Calamus marsh (common) - where it grows, what is useful, how to use it for medicinal purposes. Calamus marsh - medicinal properties, description and contraindications

Currently, medical preparations based on calamus roots are used for the treatment and prevention of kidney and gallstone diseases, and are also used in the treatment of gastritis. The roots of this unique plant form the basis for the treatment of pulmonary diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis), pathological menopause, reduced sexual activity, ovarian failure, etc. Doctors say that medicines based on calamus roots help people get rid of hysteria, lethargy, tone up the body and help treat anemia.

Calamus marsh is known for its ability to neutralize convulsions, therefore it is successfully used for epileptic seizures. Doctors notice that its roots have a positive effect on the state of brain tissues, as well as on its higher functions. In addition, a remedy based on calamus roots adds clarity to a person's consciousness, improves his memory and processes associated with memorization. This miraculous plant is also used to reduce toothaches, in the treatment of gout, as well as to reduce certain inflammatory processes in the body and infectious diseases.

The miraculous properties of calamus roots help in the fight against malaria and rickets, eliminate heartburn and relieve ulcerative lesions. Calamus effectively reduces blood pressure during hypertension, has excellent sedative properties, and is also used as an expectorant and emetic. A tincture of its roots stops diarrhea (diarrhea). Curious is the fact that calamus is an excellent appetite stimulant. Moreover, gynecologists claim that this plant helps women to normalize their menstrual cycle.

Dried and powdered calamus roots are used in the treatment of diseases of the nasal cavity. For example, crushed calamus powder must be inhaled during colds, headaches, etc. The principle of action is simple: the powder provokes a protective reaction in the form of a sneeze, which allows you to effectively clear the nasal passages. Doctors recommend using decoctions of calamus roots for rinsing the mouth. It is believed that with the help of this plant, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and periodontitis can be completely healed. Warm baths prepared with calamus roots help relieve hemorrhoids.

Contraindications to the use of calamus roots

In some cases, the healing properties of calamus roots can harm a person. For example, you can not use drugs that contain this plant, pregnant women, as well as people with high acidity of the stomach. You can not use this plant in acute inflammatory processes in the kidneys, during any bleeding. Doctors warn: hypertensive patients, using preparations based on calamus roots, should be careful, since the plant significantly lowers blood pressure.

In any case, before using decoctions, tinctures or ready-made preparations based on calamus roots, you should consult a doctor! An overdose of these drugs can cause severe vomiting.

Calamus refers to plants that successfully treat a variety of diseases. This made it very popular in both official and folk medicine. Based on this plant, many medicines are produced. In addition, it is widely used in home treatment.

Calamus vulgaris was first used in China and India. It subsequently spread to Europe. In ancient times, calamus root was brought here by merchants from Turkey as a sweet. It was used by the Tatars during their campaigns to cleanse water bodies.

Calamus vulgaris belongs to the aroid family. It is a perennial herb that can grow from 60 to 100 cm in height. The root of the plant is thick and sinuous. It is covered with wide scars, which are arranged in a spiral. The root is located close to the surface of the earth and can be up to 1.5 m long.

Calamus leaves are xiphoid in shape. The yellow flowers are very small and are on the cob. The fruit is a red berry with many seeds. Calamus breeds in our country thanks to its rhizome.

This plant is common in the Caucasus and the Baltic countries. It can also be found on the territory of all countries of the East, in Europe, Belarus. In Russia, calamus mainly grows in the European part and in Siberia. Near reservoirs and in meadows you can see whole thickets of this plant.

Healing properties

Calamus is very popular in folk medicine. Calamus root contains a huge amount of valuable substances and vitamins. These include camphor, ascorbic acid, starch, minerals, essential oil.

Calamus root has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive tract, as well as on the condition of the gallbladder. It stimulates appetite, the production of gastric juice, and also removes gases well. Also, this plant has diuretic properties and helps to successfully fight diarrhea.

What does the herb cure?

