Calamus root: application and useful properties. Calamus root: use for various diseases, consequences of an overdose

Calamus calamus or common calamus is a herbaceous perennial medicinal plant from the Calamus family, whose homeland is considered to be the countries of South Asia, India, and China. Today, thanks to man, this plant is common in wet coastal areas, near rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps and other bodies of water in Russia, Europe, America and Brazil. It has been known since ancient times and has been used as a spice in cooking and as a remedy for various diseases of the internal organs, eyes, to disinfect wounds and ulcers on the skin, to prevent typhoid fever and cholera. Quite widely, calamus is used today in folk and traditional medicine, is part of various herbal preparations. The plant has many other names, for example, calamus reed, yaver, Tatar potion, irny root, water grass, killer whale, Tatar cinquefoil.

Botanical description

Calamus marsh is an unpretentious plant. Reproduction is carried out vegetatively with the help of fragments and cuttings of rhizomes. It suits well-moistened soil with a high content of sand, peat, silt. It forms extensive thickets, which may include impurities of horsetails, sedges, reeds, if these plants are also present in places where calamus grows.

The bright green leaves of calamus are hard to the touch, have an elongated shape with a sharp, slightly curved top, their width is 2–4 cm, and their length is 60–100 cm. their side branches. The stem of the green plant is erect, triangular, starting from the top of the root. The length can be the same as the leaves or slightly less.

Inflorescences, which are conical cylindrical cobs with pimples, are arranged obliquely on the stem. Their length is 4 - 14 cm, and the diameter is up to 1 cm. At the base of the cob there is a long covering leaf, which is a cover with a deep groove. The flowering period of calamus is in the second half of May - mid-July. The flowers are small, bisexual, greenish-yellow in color, closely adjacent to each other on the cob. The fruits are multi-seeded dry red berries of an oblong shape.

The rhizome of the plant spreads horizontally along the soil surface or at a depth of up to 10 cm. It has a sinuous structure and is attached to the soil with the help of numerous downwardly directed cord-like white roots 40–50 cm long, which are arranged in a zigzag pattern in one row. Outside, the rhizome is covered with a greenish-brown crust and the remains of leaf sheaths, inside it is white. Its thickness is approximately 3 cm in diameter, and its length is up to 150 cm.

Chemical composition

The widespread use of calamus in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases is due to the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds in its rhizomes. Among them:

essential oil;
phytoncides;
organic acids (acoric, valeric, palmitic, acetic);
glycosides (acorin, lucenion);
bitterness (acoretin);
alkaloids (calamine);
resins;
tannins;
mucus and gums;
starch (up to 20%);
vitamins and minerals.

The amount of essential oil in the rhizomes can reach 5%, in addition, it is also found in the leaves. It contains a complex set of chemical compounds, including terpenoids (camphor, borneol, azaron, acarone), terpenes (pinene, camphene, etc.). It is isolated by distillation of crushed raw materials with water vapor.

Interesting: Calamus rhizomes have a pronounced specific pleasant spicy smell, which is due to the presence of azarylaldehyde in their composition.

Medicinal properties

Means from the rhizomes of calamus are used to improve appetite and digestion, for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, diarrhea, gastritis), liver, gallbladder, respiratory organs, genitourinary and nervous systems, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, skin lesions. They exhibit the following medicinal properties:

have a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect;
facilitate the discharge of sputum;
increase the secretion of gastric juice;
reduce heartburn;
increase bile secretion and diuresis;
reduce excitability in mental illness;
promote the healing of festering wounds and ulcers on the skin;
have antispasmodic and vasodilating effects;
have a tonic effect in case of depression of the central nervous system;
reduce pain in diseases of the joints (rheumatism, arthritis, gout) and toothache;
strengthen gums and tooth enamel;
improve the condition of the hair;
increase libido and sexual activity.

In official medicine, preparations with calamus rhizome powder are prescribed to patients for the treatment of peptic ulcer (Vikalin and Vikair), and with calamus oil for the prevention and treatment of kidney and gallstone disease (Enatin, Olimetin).

