Bulk Calamus Root Cut & Sifted, Wild Crafted

Acorus calamus
Calamus root, c/s, wild crafted image
[ 381 ]Acorus calamus

Calamus Root Cut & Sifted, Wild Crafted

1/4 Pound:  $7.90 Pound:  $17.55 buy now  

Calamus is also known as myrtle grass, gladdon, beewort, sweet flag and by many other common names. In Europe, the sweet root is called German ginger.

Combined with other rushes, the sliced calamus root was used as a strewing herb to mask the consequences of poor sanitation and to thatch cottages.

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a.
quick look

information at a glance

approximate cups to one pound6
originunited states
plant part usedroot
processingcut & sifted

b.
buying & keeping

general guidelines and tips

storage tips Store calamus root in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
appearance & aromaFibrous with a sweet, spicy scent.

c.
uses

try something new

cosmeticCalamus root is used to make infused oils and extracts for use in soaps, skin lotions, hair and body care products and perfumes.
aromaticAdd to potpourri mixture and herbal pillows.
safetyNot for internal use.

d.
flavor profile

cut & sifted
calamus root

Calamus root is NOT recommended for internal use.

e.
formulas & recipes

cut & sifted
calamus root

to come

f.
what else you should know

cut & sifted
calamus root

Sweet flag was used as a strewing herb to hide the odorous consequences of poor sanitation during the middle ages in Europe. In North America, natives chewed on the root as a stimulant much like coffee or cocoa, a practice later adopted by Canadian trappers employed by the Hudson Bay Company.

Sweet flag root contains a group of compounds called asarones, which produce a mild narcotic effect. In fact, calamus root is reputed to be a key ingredient in “flying ointments” used to promote hallucinogenic states of consciousness. It’s interesting to note that while witches of medieval Europe were using calamus to “fly,” members of the North American Cree tribe used the root to "travel great distances without touching the ground."

Although calamus root has been used as a flavoring agent for various beverages, tooth powders and candies, and still is in some parts of the world, use of the root or essential oil as flavoring or food has been banned in the United States since 1968.


Habitat/Range:  Native to India and North America and naturalized in Europe, Australia, Siberia, China, Japan and Indonesia.

Description:  Calamus produces tiny green flowers, but does not bear fruit. The leaves are stem-less, shaped like spears and arranged in dual rows. The rhizome yields and oil that is highly fragrant and imparts a bitter flavor.

Parts Used:  Rhizomes

Traditional Uses:  Calamus has been used for centuries by various North American peoples, such as the Penobscot tribe of Canada and the Potawatomi people of the upper Mississippi River region of the United States. In Medieval Europe, the herb was strewn across floors to mask the offensive odors of poor sanitation and was used as roofing thatch.  I.

Chemical Composition:  Calamus root contains a volatile oil called asarone, including alpha, beta and gamma types. Other chief constituents found in the rhizome include  ZZ-Deca-4, 7-dienal and acorone, the agents responsible for the herb’s fragrance and bitter taste, respectively, Additional active chemicals found in the essential oil are methyl isoeugenol and cyclohexanone .

Pharmacological Actions:  The anti-ulcerative effect associated with this herb may also be due to this agent. Animal studies also indicate that calamus may have cardioprotective effects. For example, the June 22, 2011 issue of “Cardiovascular Toxicology” published a study in which calamus rhizome extract significantly lessened symptoms of isoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.



Safety: According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, there are no known health hazards or side effects associated with therapeutic dosages of calamus root. However, the editors caution that long-term use is not advised since malignant tumor formation was observed in rats that received a tetraploid strain of calamus oil for an extended time. As with all medicines, do not use this herb to self-treat any condition if you have a chronic condition, use other medications or are pregnant or nursing.

Frequently bought together


for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.