Calamus is useful for high blood pressure, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. Also, the plant is widely used for lung diseases, tuberculosis,. Calamus root is very popular in the treatment of colds, bronchitis, headaches. It promotes rapid airway clearance.

This plant increases the secretion of bile in the liver and the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach due to the presence of a bitter glycoside. Calamus has a strong diuretic, analgesic effect.

Due to its expectorant properties, calamus is used during the flu. A decoction of calamus is used to heal wounds and ulcers on the skin, as it has a strong disinfecting effect. A powder obtained from dry calamus root is also used. Preparations from this plant are used for jaundice and gastritis, for diathesis and diseases of the bladder, for diarrhea.

This plant has a good effect on sore throat and is therefore used for gargling and mouthwash. To strengthen the gums and teeth, powder from dry calamus root is used.

Calamus preparations increase appetite and are used for anorexia. Thanks to the essential oil, calamus also copes well with bouts of colic in the intestines. Calamus root is used to treat leukemia. It also helps with bad breath. Calamus preparations can quickly lower blood pressure.

Calamus is also used for hepatitis, rickets and scrofula in children. It is often prescribed for neuroses. A decoction of calamus is used for many female diseases. Treatment occurs with the help of douching with infusion or decoction of calamus, as well as the use of sitz baths.

Air destroys drugs and neutralizes their toxic effects. Taking calamus powder with honey in the morning and evening can significantly improve memory.

What are the contraindications?

You can not use this plant with increased secretion of the stomach. It is also prohibited for use in case of bleeding of various nature. An overdose of the plant may cause vomiting. You can not use calamus, because it reduces pressure. With individual intolerance, calamus essential oil should also not be used.

Increased acidity of gastric juice or can be considered absolute contraindications for the use of calamus. In the inflammatory process in the kidneys and in the acute stage with a stomach ulcer, calamus is also prohibited.

With the appearance of any unpleasant syndromes and a deterioration in well-being, you must either reduce the dosage or abandon the drug altogether.

Dosage forms

Calamus rhizomes are an important component of gastric and other herbal preparations, as well as medicinal teas. Calamus is contained in such preparations as Vikalin, Vikair, Olimetin. Also in the pharmacy you can buy calamus essential oil and an alcohol solution. Calamus collections are used to prepare therapeutic baths for children.

Methods of application in traditional medicine

For adults

  • For rinsing the mouth, a decoction of calamus roots and is used. To do this, take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and 1 liter of water. Boil the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Infuse the composition for at least 20 minutes;
  • from diarrhea, you can use an infusion of calamus powder. Take 2 tsp of calamus and 1 cup of boiling water. Infusion is taken 3 times a day before meals;
  • for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, such a recipe is used. Take 1 part of calamus roots, 3 parts of flowers, as well as rowan fruits and pour cold water. The infusion is kept for 1 hour and gradually brought to a boil. After cooling, the infusion is filtered and taken 3 times a day before meals in a warm form;
  • calamus roots are used for sore throat and stomatitis in a candied form. For this, a sweet syrup is boiled, into which the roots of calamus are dipped. First, cuts are made on the roots. It is necessary to boil the roots in syrup for about 5 minutes, after 10 hours insist. After bringing to a boil, the roots are taken out and dried like candied fruits;
  • chewing a piece of calamus root or taking ¼ tsp of calamus root powder, which you just need to drink with water, helps well for heartburn;
  • fresh calamus juice is used to lubricate the eyelids to improve vision;
  • tincture of calamus roots on vodka helps with impotence;
  • hot baths with the addition of calamus decoction help with circulatory disorders;
  • to improve digestion, it is useful to drink a decoction of calamus roots every day for 3 cups;
  • sitz baths with the addition of decoction of calamus are used to treat hemorrhoids. To do this, 30 grams of rhizome is poured with one liter of boiling water and the infusion is used to prepare baths;
  • for the treatment of gonorrhea take an infusion of calamus. It is added to the bath, which must be taken every day.
  • heartburn can be cured with calamus root powder, which is taken 3 times a day;
  • calamus contributes to the normalization of hormonal levels, so it is used for menopause. The root must be ground and taken in 1 tsp;
  • tincture of leaves and roots of calamus is effective in vomiting;
  • calamus helps well from. For this, a decoction of calamus root is used. You can drink it or rinse your mouth. You can lubricate the gums with calamus tincture, as it has a strong analgesic effect.