Collection and preparation of raw materials

In folk medicine, rhizomes of calamus are used for the preparation of medicinal products, less often - leaves. The rhizomes are harvested in early spring or autumn when the water level drops. To do this, they are pulled out of the soil using a rake or pitchfork, thoroughly cleaned of soil residues and other impurities, cut off the remaining leaves and thin roots extending down. Then they are washed with cold water and dried for several days on the street, after which they are cut into pieces up to about 20 cm long and dried in the open air under a canopy, spreading them on paper in a single layer, or in special dryers, strictly controlling the temperature. If the thickness of the rhizome exceeds 3 cm, then before drying it is also split lengthwise into two halves. In some cases, calamus rhizomes are harvested in a form peeled from the bark, and it is cleaned off immediately after drying before drying.

Rhizomes are considered completely dried if, when trying to bend them, they do not bend, but break easily. At the break, they should have a whitish-pink color. Dried raw materials can be stored in sealed jars in a dry, ventilated place for 2 to 3 years.

Important: Drying of calamus rhizomes should be carried out at a temperature of no more than 35 ° C in order to prevent the evaporation of valuable essential oil and, for this reason, the decrease in the quality of medicinal raw materials.

Application methods

In folk medicine, decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures are prepared from calamus rhizomes, juice is squeezed out, used in a dry state in the form of a crushed powder, or simply chewed in small pieces. Medicines from it can be used both internally and externally. Water infusions or decoctions of the plant are used for baths, rinses, washes, douches, lotions.

Tincture for sexual weakness

Dried roots (100 g) of calamus are poured into 1 liter of vodka to increase potency, infused in a dark place, shaking occasionally. After 14 days, filter. Drink 30 ml in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Also prepared in this way, the tincture helps with cholecystitis and kidney stones.

Compress from nail fungus

Mix 10 g of burdock roots and calamus rhizomes, 5 g of calendula flowers. Pour the herbal mixture with sunflower oil and leave in a dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. The resulting mixture makes compresses on the affected areas of the nail plates twice a day for a month.

This remedy from the rhizomes of calamus is effective in the treatment of fungus not only on the nails, but also on other parts of the body.

Baths for diseases of the joints

Finely chopped calamus rhizomes (4 tablespoons) are placed in a saucepan, pour 2 liters of boiling water and boil for 20 minutes, then leave for half an hour and filter. Baths are made with the resulting decoction at night. The treatment course is 10 - 12 procedures.

Hair products

Calamus is effective for hair in case of hair loss, section, dandruff formation, increased fat content.

In case of hair loss, they are strengthened with the help of lotions and rubbing with an infusion of the rhizomes of the plant. To prepare it, add 200 ml of boiling water to 13 g of crushed raw materials and insist for half an hour.

A decoction is used to fight dandruff. Pour 25 g of calamus rhizomes with a liter of water and boil for a quarter of an hour, after which it is filtered. The product is rubbed into the scalp and kept for 20 minutes. Then the hair is rinsed with the rest of the decoction and dried naturally. Rinse off the decoction with clean water after rinsing is not necessary.

For people with oily hair, it is useful to wipe them with the following lotion. Chopped calamus rhizomes (25 g) are poured into ½ liter of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 3 minutes and filtered. Add 15 ml of vinegar, freshly squeezed juice of a whole lemon, 40 ml of calendula tincture to the broth and mix.

With fragility and cross-section of hair, a decoction of burdock roots and rhizomes of calamus is rubbed into the scalp. According to 2 tbsp. l. each type of raw material is placed in a saucepan, pour 1 ½ liters of water and boil for 20 minutes. Infuse for 6 hours, filter and use as directed.

Warning: With prolonged use, infusions and decoctions of calamus cane can lighten hair!

Remedies for diseases of the oral cavity

Calamus marsh for teeth and gums is used in the form of rinses and lotions.

With toothache, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, rinse with infusion of calamus rhizomes. Finely chopped raw materials (4 g) are poured into 1 ½ cups of boiling water and infused for 2 hours, filtered and used warm up to 5 times a day.

With toothache, lotions with vodka tincture of calamus rhizomes are effective. To prepare it, 100 ml of vodka is added to 20 g of crushed raw materials, mixed and left for a week in a warm place, shaking from time to time, then filtered. The resulting tincture is impregnated with a piece of cotton wool and applied to the aching tooth.

