Description

Calamus oil is extracted from Acorus calamus var. angustatus of the Araceae family.

Oil properties

Calamus oil has a warm, spicy odor – reminiscent of a sweet forest.

Origin of calamus oil

Calamus is a perennial, semi-aquatic, marshy plant, native to northern Europe and Asia. The root of this plant is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of nervous complaints, vertigo, headaches, neuralgia, shock, epilepsy, panic attacks and dysentery.
The essential oil contains asorone, which was thought to be carcinogenic when orally digested, however recent reports (luo, 1992 and Hasheminejad & Caldwell, 1999) suggest that the carcinogenic potency is very low. We however only recommend the external use of our essential oils.

Extraction

Calamus oil is extracted from the fresh roots or the unpeeled dried root by steam distillation.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components are acorenone, b-gurjunene, isoshyobunine, b-asarone, calamendiol, a-selinene, a-calacorene, calamusenone, camphone and shyobunone.

Precautions

Calamus oil should rather be avoided during pregnancy. Certain studies and reports suggest that the asorone contained in Calamus oil can cause convulsions and hallucinations if taken internally (orally). We recommend a low dilution rate in a massage blend (under 2%)

Therapeutic Properties

The therapeutic Properties for Calamus essential oil are antibiotic, antispasmodic, circulatory, cephalic, stimulant and nervine.

Uses

Calamus oil is an excellent stimulant for the nervous system, helping with headaches and various nervous complaints, neuralgia, panic attacks, refreshing the brain, improving memory and reducing swelling in joints and is considered a pain reliever.

Summary

Although Calamus oil was banned by the FDA in 1968 as a food additive and as a medicine, our essential oil is only recommended for external use in a massage blend or in an anointing oil blend. Current research shows that Calamus essential oil has a low carcinogenic potency when ingested. We do NOT recommend the ingestion of any of our essential oils. This practise can only be undertaken under guidance of a registered medical professional.

•  Burners and vaporizersIn vapour therapy, Calamus oil can help for headaches, panic attacks, promote calmness, harmony, memory and clear the mind.
• Blended in the bathWhen adding Calamus oil to a warm bath, it can help ease tension, headaches, anxiety, help to restore memory and soothe and calm aching joints and muscles.

More information about Calamus

Body Care ~ may offer aphrodisiac properties

Circulatory System ~ Stimulates circulation & the metabolism

Immune System ~ helpful in reducing mild fever

Musculoskeletal System ~ helps relief pain, redness & swelling from arthritis, gout & rheumatism ~ beneficial for chronic back pain ~ anti-iinflammatory properties

Nervous System ~ promotes calm & relaxation for the body & mind ~ alleviates anxiety, irritation, stress, nervous spasms, tension ~ induces sleep ~ indues sleep & alleviates insomnia & sleeplessness ~ sedative & tranquilising properties  ~ treats neuralgia, headaches, vertigo ~ improves mental focus, concentration & alertness ~ memory booster & helps alleviate loss of concentration ~ helps treat neuralgia & reduces feelings of pain ~ help recover from shock

Respiratory System ~ helps to alleviate bronchial complaints

Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ spiritually uplifting ~ refreshing effect on the brain ~ induces & promotes positive thoughts ~ alleviates negative feelings  ~ used as a spiritual anointing oil

Blends Well With ~ Amyris, Bergamot, Blood Orange, Buddha Wood, Cedarwood, Cananga, Cardamon, Carraway, Cinnamon Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clementine, Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Labdanum, Lavender, Lime, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm, Mandarin, May Chang, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Olibanum, Orange, Oregano, Palo Santo, Patchouli, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spike Lavender, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Turpentine, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Yuzu

Safety ~ Not recommended to use during pregnancy or orally