Calamus
Acorus calamus
1:3 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagyric Tincture of organic Calamus roots – with salt principle added.
Planetary ruler: Mercury/Moon

Physical effects*:
Calamus, is otherwise known as ‘Vacha’ in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, Vacha meaning speech. This plant is an excellent remedy for all afflictions of that impede speech, including bronchitis, laryngitis, hoarseness from strained vocal chords, colds, flus, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, memory decline, sinus-related headaches, brain-fog, lack-of-focus, nervousness and anxiety. Its soothing effects extend beyond the mind to the central nervous system, being analgesic (pain killing), anti-psychotic, anti-convulsant and able to ease endometriosis pains. It also has a strong action on the digestive system, helping manage symptoms associated with dyspepsia; decreasing flatulence, nausea and vomiting; being able to reduce stomach acidity which may be causing bloating or reflux; whilst it can also increase stomach secretions that enable healthy appetite and proper digestion – in this way Calamus has been utilised to treat anorexia nervosa. Other actions include hepaprotective (protects liver), anti-oxidant, antimutagenic (prevent disease driven mutation of cells, potentially decreasing likelihood of cancer), antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antilithic (flushes kidney and gallstones), antidiabetic, antihistamine, euphoric, emmenagogue (increases menstrual flow), euphoric, nootropic and potentially hallucinogenic. It is interesting to note that Calamus is considered both stimulant and relaxant, being able to aid in the expression of vital force and energy, whilst also reducing the resistance to that expression – relaxing tensions.

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Emotional/Spiritual Effects*:
Calamus has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world, from Indian yogis, to Native Americans, Persians and the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan were known to carry it with them wherever they went. Calamus root centres and focuses one’s spirit, having significant ability to reduce anxiousness, and being said to ‘blow out the cobwebs of one’s mind’. Whilst it is considered useful in creating focus and aiding communicative clarity, it can also enable one to surrender to the greater creative flowing’s of the universe, aiding one to sing freely with the birds, and create from a place that isn’t so productivity focussed or pushy, yet can ultimately be more productive because of the extra inspiration that can flow when we feel inspired and free.  One can often witness that when they let go of gnawing thoughts and consuming emotions, their energy levels rise and focus sharpens, Calamus helps in this sorting of thoughts and emotions to create greater space for inspiration and creation to flow through and from us. In this way it can be an excellent meditation aid, as many people use meditation to observe and sort through their thoughts. Calamus can be useful for those who experiences regular panic attacks, it’s bitter qualities loosening up the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to switch to the sympathetic nervous system and feel much more grounded. It has also been used to treat autism, particularly autism that is causing a severe lack of communication. 

Cautions/Contraindications:
-Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Calamus root is likely unsafe when taken internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
-Heart conditions and low blood pressure: Calamus root may lower blood pressure significantly when taken in large doses, which may worsen certain heart conditions and low blood pressure.
-Surgery: The blood thinning effect of Calamus may make surgery riskier, thus avoid from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after surgery.
-Antidepressants: Antiderpressant medications that are MAOI’s may interact with Calamus, including phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine and others.
-Sedatives: CNS Depressants may interact with Calamus to create excessive drowsiness. Some sedative meds include: Lorazepam (Ativan), zolpidem (Ambien), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and others.
-Antacids: Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid, calamus may increase stomach acid and thus counter antacid action. Some antacids include: Magnesium sulfate (Bilagog), Calcium Carbonate (Tums, others), magaldrate (Riopan), and others.
-H2 Blockers: H2-Blockers are designed to decrease stomach acid and thus act contrary to calamus.
-Proton pump inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors act contrary to calamus.