Powdered dried calamus rhizome can be added to toothpaste. One brushing of teeth will require 500 mg of powder. This tool helps with periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums, diseases of the teeth. To strengthen the gums, you can simply chew the calamus rhizome, but for some, this treatment can provoke a gag reflex.

Contraindications

In addition to the medicinal properties, calamus also has contraindications, which you must definitely familiarize yourself with before starting its use, and consult about the possibility of using this remedy in each specific case. Such contraindications of the irny root include.

I present to your attention information about such a medicinal plant as calamus root.

Calamus (Acorus calamus)- coastal aquatic perennial herbaceous plant from the family Calamus (Acoraceae).

Other names- calamus reed, calamus marsh, calamus root, Tatar grass.

The natural habitat of calamus is the shores of lakes, ponds, rivers and other bodies of water, swamps, shallow waters with stagnant water. Often there are continuous thickets of calamus, almost without other plants.

Calamus is a very common plant. In all regions where calamus grows, people use it for medicinal purposes, the use of which gives an excellent healing effect.

Chemical composition

Calamus rhizomes contain about 5% essential oil, which includes a number of sesquiterpenes - azaron, β-pinene (1%), β-calamen (10%), calamenon, calamendiol, isocalamendiol, sesquiterpene alcohol calameol, and also D- camphene (7%), D-camphor (8.7%), borneol (3%), eugenol, methyleugenol, caryophyllene, element, curcumene, proazulene, acorone, isoacorone, acolamon, calarene, neocarone, acetic and valeric acids, phytoncides and other substances. The content of essential oil in diploid plants averages 2.2%, in triploid - 3.1%, in tetraploid - 6.8%.

The main component of the essential oil is asarone, a derivative of phenylpropane. It exists as two isomers: β-azarone (cis) and α-azarone (trans), usually their total content in the essential oil is about 10%. Nevertheless, the essential oil of certain varieties of calamus contains up to 75% β-azarone. Oil obtained from triploid and especially tetraploid plants contains up to 90% β-azarone. The essential oil of the diploid variety Acorus calamus var. americanus Raf. practically devoid of β-azarone.

In addition to the essential oil, in the calamus rhizomes, a plant-specific bitter glycoside acorin, bitterness acoretin, as well as the glycoside lucenion, calamine alkaloid, tannins - catechin tannins, resins, mucus, acoric acid, (up to 150 mg%) and palmitic acid, starch (up to 20%), iodine (1.2-1.9 mg%). The odor carrier is azarinaldehyde.

In medicine, calamus rhizome is used for many diseases. Some of them:

Pathology of the digestive system

circulatory system

genitourinary system

- urolithiasis with urate stones;
— ;
- impotence;
- violations of menstruation;
- endometritis;

Leather

- pustular diseases;
- wounds;
- ulcers;

Chronic diseases of the joints;

Hemorrhagic diathesis.

Calamus root is used as an aromatic, analgesic, tonic of the central nervous system (CNS) and increases the secretion of gastric contents, with low acidity. It is used for treatment, as an expectorant, disinfectant, as well as for scurvy (rinsing the mouth with alcohol tincture), for scrofula, rickets, etc.

With bowel diseases. 2 tbsp. spoons of washed rice and 10 g of chopped calamus rhizomes pour 2 cups of water and boil for 20 minutes. Strain and drink warm 3-4 times a day for 0.5 cups instead of meals for 1 day.

With exacerbation of peptic ulcer. Take equally calamus rhizomes, watch leaves, sweet clover herbs, St. John's wort, cudweed, Icelandic moss, flowers. 12 g of this collection is poured into 400 ml of cold water, and set for 15 minutes in a water bath. Leave for 1 hour and drink 1/3 cup between meals.

With violations of menstrual function. Take equal parts calamus root, oregano, cinquefoil, sage, horsetail and flax seeds. Pour 10 g of the collection with 400 ml of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes over low heat. Insist 2 hours. Drink 4 times.

With pustular skin lesions. Calamus rhizomes, heather shoots, herbs and juniper fruits, pine buds, harrow roots - all equally. We take 8 g per 350 ml of very hot water and leave for 2 hours, then bring to a boil, but do not boil. Cool, drink everything 4 times before meals.

