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Calamus root has been found to have many positive health effects, it is used both for medicinal purposes and for the prevention of various pathologies. But it is important to use it correctly, after consulting with a phytotherapeutist or your doctor.
The composition of this plant contains a lot of useful compounds that are maximally concentrated in the roots. Its essential oils are especially important, giving calamus a specific smell and a special taste. In addition, it contains asarone, turmeric, acorone, borneol, element, calameol and beta-pinene. These substances in combination have stimulating effects on metabolism. In addition to the essential oil, the plant is valued for the content of various biologically active components:
- Natural starch as a source of energy and a component that normalizes digestion.
- A complex of vitamins to maintain tone and active metabolism, digestion, urogenital area, immunity and nervous system.
- Vitamin B4 (aka choline) stimulates the work of neurons, has sedative and neuroprotective properties.
- The content of iodine in the roots allows you to make up for its lack, which is typical for thyroid problems.
- A group of tannic compounds helps in the regulation of the digestive tract, helps in the healing of damage to the skin and mucous membranes, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
- The high content of ascorbic acid stimulates the body’s defenses, helps during colds, supports the immune system.
- Palmitic acid accelerates the healing of wounds and cuts, relieves irritation and flaking of the skin, restores hair in case of damage.
Medicinal properties of calamus root
Calamus roots are used not only as medicines, but also in cosmetology and cooking. On the basis of calamus roots, various medicines are produced that have a small range of contraindications and are used for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
Its use helps in reducing the risk of contracting viruses and relieving the course of a cold or flu. It is widely used in the composition of tablets for the treatment of digestive problems, it has an enveloping effect, protects against aggressive environmental factors.
Medicinal raw material from calamus root has:
- vasodilating effect, due to which the plant helps in the treatment of hypertension;
- mild analgesic effect;
- antispasmodic effect, due to which some pain in the abdomen, internal organs and muscles is eliminated;
- antimicrobial action, which helps in the fight against pathogenic organisms with colds and inflammatory processes;
- normalizes the work of nerves, eliminates depression;
- helps in stopping bleeding, both internal and external, which means it helps in the prevention of anemia;
- has astringent properties, is used for problems with the stool;
- has a general stimulating effect, increases overall metabolism.
Calamus root contraindications
Although this plant is actively used in medicine and cooking, it is important to take into account certain contraindications to its use. This should include:
- pregnancy throughout all trimesters – the active components of plant materials can adversely affect the development of the fetus;
- nosebleeds, as the plant has a vasodilating effect and can increase blood loss;
- acute stages of peptic ulcer, including due to the risk of bleeding and perforation;
- gastritis with high acidity, GERD and frequent heartburn;
- acute inflammatory process in the area of kidney tissues until its relief;
- allergy to plant components and individual intolerance to the drug;
- hypotension due to the risk of a strong decrease in pressure and orthostatic syncope;
- lactation period due to the possibility of developing allergic reactions in an infant, especially prone to allergies and skin rashes.
Application of calamus root
Calamus roots are used in herbal medicine for the preparation of products for external and internal use, as well as in cosmetic practice and cooking.
In women, calamus roots can help in the treatment of uterine fibroids, restore hormonal levels, including after childbirth or during menopause. May reduce menstrual pain.
In men, this plant has the property of an aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire, normalizing potency. Helps in the prevention of prostate adenoma, improves overall tone, normalizes sperm quality, helping in conception. Often the plant is used in the complex treatment of infertility.
Calamus Root Dosage Forms
This medicinal raw material can be used both independently and as part of various herbal preparations. On the basis of calamus root, various forms of medicines are prepared. All of them are used in the treatment or prevention of serious pathologies, restore the functions of certain organs or tissues. Calamus is used in various forms.
Infusion
3 teaspoons of crushed and dried roots, pour into a container and pour freshly boiled water (1 cup). Then put the mixture on the fire, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Strain.
Take 1/3 cup of decoction before meals for 10 to 14 days, or as directed by a physician. In case of baldness, decoction should wet the hair and skin, heads, actively massaging it.
decoction
20 g of dried calamus roots, which must first be ground with a coffee grinder or blender, pour a glass of freshly boiled water, cover the container with crumbs, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes. Then the infusion must be kept for 1 hour, brought to the original volume with cold water.
Take 50 ml per day divided into 2 doses.
Infusions of calamus roots are used in the treatment and prevention of gastritis. They gargle with acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or exacerbation of a chronic process, with toothache, intestinal colic. Used as an additional remedy in the treatment of hearing loss and visual impairment.
Decoctions of calamus roots can help normalize hair growth, strengthen them, give shine and strength. In medicine, a decoction is used in the treatment of neurosis, migraine, endometrial hypertrophy, menstrual disorders.
Powder
Dried calamus roots grind into powder with a coffee grinder or mortar. Store in a glass container (brown, green) with a tight lid.
Use neat or mixed with honey.
Before use, you need to exclude allergies to honey and grass. Use no more than 1 teaspoon of the mixture per day for a course of up to 1 month.
Powder from the roots of the plant is used externally to treat ulcers, inflamed wounds or runny nose. Taking the powder also helps in improving memory.
Reviews of doctors about the root of calamus
Elena Korsun, Ph.D. head Department of Phytotherapy, ICM RUDN University, Head of the Educational and Health Center at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine:
– We actively prescribe calamus root powder for gum problems. In the evening, after the usual brushing of teeth, brush your teeth with calamus powder, do not rinse your mouth, you can spit and go to sleep. Or use 1 teaspoon – 1 tbsp. a spoonful of calamus rhizomes from pharmacy filter bags, you can suck it all night, it sticks well to the gums. Calamus can stain fillings a little brown. On the front teeth, it does not look very aesthetically pleasing, but the gums are intact.
In public transport, suck a piece of calamus rhizome, prevention of viral infections.
As the phytotherapeutist Inna Mikhailovna Agafonova said, calamus, due to its properties to improve blood circulation, causes an aggravation of vision, hearing and memory. Included in the gastric, antibacterial, antiviral, pulmonary herbal preparations.
Olga Zorina, pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, chief editor of MedCorr:
– Calamus rhizome is an effective remedy for diseases of the digestive tract, it is included in the fees and official tablet medicines. Calamus contains essential oils, has a sharp taste, so when used internally, an irritating effect is possible (especially if it is not used in accordance with the instructions).
IMPORTANT!
Air is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women; It is used in limited courses, not constantly, strictly under the supervision of a physician.