus extract is often added to toothpastes because it helps fight bad breath and takes good care of gums. The powder is used to sprinkle on wounds for speedy healing. It is also effective for toothache and colds. Pieces of calamus rhizome are chewed for scurvy. The plant protects tooth enamel from destruction and strengthens gums. Calamus is also an ancient remedy for getting rid of tobacco addiction. A person who wants to quit smoking should chew pieces of the rhizome of this plant: they strengthen the gag reflex, which helps in the fight against this bad habit.

Harm of calamus and contraindications

The plant can cause harm to the body if there is individual intolerance; the contraindication for use is appropriate. Doctors include the following conditions and human diseases as contraindications for the use of calamus internally::

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• disruption of the digestive system;
• gastritis with high acidity;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
• poor blood clotting;
• renal failure;
• low blood pressure, as well as dystonia;
• individual intolerance.

Overdose or neglect of contraindications can harm the human body. The first signs indicating the need to exclude calamus are indigestion and accompanying heaviness in the stomach, nausea and loose stools. In severe cases, severe nosebleeds and bronchospasms may occur. If such symptoms occur, you should seek medical help..

If the drug based on calamus is used in the form of compresses and rubbing, then the only condition for the need for urgent withdrawal is allergic manifestations that have arisen during the use of the product, which are characterized by a rash and redness at the site of application.