With impotence. Calamus root, periwinkle leaves, sage, immortelle flowers, mordovnik, knotweed grass, centaury, cinquefoil, motherwort, roots, eleutherococcus, orchis tubers, fennel fruits and take equally. For 12 g of the collection, we need 500 ml of warm water. Bring to a boil and let it brew for 2 hours in a warm place. Take 4 times a day for ½ cup half an hour after meals.

With hepatitis. Take in equal parts calamus root, immortelle and. For 1 st. We take a spoonful of collection 1 glass of water. Boil 5 minutes. Take 0.5 cup 3-4 times a day before meals.

With myoma. 1 st. mix a spoonful of dried calamus root powder (or 2 tablespoons of fresh root) with 50 ml of juice and 50 g of honey. Insist 3 days. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day before meals.

Calamus root preparations

- pharmacy collection of calamus rhizomes packing 100 grams;
- tablets "" for the treatment of stomach ulcers and;
- Vikair tablets for the treatment of the same ailments.

Contraindications for taking calamus root

Cannot be accepted:

- during pregnancy;

- with high acidity of gastric juice. In case of emergency, you can enter it into carefully balanced collections, which include herbs that extinguish the increased secretion of hydrochloric acid;

- with acute inflammation of the kidneys;

- in the acute phase of gastric ulcer;

- with individual intolerance.

Calamus overdose

In case of an overdose, an increase in stool and a change in its color (black or dark green) may appear. When calamus is canceled, everything goes away, no special measures need to be taken.

Calamus Root Video

Calamus is a medicinal plant valued for its qualities in the treatment of rheumatism and. This herb belongs to the Aronnikov family. It was originally found in the Himalayas, later the shrub migrated to India and Europe. At first, it was used only as a food supplement. After the discovery of useful qualities, they began to be widely used in medicine.

General information about calamus

Calamus is a herbaceous plant that reaches considerable heights. The shrub grows for more than one year, therefore it is deservedly considered perennial.

The leaves of a representative of the family are oblong, with a sharp tip, stretching in length up to 1 meter. The root system is a creeping root that produces a mass of secondary shoots, which subsequently form new shrubs.

A dense stem emerges from the upper part of the root. A peduncle develops on it. It has the appearance of an ear, on which small flowers of a green color with a yellowish tone are formed.

Completely the entire shrub - and foliage, and flowers, and the stem emit a pleasant aroma, vaguely reminiscent of cinnamon.

Calamus blooms in late June and until mid-July. The flowering period symbolizes the beginning of the collection of foliage. It is customary to collect the root for medicinal purposes at the following points:

In late autumn, when all nutrients are concentrated in the root system.
In early spring - after the awakening of the shrub, when all the forces of the plant were activated to start active growth.

To use the plant for medicinal purposes, its parts must be dried in a specific way:

Foliage - in a suspended form or by spreading it on a sheet of parchment in one layer. The room should be well ventilated, without direct sunlight.
- washed, peeled, cut into small pieces and dried in a similar way as leaf plates.

Thus, calamus is a valuable shrub that allows you to positively affect the body. But for medicinal use, it should be carefully prepared.

Chemical composition

Calamus is rich in its beneficial substances, trace elements and vitamins. Its chemical composition provides useful qualities that are used both for traditional medicine recipes and for the production of medicines by pharmaceutical companies.

The composition of the root of the plant is the richest, it contains the following components:

tannins
essential oils (5%) - camora, azaron, elemen, borneol, kalamenone, sesquiterpene alcohol, eugenol
acorin glycoside
alkaloid calamine
iodine in the amount of 1.3-1.9 mg
palm, acoric, valeric, acetic and ascorbic acid - the latter in the amount of 150 mg
phytoncide
starch
resin

Medicinal properties of the root

In medicine, the beneficial properties of rhizomes have been known for a long time. Medicines based on this component help with a large number of diseases:

cholecystitis, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis
gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis
sinusitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis
sore throat, laryngitis, influenza
depression, stress, neurosis
skin diseases
varicose veins, hypertension, thrombophlebitis
impotence, changes in the menstrual cycle,

Influencing the body, medicines made from calamus roots have the following medicinal properties:

normalizes visual clarity
regenerates the skin
improves digestion and improves intestinal motility
has calming qualities
acts as a diuretic
helps as an expectorant
has a disinfecting effect
used as an anti-inflammatory agent
helps to quit smoking
contributes to the normalization of metabolism