Rickets and diathesis in children are successfully treated with the help of baths, in which an infusion of calamus roots is added. Calamus preparations are contraindicated for children before the age of 12 years.

Calamus strongly tones the uterus, therefore it is contraindicated for women in position. Otherwise, there may be a risk of miscarriage. You can also not use calamus and during breastfeeding.

Calamus vulgaris belongs to the Calamus family. This perennial plant grows on wetlands, near lakes, ponds and other bodies of water with stagnant water. No wonder the second most common name for calamus is calamus calamus. Sometimes places near swamps are simply dotted with this plant, and other representatives of the flora, sometimes, are completely absent.

In some regions, you can also find such names as Tatar grass and hot root.

Appearance, composition and collection of calamus

This plant reproduces by rhizomes, which are quite powerful, thick, brown in color with a white core. Thanks to this creeping rhizome, calamus spreads throughout the territory, since it is incapable of pollination. Calamus stem is trihedral with flat sides, small yellow flowers. The shape of the flowers is similar to a corncob, and the leaves are long and sharp. The plant itself is quite tall, sometimes reaching 1.3 meters.

Calamus nice smell, reminiscent of cinnamon, and a bitter taste.

Calamus root and, to a lesser extent, leaves are of value to people. In it were found essential oils with the main component azaron. The root contains the alkaloid calamine, tannins and vitamins. The root is especially rich in vitamin C. Perhaps the most valuable is iodine, which is found in large quantities in the root of calamus.

The foliage is harvested during the flowering period, that is, in June and early July. The roots are harvested either in early spring, when the plant is still sleeping, or in late autumn, as soon as the leaves have fallen. It is freed from the ground, cut into pieces and dried. Calamus leaves are dried on paper in the shade, well spread out. Keep leaves and roots in paper with minimal moisture.

What to cook from calamus. The use of medicinal root

Alcohol tincture

It will take 0.5 liters of diluted alcohol. For this amount of liquid take 10 grams crushed roots and insist in a dark place for two weeks. Tincture is usually taken in 1 tbsp. l. 2 times a day.

Decoction

Classic recipe looks like this: take 3 tbsp. l. crushed and dried root and pour it with hot water. Keep in a water bath for an hour, then filter the broth and start drinking. It is important to carefully strain the decoction without leaving particles of the plant, otherwise it will quickly deteriorate.

Bath

A bath with a decoction of the root has proven itself in the treatment of skin diseases. Take a bath for twenty minutes with a course of six procedures. Due to the high content of iodine in its composition, decoction of calamus heals minor wounds on the body and contributes to the main drug treatment for complex diseases such as psoriasis and lupus.

A decoction for the bath is prepared as usual - in the same proportions. The composition is boiled for ten minutes and, after insisting for half an hour, poured into a warm bath.

Tea

The swamp healer has a positive effect on metabolism, activates the peristalsis of the stomach. After all, it is not for nothing that calamus is used in many means for weight loss.

You can also make your own cleansing tea. To do this, take lemon balm, linden and calamus root in equal proportions, pour boiling water and insist in a thermos for two hours, after which they drink it during the day, 100-150 ml each.

Calamus root: medicinal properties and contraindications

Air: useful properties:

  • due to the huge content of iodine, calamus root has disinfectants and wound healing properties;
  • can improve the process of digestion;
  • beneficial effect on the activity of peristalsis;
  • both the root and leaves of calamus have anti-inflammatory properties;
  • with the help of medicines from calamus restore visual acuity;
  • has sedative properties;
  • lowers fever with colds and various inflammatory processes;
  • in the treatment of bronchitis is used as an expectorant;
  • perfectly stimulates metabolic processes in the human body;
  • with its help get rid of nicotine addiction;
  • calamus preparations are good choleretic agents.

