Calamus also known as sweet flag, is a perennial herb with long creeping and aromatic rhizomes or underground stems sprouting leaves. The flowering shoots of the plant are supported by a large leaf like structure called spathe. It has pale green small flowers, 5 to 10 cm long cylindric spikes and yellowish fruits. The dried rhizome of the plant constitutes the drug calamus and is used in medicine.
The dried rhizome of calamus contains calamen, calamenos, calameon and asarone. Indian calameon contains asarone, small amounts of sesquiterpenes alcohols. The odor of the oil is ascribed to an unidentified constitute. The leaves contain oxalic acid and calcium.
Healing Power
The rhizomes are of great medicinal value. The root stock of the plant is an aromatic stimulant, bitter tonic and expectorant. It relieves flatulence, counteracts spasmodic disorders and induces vomiting. It regulates menstrual periods. It is also laxative, diuretic and aphrodisiac.
Stomach Disorders
Calamus gives relief to heavy stomach by relieving flatulence colic, and increasing appetite. The burnt root mixed with some bland oil such as refined coconut oil or poultice of the root may be applied over the abdomen in treatment.
Diarrhea and Dysentery
The drug is a time tested remedy and is an ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines for chronic diarrhea. It is also effective in chronic dysentery, due to presence of tannins. Its infusion can be given suffering from these ailments.
Asthma
Calamus is highly beneficial in the treatment of asthma. It removes catarrhal matter and phlegm from bronchial tubes. About 65 centigram of the herb is taken every 2 to 3 hours in this condition.
Common cold
The herb is also useful in treating common cold. A small piece of rhizomes is roasted and powdered. A pinch of this powder is taken with honey provides great relief. For infants, the paste of calamus mixed in breast milk is touched in baby’s tongue. Another convenient method of giving medicine to infants is to apply a little paste on the mother’s nipple.
Whooping Cough
The powder of the roasted herb is effective remedy for children suffering from whopping cough. A pinch of this powder can be given with honey. Being antispasmodic, it prevents the severe bouts of coughing. For smaller children, the dose must be proportionately smaller.
Intestinal worms
Calamus is effective in expelling intestinal worms. The powdered root is taken for this purpose.
Mouth disorders
The herb is useful in treating mouth ulcers, coating on tongue and rawness, that is, inflammation of the skin. A small piece of the herb should be rubbed on the tongue to obtain relief.
No comments:
Post a Comment