In most cases, a decoction and tincture of alcohol are used. In addition, rinsing the mouth with infusion on the roots has an effective result. This procedure allows you to prevent the occurrence of diseases of the nasopharynx and eliminate unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Recipes for medicinal purposes

Calamus root is such a useful remedy that it is used both in the early stages of the disease and in the later stages of the course of the disease. The most effective recipes created on the basis of plant rhizomes are distinguished:

Mankind has long known the beneficial properties of calamus root. Another Eastern sage, physician and philosopher, Avicenna used the rhizome of the plant to treat diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys and urinary tract. And the Tibetan sages valued the root for its ability to heal colds, coughs, and psychological disorders. Today, the plant is actively used in both traditional and folk medicine. I found calamus application in cosmetology. In this material, you will learn how to independently use all the properties of calamus.

Chemical composition

The composition of calamus includes:

Vitamin C;
Tannins;
Essential oil;
Various resins;
Glycosides and alkaloids;
Valeric acids;
Various vitamins and minerals.

The plant is of the greatest interest due to the high content of iodine (about 1.9 milligrams) and the unique composition of the essential oil. The composition of the essential oil includes azaron, calamen, pinene, camphor, borneol, curcumin and other substances. In addition, it contains acetic and valeric acids, phytoncides, isocorone and acorone.

Beneficial features

Due to its composition, the plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, it stimulates the excretion of bile and improves liver function. It also has powerful antiseptic, bacteriostatic, fungistatic and antimicrobial properties. .

In certain senses, calamus can be seen as natural antibiotic. They are treated with acute respiratory diseases, inflammation of the teeth and gums, as well as inflammation of the urinary tract.

But on this, the beneficial properties of the miracle plant do not end there. Due to vitamin A, calamus improves eyesight and treats eye diseases.

The plant is also excellent at lowering pressure, strengthening the heart muscle and treating varicose veins. It is impossible not to mention the tonic effect of calamus. It energizes, calms and even helps with depression, nervous and psychological exhaustion.

Naturally, thanks to a lot of useful properties, the plant is used both in folk and traditional medicine. The plant can often be found in various herbal preparations and medicines for the treatment of diseases of the stomach, intestines, kidneys and liver.

The use of calamus in folk medicine

Calamus has found a fairly wide application in folk medicine. All parts of the plant are used, whether it be leaves, rhizome or flowers. However, the most widely used medicines based on the root of the plant.

Decoctions and infusions from the rhizome treat teeth, gums, inflammation of the respiratory tract, diseases of the stomach, liver, intestines, and also treat nail fungus.

Alcohol tincture and is completely a universal remedy, which, among other things, is used in the treatment of eye diseases and improving vision.

Calamus preparations reduce pressure, activate the process of digestion and increase the separation of sputum. The plant can also be used to disinfect wounds and speed up the healing process.

dried and powdered roots are used as a natural deodorant, and when fresh, they are used to disinfect water.

With angina

Decoctions and infusions based on calamus are popular remedies for the treatment of sore throats. Thanks to its expectorant, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties, the plant will greatly alleviate your suffering.

Broth for rinsing with angina prepared as follows :

We take the crushed calamus rhizome and crushed oak bark and mix them in a one-to-one ratio;
Pour two tablespoons of the mixture with a liter of boiling water;
Boil the mixture for fifteen minutes;
Add to the broth one tablespoon and;
We insist the broth for half an hour, after which we gargle.

For potency

Since ancient times, men have used calamus to enhance potency, sexual desire, as well as to improve the quality and quantity of semen. For optimal results, a plant-based tincture is suitable.

To make calamus tincture for potency

We take 100 grams of crushed calamus rhizomes and fill them with a liter of vodka or 70% alcohol;
We tightly close the vessel and put it in a dark, cool place;
We regularly shake the contents of the vessel for two weeks;
After two weeks, we filter the tincture and take 30 drops three times a day, half an hour before meals;
The course of treatment with this tincture is three weeks.

For heartburn

With heartburn, an infusion of calamus helps a lot. In addition, the infusion will favorably affect the digestion process.