Contraindications

The use of funds from calamus

Hair

An ancient remedy for restoring the structure of hair and accelerating their growth is a decoction of calamus root.

Hair Mask with calamus: one egg, honey, root and calendula tinctures are mixed and applied to the hair from the roots to the very tips. Keep the mask for an hour, then wash off.

You can simply rinse your hair with a decoction of the root after washing your hair. Thus, the hair gets rid of dandruff and begins to grow more actively.

Essential oil

It is great for helping with wound healing. Medicinal oil is also used in cosmetology. It improves blood circulation in hair follicles during hair loss.

Drops of essential oil can be added to the shampoo and washed with it, or mixed with olive oil and rubbed into the hair roots for one hour. Then the hair is washed thoroughly.

Eye drops

Diluted in warm boiled water 1 drop of juice from fresh rhizomes. 1 drop per 10 drops of water is enough.

Treatment

As already mentioned, this plant copes well with tonsillitis and bronchitis. Children can cook candied calamus roots. They are prepared as follows: syrup is boiled, and the roots are cut into pieces 3 cm long. Dipped in boiling syrup and kept in it for five minutes. After that, the roots should be infused for ten hours. Then again boil the syrup with the roots and take it out. The roots should become like candied fruit. Children love this delicacy.

  • Smoking. Judging by the reviews, there is an interesting way for those who want to quit smoking. Before smoking, chew fresh calamus root. Thus, it should cause nausea and then aversion to tobacco smoke.
  • Pneumonia. It is important to remember that the main treatment with antibiotics cannot be replaced with a decoction of calamus! Drink a decoction of calamus three times a day between meals for 0.5 cups. Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. Due to the large amount of vitamin C and iodine in its composition, it perfectly helps in the treatment of even diseases such as pneumonia.
  • Air for men. They make a collection of herbs: elecampane, nettle, juniper leaves, chamomile flowers and marsh calamus root. Prepare a decoction and take it 100 ml 2 times a day between meals. Treatment is carried out in a course of a month, after a two-week break, the course can be resumed.
  • Pain relief rub for joints. This old method of preparing rubbing has proven itself well. 20 grams of calamus root are poured into a half-liter bottle of vodka, closed, the bottle is wrapped in dough and sent to the oven. Bake until dough is done. The resulting remedy rubs the sore spots and insulates.
  • Vision. Drink 1 tbsp. l. tinctures, and also instill eyes with fresh juice diluted in water. You can make a tincture with red homemade wine. This will require a bottle of homemade red wine from grapes. Take 2 tsp. roots for 0.5 liters of wine. Insist for a day in a dark place and filter.
  • stomach ulcer. Calamus root is often compared to aloe. For the treatment of stomach ulcers, infuse 20 grams of the root in 0.5 cups of alcohol for two weeks and take 15 drops before meals.
  • Rickets in children. Make a bath with decoction. The procedure time is half an hour, and the temperature in the bath should not be higher than thirty-eight degrees. Thus, blood circulation in the limbs improves. Especially such procedures are useful for those who have constantly cold extremities or frequent numbness of the hands.
  • festering wounds. Treat with powder prepared from calamus root. And they also wash the wounds with a decoction.

Calamus calamus, an unremarkable herbaceous plant at first glance, is one of the most popular means of oriental medicine. He came to our region together with the Tatar-Mongol conquerors, who believed in the healing properties of the plant, believed that it purifies water, makes it safe for people.

Modern medicine has also adopted this useful plant: the dried root and essential oil of calamus are widely used in the fight against depression, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and also as cosmetics.

However, in addition to colossal medicinal properties, calamus root has a number of contraindications. Please read them before use.

