Calamus has a considerable significance in the medicinal world and has been extensively used by the Romans and Indians since ancient times for its various benefits that include memory boosting and calming effects.
What Is Calamus Oil?
Calamus essential oil is obtained from the dried or fresh roots of an aquatic plant called calamus, through the process of steam distillation.
The calamus plant is reed-like in appearance and grows to a meter high in muds around lakes. With sword-like leaves and yellowish-green flowers, calamus oil is aromatic in nature and the essential oil obtained from this plant has a warm, spicy wood smell.
The chief constituents of calamus essential oil are camphone, acorenone, alpha calacorene, beta-asarone, shyobunone and calamusenone.
Uses and Benefits of Calamus Essential Oil
Calamus oil blends well with other oils such as cinnamon, oregano, tea tree, rosemary, clary sage, lavender, olibanum and marjoram. Make sure to use this in the right concentration with the guidance of a medical practitioner.
Uses of Calamus Oil
Calamus essential oil is also used in the following ways:
- As an insecticide
- As an ingredient for anointing oil
- As a wound healer
- As a tension and stress reliever
Calamus essential oil can be attributed to its properties as a memory booster, antibiotic, antispasmodic, cephalic, tranquilizing, stimulant and nervine substance.
Benefits of Calamus Oil
The significant health benefits of calamus oil include:
1. Boosts memory
Individuals suffering from memory loss due to trauma, aging and other medical disorders can significantly benefit from calamus oil due to its great memory boosting effects. Calamus oil also helps repair damages neurons and brain tissues.
2. Acts as a stimulant
Calamus oil has stimulating properties that help stimulate blood circulation, hormones and nerve functions. It also promotes steadiness and alertness in the mind and body.
3. Improves blood circulation
Due to its stimulant properties, calamus essential oil helps stimulate blood circulation and ensures that nutrients and oxygen are transported to every part of the body. This function also stimulates metabolism in the body.
4. Relieves spasms
Known for its antispasmodic properties, calamus oil helps relieve cramps and spasms in the body and is particularly useful in relieving nerve spasms.
5. Treats arthritis and rheumatism
Calamus oil is rich in anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties that increase blood flow to the affected area. This gives relief from the swelling and pain associated with gout, rheumatism and arthritis.
6. Prevents infections
Calamus essential oil is an effective antibiotic that prevents contraction of bacterial infections. It helps fight infections externally and internally.
7. Acts as a tranquilizer
Calamus oil is an effective tranquilizer and is an excellent remedy for insomnia. It relaxes the body and mind to induce a good night’s sleep.
8. Regulates the nervous system
Calamus oil acts as a nervine and maintains the health of the nervous system. It also reduces the incidences of nervous afflictions, epileptic fits and hysteric attacks.
Side Effects of Calamus Oil
Calamus essential oils, when used in a limited concentration, brings a lot of health benefits for the body and mind. However, when used in excess, this oil can have severe side effects:
- Tumors and convulsions from oral ingestion
- Complications with medicines from surgery
- Dizziness, headaches and seizures
- Damage to the kidneys
Pregnancy and breastfeeding women are advised not to use calamus essential oil as well as those suffering from heart disorders.