To prepare heartburn infusion based on calamus, we proceed as follows:

We take one third of a teaspoon of crushed calamus rhizomes;
Pour the rhizomes with half a glass of warm water;
Let the mixture brew for ten minutes, then drink;
For greater effect, it is advisable to drink the infusion ten minutes before meals. The course of treatment is a month, after which it can be beaten in six months.

With an attack of heartburn, you can chew a small piece of calamus root and drink it with water.

From the fungus

With nail fungus, you can use baths based on calamus. This is a very effective tool that allows you to get rid of the fungus in a very short time. Many people prefer to use baths, since the rhizome of the plant has a specific bitter taste.

To prepare decoction for the treatment of fungus we proceed as follows:

We take 40 grams of calamus root, crushed to a powder state;
Pour the powder with a glass of boiling water, after which we insist the broth for half an hour;
The resulting broth is poured into a foot bath;
To enhance the effect, you can add iodine, salt, lemon, dandelion, celandine or burdock;
Bath - once a day, before going to bed. In the first three days of treatment, twice a day is allowed.

For vision

For the treatment of eye diseases, tincture of calendula flowers and calamus roots is often used. Such a tincture is an excellent remedy that nourishes the retina, reduces eye pressure and normalizes blood circulation in the eye.

Calamus rhizome eye tincture prepared as follows:

We take two tablespoons of calendula flowers and two tablespoons of crushed calamus roots;
We mix the components of the plant and fill them with a liter of vodka;
We remove the bottle with tincture in a cold dark place for two weeks;
Before use, be sure to dilute the drug with water. Dilute in a ratio of 100 milliliters of water per teaspoon of the product;
The resulting product is instilled in the eyes every two hours for 30 days. After that, you should take a break for a month.

Before starting a course of treatment, be sure to consult with an ophthalmologist.

To improve digestion

With problems with digestion and peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, you can drink an infusion of calamus. The plant also has a positive effect on the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and can be used to regulate it in case of heavy blood loss.

We prepare an infusion that improves digestion:

We take two teaspoons of crushed calamus root;
Pour the raw material with a glass of boiling water;
We withstand the infusion in a water bath for half an hour;
We filter the resulting drink and drink it 50 milliliters four times a day, half an hour before eating.

In dentistry

Due to its antiseptic properties, calamus has also found application in the field of dentistry. The plant copes well with microbes and microorganisms, disinfects small wounds and ulcers, and thanks to its astringent effect, it helps to relieve inflammation. In addition, it has a general strengthening effect on enamel and gums, and also kills unpleasant odors. To strengthen the gums and teeth, you can use an infusion of calamus, and to relieve toothache, a decoction of it. Both recipes are shown below.

Calamus toothache remedy:

We take ten grams of calamus rhizomes and grind them;
Fill the raw material with half a liter of vodka;
Shake the bottle, cork and tie with twine;
We cover the bottle with dough and bake in a standing position;
With a toothache, we collect a glass of the resulting vodka decoction of calamus in the mouth and hold until the pain passes.

Infusion for teeth and gums from calamus:

We take two teaspoons of crushed calamus rhizome;
Pour them with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 12 hours;
We filter the resulting broth;
Rinse your mouth three times a day after meals.

To enhance the healing effect of calamus products, they can be used in conjunction with propolis tincture. To prepare such a tincture, you need to pour 20 grams of propolis with half a liter of vodka and leave for a week in the freezer.

In cosmetology

The marsh plant has found its place in cosmetology. The oils of the plant are used for toning and deodorizing hair. Thanks to him, the hair becomes thicker and softer, and it helps to get rid of dandruff. In addition, the oil can help with skin care. Due to its antiseptic properties, the oil relieves inflammation and discomfort. It will be equally useful to know that calamus extract is also considered an aphrodisiac. Below are recipes for shampooing and caring for greasy skin:

Decoction for washing the head:

We take four tablespoons of chopped calamus root;
Fill the raw material with half a liter of boiling water;
Boil the mixture in a water bath for ten minutes;
Add two tablespoons of crushed calamus flowers and boil for another five minutes;
Cool the broth and rinse the hair after washing;
10 minutes after applying the decoction, rinse your hair with cool water.