Description

Calamus calamus is a tall herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Aronnikov family. The plant has a brown color, and its rhizome is creeping and thick.

Its leaves are sharp, and can reach up to 1 meter in length, they are similar in shape to a sword, and the leaves cover each other with their bases. The stem of the plant, where there are flowers, begins at the top of the root, which is green in color and ribbed.

Just above the cob is the upper part, which is called the bedspread, since it is very similar to a leaf. The ear is cylindrical and deviates from the stem, and it also has many flowers that are located on its fleshy axis.

In general, calamus grows on very moist soil, it is strengthened in it with the help of a strong root, which has many branches.

The total length of the calamus root is 3 cm, after a short time it forms real thickets, which are found in pure form or come with mixtures of horsetails and sedges.

Interesting to know! The roots of the plant contain a lot of essential oil, tannins, alkaloid and glycoside acorin, calamine.

Its leaves also contain a lot of tannins and essential oils. This oil consists of a mixture of terpenes and sesquiterpenes, azarylaldehydes, which provides a specific smell.

And in the calamus rhizome there is a small amount of fragrant soap, vitamins, protein, starch and minerals.

The plant is also called calamus reed, Tatar potion, Tatar grass, irny root, javer, cinquefoil. It is native to East and South Asia.

Interesting to know! There is a legend that during the time of the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the Tatars carried this plant with them, hence the name associated with this people.

Now calamus can be found throughout Europe. For pollination, the plant needs specific insects, therefore, outside of Asia, it reproduces only by rhizome.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, the root of calamus is harvested. It is a reddish outside and white inside process about the thickness of a human finger.

The root consists of many knees and has a very pleasant aroma. Harvest this part of the plant in early spring or autumn. At this time, the water level in the reservoirs drops, so the rhizome can be pulled out of the silt without much effort.

Important! When harvesting calamus, small rhizomes and their branches should be left to restore thickets. Repeated harvesting on the same array is possible in 5-8 years.

First of all, they dig up the roots with a pitchfork from the second half of July to mid-October. Wash thoroughly from the soil and cut off the remains of the leaves at the base of the roots. To facilitate drying, thick rhizomes are cut lengthwise, then dried in air for 1-2 days.


The next stage of processing is further cleaning of the cork layer. Then it needs to be dried again. Or they are dried with a cork layer, because it is believed that in unpeeled rhizomes, more useful and valuable substances are stored.

It is recommended to dry the rhizomes in dry, warm and well-ventilated areas. If you dry in a special dryer, then the temperature should not exceed 30 °. Properly dried rhizomes, when bent, emit a characteristic crack.

The bark is also not thrown away, but thinly cut and dried in a cool room.

Interesting to know! Dried raw materials should break easily in the hands, which indicates its readiness. Store it in paper bags for up to 3 years.

Properties and application

In medicine, the root of the calamus is mainly used, but the leaves also have medicinal properties. The root of the plant is reddish outside, white inside, consists of a large number of knees covered with fibers. It has a pleasant specific smell.

It is the calamus root that contains a large amount of valuable natural substances: organic acids, certain essential oils with a complex composition, phytoncides, alkaloids, tannins, vitamins, starch, tannins, aldehydes, minerals, resins, and so on.


Calamus has a vasodilating, sedative, choleretic, antispasmodic, analgesic, healing, diuretic, expectorant, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory effect.

The drug allows you to cope with a huge number of diseases:

  • colic in the intestines;
  • heartburn;
  • liver disease;
  • poisoning;
  • pneumonia;
  • asthma;
  • tuberculosis;
  • diseases of the respiratory system;
  • neurasthenia;
  • gynecological diseases;
  • wounds and ulcers;
  • high pressure;
  • inflammatory processes;
  • depressed nervous system.

Calamus is used in the form of powder from the root, infusions, tinctures and decoctions, both externally and internally. Calamus rhizomes are used in perfumery, medicine, and also in the manufacture of liqueurs and liqueurs.

