Calamus For The Imagination!

I’ve learned in herb school that you can tell a lot about the properties of a plant and the sort of person it may help by the places and the ways in which it grows. Calamus, also known as sweet flag, or if you’re into Ayurveda, its Sanskrit name is Vacha, loves to grow in the water. Often found in muddy terrain or boggy places, it spreads through a beautifully complex network of rhizomes and is extremely resilient. It prefers to bask in the sunlight and does best in colder climates. Originally, Calamus hails from Asia. Native to India and Central Asia, Calamus was actually banned in the United States in 1968 by the FDA (the food and drug administration) because of a compound named B-asarone, which was said to be toxic to humans when ingested. 

Practicing herbalists today do not believe the plant to be toxic, in fact, it is not banned in any other countries besides the United States. Calamus is a beautiful plant– aromatic, stimulating and bitter. The medicine of this beautiful ally is found in its roots. The rhizomes are considered to possess antispasmodic, carminative, anthelmintic, aromatic, expectorant, nauseate, nervine, sedative, stimulant properties and also used for the treatment of epilepsy, mental ailments, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain. In Ayurveda, this is an excellent plant for those dealing with a vata imbalance– too much wind. Thinking too many thoughts, too many ideas– those with an inability to focus and execute their ideas or bring their plans into fruition. 

On a spiritual level, Calamus is the plant of creative geniuses. It is said that those who ingest Calamus, develop the ability to write poetry. In Sabah, Malaysia, Calamus, which is referred to as Komburongo or the sweet flag plant plays an important role in the lives and rituals of the Dusunic ethnic people, who believe that this plant is actually a spiritual helper, able to obstruct evil spirits and prevent them from doing harm during spiritual healings. Calamus can help those recovering from a stroke or neurological ailments, increase concentration and happiness levels and has been used in many rituals and magick practices to increase wealth and abundance. 

Calamus is a beautiful plant ally for those who suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, gastritis or stomach ulcers. It has a calming and soothing effect that promotes immune function and allows the GI system to heal. Like most things in life, it should be taken in moderation, as too much can create vomiting or diarrhea. 

If you find yourself in need of sparking the imagination, Calamus is here to help guide the way!

Signing Off,

Krysten