In order to cook infusion for oily skin, we proceed as follows:

We take two tablespoons of crushed roots and pour them with a liter of boiling water;
We close the vessel with a lid and leave it in a dark place;
After three hours, we filter the infusion, and wipe our face with it;
Ready infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Contraindications and harm

In addition to useful properties, calamus marsh has certain contraindications. All of them are somehow connected with the fact that the plant thins the blood, thereby accelerating blood circulation, and also increases the acidity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Based on this, the use of calamus is contraindicated in the following persons:

Persons with hypotension or dystonia;
Persons with high acidity of gastric juice;
Pregnant and lactating women;
Persons with reduced blood clotting;
With acute inflammation of the kidneys;
Persons with epilepsy;
For any bleeding
Persons with stomach ulcers;
Persons with individual intolerance to plant components.

Do not forget about the correct dosage of the plant. In case of violation of the established dose, calamus can cause indigestion, accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. In case of more serious poisoning, nosebleeds and bronchospasm may begin.

Also, due to the content of toxic "Azaron", the plant can cause hallucinations and, in certain cases, aggravate the course of oncological diseases. If the first symptoms of poisoning occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Calamus root has long been used in medical practice. Means prepared on its basis were highly valued by Avicenna and were used to treat diseases of the stomach and liver, male and female diseases, as well as a diuretic and remedy for toothache. In Tibetan medicine, calamus root preparations are used to treat bronchial and pulmonary diseases, mental disorders, as well as bites from poisonous insects and snakes. Modern medicine has confirmed that calamus has a beneficial effect on the organs of the digestive system, increases appetite, improves bile secretion and enhances urination. Calamus rhizomes have not only medicinal properties, today they are actively used for hair and scalp care.

Calamus marsh is a perennial herbaceous plant with an average height of 50-70 cm. It loves damp places, grows in quiet backwaters, along river banks, near ponds, lakes, and in swampy meadows. And he borrows his miraculous power from the water. Calamus is not capable of self-pollination, and since there are no specific insects far from its homeland that can pollinate it, the plant does not set fruits and reproduces exclusively vegetatively, i.e., by rhizome.

For therapeutic purposes, calamus rhizomes are mainly used, but leaves are also used. Calamus root is reddish on the outside, white on the inside, as thick as a finger, consists of many knees, is covered with fibers and has a specific pleasant smell.

Calamus is native to India, China, East and South Asia. From the east, he arrived in Ancient Greece thanks to merchants. The Greeks kept the root dried, not even realizing what a miracle fell into their hands. The inhabitants of Hellas regularly ate calamus in candied form.

The plant came to Europe in the Middle Ages. In 1574, it began to be grown in Turkey in the Botanical Garden. Thus began the procession of calamus around the world. And the Tatars brought it to Ukraine, during the time of the Tatar-Mongol invasion: according to legend, they carried calamus rhizome with them as a general strengthening and disinfecting water remedy. Hence the name - Tatar potion. There are many names in the world that are used to refer to this plant:

Calamus swamp;/li>
Calamus;
Tatar potion;
Tatar grass;
Sabelnik;
Calamus;
Gair;
Yaver;
Yaer (Belarusian);
Lepeshnik;
Kosatnik;
Irny root.

The above list, by the way, emphasizes the healing properties of calamus.

Now calamus grows throughout Europe, including the British Isles, thanks to the Arabs who brought it there. It is also common in America.

Chemical composition

The rhizomes of the plant contain a unique essential oil, consisting of sesquiterpenes - asarone, β-calamen, β-pinene, D-camphor, borneol, curcumene, caryophyllene and many other substances. In addition, it contains acetic and valeric acids, phytoncides, isocorone and acorone. The composition also includes tannins, ascorbic and palmitic acids, resins, vitamins. All these elements make marsh calamus root a real source of health. A sharp and specific spicy smell to the root gives azarin aldehyde.

Calamus preparation

Calamus rhizomes are harvested in early spring or autumn. They are washed, cleaned, cut into small pieces and dried under a canopy or in dryers at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Calamus leaves are harvested in July-August. They also dry under a canopy, spreading a thin layer. Raw materials are stored in paper bags in a dry place. Shelf life - up to 3 years.