In addition, calamus is a means to neutralize all the destructive effects of drugs and especially marijuana.

Interesting to know! If a smoker smokes a pinch of calamus roots along with marijuana, then he completely suppresses the effect of the drug. With the help of calamus roots, you can completely neutralize all the side effects of any hallucinogens.

And if there is a pinch of calamus powder and a teaspoon of honey after sleep and in the evening, memory will noticeably improve and heartburn is eliminated.

In official medicine

Currently, many preparations based on calamus are produced.

Official medicine advises the use of preparations from calamus roots for cholecystitis, gastritis with low acidity, kidney disease, colic, and bladder diseases.


  • "Vicair";
  • "Vikalin";
  • "Olymetin";
  • "Enatin".

Calamus essential oil is produced on an industrial scale. It is a viscous dark liquid with a characteristic aroma.

  • patchouli oil;
  • lavender;
  • cedar;
  • incense;
  • myrtle;
  • cinnamon;
  • 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.

Interesting to know! Calamus has a positive effect on mental balance, is used to treat hysteria, apathy.

In gynecology, oil is used for douching, as well as for problematic menstruation and menopause.

Calamus essential oil is used to normalize digestion and improve appetite. Alcoholic extracts of this plant contribute to the smooth functioning of the digestive tract. Herbal preparations with calamus are used to prepare baths in the treatment of rickets in children.


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 them well.

The oil heals well, 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, has bactericidal properties.

In folk medicine

Calamus root has found quite extensive use in folk medicine, it is actively used in the treatment of cramps, toothache , cough, chest diseases, heartburn, rickets, malaria, spasms, gout, various pains, inflammations and infections. It is also used to increase appetite.

A healing infusion, decoction, tincture, powder, baths are prepared from the rhizomes of calamus.

Alcohol tincture

Unless otherwise specified, to prepare the tincture, crushed plant materials are poured with 70–40% alcohol (at a ratio of 1:10 when using potent raw materials or 1:5 when using weak ones) and kept at room temperature in a dark place for 7–14 days.

Then the tincture is filtered, the remains of the plants are squeezed out, filtered, after which the resulting tincture is added to the first filtrate, kept for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and filtered again.

Interesting to know! Alcohol tinctures can be stored for a long time, they are dosed, as a rule, in drops (usually 15–20 drops per dose).

  1. For cholecystitis and kidney stones
    100 g of crushed calamus rhizome insist on 500 ml of vodka for 2 weeks. Take 30 drops 2 times a day before meals.
  2. As an anticonvulsant
    The crushed calamus rhizome is poured with 40–70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:5. Insist in a dark place for 7-10 days, shaking occasionally, filtered. Take 20-40 drops 2-3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals.
  3. For toothache and as a disinfectant
    A cotton swab moistened with tincture is applied to the diseased tooth and gums.
  4. Pfor impotence, sexual weakness
    Pour 100 grams of root with 1 liter of vodka, leave for 2 weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally, strain. Take 30 ml. 3 times a day.
  5. With leukemia
    Pour 100 grams of calamus root and 250 ml. honey 250 ml. cognac, mix thoroughly, leave for 14 days in a dark place, shaking occasionally, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 1 hour before meals 3 times a day.

Healing infusion

For infusion, calamus rhizomes are crushed to particles no more than 3 mm. Unless otherwise indicated, the infusion is prepared in faience, porcelain or enamelware.

The intended dose of crushed vegetable raw materials is poured with boiling water (usually at the rate of 1-2 tablespoons per glass of boiling water, more precisely, 10 or 20 parts of water fall on one weight part of the raw material, that is, the ratio is 1:10 or 1:20).


Then the dishes are closed and placed in a pot of boiling water. It turns out the so-called water bath.

Stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then leave to cool slowly for 45 minutes, after which it is filtered. Then add water to the original volume.

