Contents:

• What are the properties of the Calamus rhizome?
• Calamus rhizome and its use
• Are there any contraindications to the use of calamus rhizomes?

Whether we use calamus rhizome internally or externally, we will experience its health-promoting properties. The herb in calamus rhizome form is used to improve stomach or intestinal function. However, due to its calming properties, it is used as a supportive treatment for depression.

Perennials, or sweet flag, can be found along the shores of lakes or ponds, but also in the beds of slow-flowing rivers. It is quite common and grows throughout Europe, Central and East Asia, and North America. Although sweet flag is considered an invasive species, it actually has little impact on the so-called rush plant species. Regardless of cultivation and latitude, the sweet flag is widely used as an edible, medicinal, or cosmetic plant.

What are the properties of the Calamus rhizome?

The health-promoting properties of calamus are concentrated in its rhizome. What actions does it have:

• diastolic,
• antibacterial,
• Antidepressants,
• anti-inflammatory,
• calming,
• Anthelmintics .

Today, many other valuable properties of calamus rhizome have been recognized. It has a positive effect on the function of the urinary system due to its diuretic properties. It also improves the function of the circulatory system due to its blood-forming properties. It also has analgesic properties and relieves bone pain and menstrual cramps.

Calamus rhizome and its use

Calamus rhizomes are not lacking in valuable ingredients that make them ideal for use in many areas:

• Food industry - it is a quite popular ingredient in compotes, liqueurs, puddings or compotes of all kinds. As it turns out, Calamus rhizome is also a component of many popular spice, herb or curry mixtures.
• Cosmetics industry – the rhizome has been used in many mouthwashes. The oil extracted from the rhizomes is also an excellent fragrance fixer. Soaps and gums often emphasize the characteristic scent of Calamus rhizomes.
• Pharmaceutical industry – Calamus rhizome is used for inflammation of the gums, mouth, and throat. The aroma emanating from the rhizome extract perfectly masks the odor of many medications.
• Chemical industry – the rhizome is used to produce preparations that protect food from pests and mice.

When it comes to the use of calamus rhizomes as a health-promoting agent, its positive effect on the stomach is particularly noteworthy. The rhizome stimulates the activity of the digestive tract, leading to increased secretion of gastric juice and also accelerating digestion and absorption of food. Due to the increased production of mucopolysaccharides, which lead to the formation of a protective mucous layer in the stomach, the herb also has a predisposition to protect against self-digestion.

The use of calamus rhizomes also has a positive effect on intestinal and bile duct function. Essential oils and bitter compounds contained in the rhizome stimulate bile production by the liver and urine production by the kidneys. They also have muscle-relaxing properties that restore proper contractile function of the intestines and bile ducts.

Are there any contraindications to the use of calamus rhizomes?

Consuming calamus rhizomes can also cause side effects, such as vomiting. It has also been observed that consuming rhizomes can lead to an increased heart rate and slowed bowel movements. Antihypertensive properties can lead to low blood pressure in people with low blood pressure.

It's also worth considering the effect of calamus on the central nervous system. Taking medication after surgery can lead to excessive drowsiness. It's also not recommended to administer sweet flag rhizomes to pregnant or breastfeeding women.