Useful properties of calamus

The plant has:

painkillers,
soothing
anti-inflammatory,
disinfectant,
tonic,
antispasmodic,
antipyretic,
expectorant,
choleretic,
diuretic,
vasodilator,
wound healing activities.

Calamus is an excellent tool for improving appetite, normalizing digestive functions. It is no less useful for good heart function. One of the main properties of calamus is its ability to strengthen the vessels of the brain, which improves memory and vision. Calamus root tincture will be an excellent disinfectant, carminative and diuretic. The powder prepared from it will help get rid of colds, headaches associated with blockage of the sinuses. It is also used to heal wounds and ulcers.

Calamus is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, tinctures, root powder. A decoction of the roots (rhizomes) of calamus is a good remedy for diarrhea, intestinal colic, stomach diseases, flatulence, poisoning. When using calamus, the functionality of the liver improves and bile secretion increases.

An infusion of calamus roots or leaves is taken to treat diseases of the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder, as well as an expectorant, antipyretic for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Calamus rhizome is chewed in small pieces, taken as a decoction or powder (at the tip of a knife), as a tonic for depression of the central nervous system, to increase sexual function, as well as for convulsions, various mental illnesses, hysteria, neurasthenia, to improve memory. Powdered calamus roots are sprinkled on festering ulcers and wounds.

Oral care

A decoction of calamus is used for rinsing with sore throat, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. Calamus roots are chewed to reduce the craving for smoking, eliminate bad breath.

Help for teeth

Calamus root is especially beneficial for teeth. Many years ago, it was used to treat a disease such as scurvy. And everyone who needs to strengthen the gums should chew this root. The remedy will also have a positive effect on the condition of the teeth, protect them from destruction and relieve the incipient pain.

Skin treatment

With fungal skin lesions, an infusion of calamus is taken orally and lotions are made from a decoction of this plant.

Purulent wounds, ulcers are washed with alcohol tincture of calamus, diluted with water, lotions are made from the decoction, sprinkled with powder of calamus roots. Lotions from a decoction of rhizomes are made for some lesions of the nails.

For bone tissue

Hair strengthening

A decoction of calamus rhizomes or leaves is used to wash the head to strengthen the hair.

Immunity Boost

A decoction of the roots (rhizomes) of calamus or an infusion of the leaves is taken for palpitations, high blood pressure, and also after an infectious disease, with exhaustion.

In diseases of the spinal cord with loss of sensitivity, it is recommended to drink an infusion of the plant, make lotions and chew the roots. They drink a decoction of calamus root for influenza, cholera, typhoid, as a disinfectant, and also chew it to prevent these diseases.

For the genitourinary system

Calamus root is used to solve problems associated with the genitourinary system. Its use is effective for menstrual irregularities, during menopause, with insufficient ovarian function, low potency.

In inflammatory processes of the female genital organs (colpitis, leucorrhea, vaginitis, etc.), douching is done with an infusion or decoction of calamus root, baths, baths. Calamus infusion is also used for irregular menstruation.

When bitten by a snake

When bitten by a snake, they drink a decoction and make lotions from the juice or decoction of the plant.

Decoctions, tinctures of calamus roots

A decoction of the roots (rhizomes) of calamus: 3 tbsp. spoons of crushed calamus rhizomes pour 0.5 liters. boiling water, cook for half an hour over low heat, strain after cooling. Drink half a glass of decoction 3-4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals with bronchitis and other diseases listed above.

A decoction of calamus rhizomes for baths: take 300 g of roots per 5 liters of water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take baths for 15-20 minutes. at a temperature of 36-38°C. The use of such baths is described above.

Infusion of calamus leaves (stems): 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials for 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain before use, take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day before meals. See application above.

Alcohol tincture of calamus rhizome (extract): 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of crushed roots with 1 glass of vodka, insist in a dark, warm place for 1 week, strain. Take 10-15 drops with water after meals. For lotions - dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in 1/2 glass of water. See application above.

Contraindications

You can not use calamus and calamus preparations during pregnancy, increased acidity of the stomach, bleeding (nose, hemorrhoidal, etc.), with acute inflammation in the kidneys. Take it with caution to hypotensive patients, because it can lower blood pressure. Do not exceed the dosage as this may cause vomiting.