Taken in a warm form, 50 ml 4 times a day, infusion of calamus with:

  • indigestion;
  • irregular menstruation;
  • jaundice;
  • malaria;
  • exudative diathesis;
  • rickets;
  • peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
  • diarrhea
  • flatulence;
  • anemia;
  • bleeding;
  • deterioration of hearing, vision, memory.

Interesting to know! In case of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and gums, the mouth is rinsed with warm infusion.

To wash purulent wounds and ulcers, pour 1 tablespoon of dry crushed rhizomes with 1 cup of boiling water, keep under the lid for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath, leave for half an hour or an hour, filter and wash wounds and ulcers.

Decoction

Can be prepared in two ways:

  1. Unless otherwise indicated, the decoction is prepared in faience, porcelain or enamelware. To obtain a decoction, the crushed plant material is dipped into boiling water and boiled over low heat for 15–30 minutes (or kept in a water bath for 30 minutes with frequent stirring), then infused for half an hour or an hour and filtered.
  2. The crushed parts of calamus are poured with boiled water at room temperature and infused for 5-6 hours, after which they are boiled for 10-15 minutes or kept in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then add water to the original volume.

    Important! Decoctions of plants containing tannins should be filtered immediately after removal from heat.

Calamus decoction is used in such cases:


Powder

Thoroughly wash the rhizomes, cut into pieces, dry, grind in a coffee grinder and sift. Can be used as a spice for first, second courses, gravies, sauces, drinks, bakery products, as well as:


Bath


Interesting to know! If you want to smoke, you need to chew dry calamus root. This usually causes a gag reflex, thereby causing an aversion to tobacco.

In cooking

In cooking, calamus is known as a spicy-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, in the alcoholic beverage industry.

In the manufacture of sweets, calamus root is often used in candied form. It replaces expensive spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon.

Candied rhizome can be prepared at home . To do this, it is necessary to clean and cut the calamus root into small pieces and boil it in sugar syrup, then dry it and transfer it to a jar, sprinkling it with sugar. In this form, calamus is added to puddings, pastries, cookies.


The aroma of this plant goes well with fruit drinks, jelly, compotes, juices. The resulting candied fruits are served with tea as a separate dish or used to decorate dessert dishes.

Interesting to know! The dried root is a traditional spice for Indian and Islamic cuisine.

As an original delicacy, jam is prepared from this plant. Step by step recipe:

  1. The root is dug up and soaked in cold water for 3 days. This water must be changed every day.
  2. Next, the rhizomes are cleaned and left in water for another night. In the morning, the rhizome is boiled several times, while constantly changing the water so that the bitterness is gone.
  3. Then the root is placed in a container with cold water. After boiling it a second time, the root is left in cold water until morning, changing the water from time to time.
  4. After that, the calamus is cut into small pieces and filled with water, changing it as often as possible until all the bitterness is gone.
  5. The root is gently moved to a napkin so that it absorbs all the moisture.
  6. Next, a syrup is prepared from 800 grams of sugar and a glass of water. Calamus is added to the boiled syrup and boiled over low heat, making sure that the jam does not burn.
  7. After the syrup thickens, the calamus is transferred to a dish and sprinkled with sugar. When the root has cooled, it will be possible to shift the jam into a glass jar.

When preparing hot dishes, chopped rhizome is added a few minutes before cooking. In soups and second courses, calamus can be used instead of bay leaf, ginger.

Interesting to know! Dried calamus goes especially well with meat dishes.

Fried meat with the addition of rhizomes is 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 from this.

Contraindications

The plant can bring harm to the body with individual intolerance, a contraindication to use is appropriate. Contraindications for the use of calamus inside the doctors include the following conditions and human diseases:

  • pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • disruption of the digestive system;
  • gastritis with high acidity;
  • exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
  • poor blood clotting;
  • kidney 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 the accompanying heaviness in the stomach, nausea and loose stools. In severe cases, severe nosebleeds and bronchospasm may occur.

Important! If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical help.

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

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 tool 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 does an excellent job 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.

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