Calamus Essential Oil is derived from the roots of the plant called Acorus calamus or also known as Sweet Flag. The said plant grows best in watery places, which is why it is often seen near the river. It commonly grows in various countries in Asia and Europe, and has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine by Indians and ancient Romans. The essential oil is mainly known for its effect in the nervous system, although it also has several other benefits.
The oil is yellowish and brownish in color and it has the scent that will remind you of cinnamon. It is refreshing and it has a sweet smell, which is why it is known to calm the mind and it is often used for making perfumes.
The essential oil is made up of various substances although the most active components include shyobunone, iso shyobunine, camphone, calamusenone, calamendiol, beta asarone, beta gurjunene, alpha aselinene, alpha calacorene, and acorenone. It also has varying properties including but not limited to memory booster, antibiotic, and anti-rheumatic. The oil can be toxic, which is why only a small amount of it must be used. It is also not recommended for ingestion, unless under the supervision of an expert.
Calamus Essential Oil Benefits
Using Calamus Essential Oil has several benefits. Here are some of them:
- Enhances blood circulation
- Relieves pain
- Alleviates muscle spasm
- Fights bacterial infection
- Relaxes the brain
- Boosts memory
- Promotes alertness
- Enhances sleep
Calamus Essential Oil Uses
- Calamus Essential Oil as Anti-Arthritic and Anti-rheumatic. It is generally known for enhancing the blood circulation, which in turn relieves inflammation and pain, including those that are caused by arthritis, gout, and rheumatism.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Tranquilizing Agent. The right dosage can help relax the mind and body, thus promoting sleep. This is helpful for those who are suffering from insomnia and sleep deprivation.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Stimulant. This essential oil affects the brain function, causing steadiness and alertness.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Nervine. It enhances the overall health of the nervous system and prevents hysteria and epilepsy.
- Calamus Essential Oil as a Memory Booster. Its memory boosting property can help those who have suffered from memory loss due to various reasons, including trauma and aging. It can also help treat damages on neurons and brain tissues.
- Calamus Essential Oil as a Circulation Enhancer. It enhances metabolism and ensure proper blood circulation to all parts of the system.
- Calamus Essential Oil as a Cephalic Agent. The right dosage of this essential oil can have calming effect on the brain.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Antibiotic. It can kill bacteria and fight various kinds of infections.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Anti-spasmodic. It is beneficial in treating different kinds of spasms, but mostly spasms related to nervous system.
- Calamus Essential Oil as Insecticide. It can be used as an insect repellant.
Calamus Essential Oil Side Effects
Calamus Essential Oil must not be ingested. It’s considered as a carcinogen and toxic on the body if ingested. It has this nutrient called β – asarone, which is known to cause cancer. Although it can be used on massage and inhalation, only a small amount is recommended as higher dosage can cause convulsions and hallucinations. This is why it is also not recommended to be used by pregnant women and by children. Its contradiction against the use of other medicines or treatments have not been proven, but it is not recommended for those who are taking medications for depression, neuritis, and anxiety, as this may interfere with them. Those who are getting any kind of surgery must not use it at least a couple of weeks before the scheduled surgery, as one of its effect is sleepiness, which may contradict with the medication given during the surgery.
How to Use Calamus Essential Oil
There are various ways on how Calamus Essential Oil can be used. Note that because of its toxic property and its hallucinating and addictive effect, only a small amount of this is recommended on every use.
- Inhaling. It can be added in a diffuser or in warm water for inhaling.
- Massage. The essential oil is also mixed with various ingredients for massaging on the affected body part or for a relaxing massage.
- Bath. It can also be added in your bathwater along with other ingredients like Epsom salt for a relaxing bath and for its rejuvenating effect on the skin.
- Ingredient. This essential oil is also used as an ingredient in wine and several other beverages.
How to Make Calamus Essential Oil
Calamus Essential Oil is a pure and organic essential oil that is extracted from the powdered root of the Acorus calamus plant through the process of steam distillation. No chemicals or artificial substances are used during the process of extraction. The root is dried and powdered and the essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation. No artificial substances and chemicals are used during the said extraction process, so the essential oil is pure and organic. It is totally derived from the root of plant so whatever properties the root has, the essential oil also contains it.
Calamus Essential Oil Recipe
Calamus Essential Oil is effective in relaxing the mind and body. If you are feeling exhausted, you can use this along with other essential oils to relieve exhaustion. Here are the ingredients and steps on how to treat exhaustion using this essential oil.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops of Calamus Essential Oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
- One bowl of hot water
Steps:
- Combine all essential oils in the bowl of hot water.
- Use the steam coming from the mixture as a facial.
- This will help you relax, and remove fatigue, as well as promote alertness.
Where to Buy Calamus Essential Oil
Calamus Essential Oil can be purchased on local stores selling essential oils. It is also conveniently available online. Make sure that you are purchasing a trusted brand and from a reliable seller to ensure of the quality. There are those that are added with camphor components, which are not as effective as the pure essential oil. Silky Scents and BioFinest are some of the recommended brands of Calamus Essential Oil to try.
More Information on Calamus Essential Oil
- An active ingredient of Calamus Essential Oil is asarone that is known for its stimulating property. It is effective in protecting the nervous system from damage that may be caused by inflammation.
- It can help you pee and sweat more, which helps to eliminate waste in the system.
- Be careful with its use, as it is toxic. Use only a small amount or the recommended amount. It may cause convulsion and hallucination if taken in large quantity.
- It must be stored in a cool temperature and must prevent being exposed to the sun.
- Make sure to check with your doctor first before using this essential oil to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with other treatments or medications you have. This may not work well with medicines used on depression, neuritis, and anxiety.
- This essential oil can efficiently lower body temperature, which is why it can also be used in treating fever.
