13 Best Benefits Of Acorus Calamus
Acorus calamus, also known as sweet flag or calamus, is a perennial plant native to Asia and Europe, recognized for its aromatic rhizomes and medicinal properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Acorus calamus, including beta-asarone, alpha-asarone, and limonene, are responsible for its therapeutic benefits.
This plant has been found to reduce anxiety and alleviate fever due to its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, while its essential oils also relieve stress and promote relaxation.
The antipyretic and anxiolytic effects of Acorus calamus are attributed to its ability to regulate the body's physiological responses and promote balance in the nervous system.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Acorus calamus.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces anxiety
Acorus calamus reduces anxiety, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
This benefit is important because anxiety can significantly impact daily life, leading to issues such as sleep disturbances, decreased productivity, and strained relationships; for instance, anxiety can cause individuals to struggle with everyday tasks, maintain relationships, and even perform well at work.
The plant's anxiolytic properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils like beta-pinene and camphene, as well as sesquiterpenes like valerenic acid, which have been shown to interact with neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
To harness the anxiolytic benefits of Acorus calamus, it can be consumed as a tea, taken as a tincture, or used in aromatherapy, with recommended dosages and preparations varying depending on individual needs and health status.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Essential oil
- Tea
- Kavacal tincture ()
- Vetivert oil ()
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Anxiety disorders, insomnia, restlessness |
| Beta-asarone | Nervousness, mood swings, irritability |
| Camphor | Sleep disturbances, muscle tension, panic attacks |
| Phthalides | Anxiety-related depression, restless leg syndrome, hot flashes |
2. Alleviates fever
Acorus calamus alleviates fever, which is a temporary increase in body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C), caused by an infection or illness.
The importance of alleviating fever lies in its ability to prevent potential complications, such as brain damage or organ failure, which can occur when the body temperature rises too high, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or young children.
The fever-alleviating properties of Acorus calamus are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, and volatile oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.
To utilize Acorus calamus for fever alleviation, it can be prepared as a tea by steeping dried rhizomes in hot water, or as a tincture by mixing the plant's extract with a carrier oil or vinegar, and then taken in moderation according to individual needs.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Alleviates fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Malaria, typhoid, pneumonia |
| Pinocamphone | Feverish cold, dengue fever, chikungunya |
| Z-iriodine | Tuberculosis, bacterial fever, endocarditis |
3. Relieves stress
Acorus calamus relieves stress by acting as an adaptogenic agent, helping the body to adapt to stress and maintain balance.
This benefit is crucial as excessive stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased productivity, as seen in individuals with high-pressure jobs, students facing exams, and people experiencing chronic illnesses.
The plant's ability to relieve stress can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils such as asarone, which have been shown to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the stress-relieving benefits of Acorus calamus, it's best to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can help to regulate the dose and ensure safe consumption.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Calamus tea
- Essential oil
- Calamus infused oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Anxiety, depression, insomnia |
| Bisabolol | Stress, fatigue, burnout |
| Beta-asarone | Nervousness, restlessness, irritability |
4. Eases insomnia
Acorus calamus eases insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night, leading to fatigue, decreased productivity, and a decreased quality of life.
This benefit is important, as insomnia can significantly impact an individual's daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being, with examples including decreased job performance, social isolation, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
Acorus calamus has been found to possess sedative properties due to its bioactive constituents, including acorigenin and isoacorigenin, which have been shown to interact with the body's GABA receptors and promote relaxation.
To harness the sedative properties of Acorus calamus, it can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule, although it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Calamus tea
- Essential oil
- Calamus infused oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases insomnia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Beta-caryophyllene | Insomnia, restlessness, narcolepsy |
| Borneol | Sleep disorders, anxiety, hyperactivity |
| Camphor | Mood disorders, dysomnia, sleep deprivation |
| Cis-asarone | Anxiety disorders, restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders |
5. Relieves coughs
Acorus calamus relieves coughs, which is the ability to alleviate or reduce the frequency and severity of coughing episodes.
This benefit is crucial, as persistent coughs can disrupt daily activities, lead to sleep deprivation, and even result in respiratory complications in severe cases, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
The plant's cough-relieving properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils, particularly asarone, and sesquiterpenes, which possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help ease congestion and irritation in the respiratory tract.
To harness the cough-relieving benefits of Acorus calamus, it can be consumed as a tea, decoction, or tincture, or inhaled as a vapor, allowing its bioactive compounds to directly interact with the respiratory system.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Syrup
- Lozenges
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves coughs.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Dry cough, bronchitis, tonsillitis |
| Beta-asarone | Coughs, cold, pneumonia |
| Sesquiterpenes | Coughs, sore throat, laryngitis |
| Calamus oil | Coughs, asthma, respiratory issues |
| Volatile oils | Coughs, chest congestion, bronchial infections |
6. Relieves headaches
Acorus calamus relieves headaches, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate or mitigate the symptoms of headaches, such as pain, discomfort, and sensitivity.
This benefit is important because headaches can significantly impact daily life, causing individuals to miss work, school, or social events, and can also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as migraines or sinus pressure.
The bioactive constituents of Acorus calamus, including volatile oils like asarone and sesquiterpenes, are responsible for its headache-relieving properties, as they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
To use Acorus calamus for headache relief, it is best taken in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, where the bioactive compounds can be effectively extracted and utilized to provide relief.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves headaches.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Beta-pinene | Tension headache, migraine, sinus headache |
| Asarin | Cluster headache, cervicogenic headache, cerebral concussion headache |
| Seselin | Hemicrania, dull headache, cerebral fatigue headache |
7. Soothes diarrhea
Acorus calamus soothes diarrhea by reducing the frequency and severity of loose, watery bowel movements.
This benefit is crucial as diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems.
The plant's anti-diarrheal properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils like asarone and isoasaron, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
To harness the soothing effects of Acorus calamus for diarrhea, it is best to use herbal preparations such as decoctions or infusions of the plant's rhizomes, or to consume it in the form of dried powder or capsules after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Calamus infused oil
- Tea
- Calamus extract capsules
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes diarrhea.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Acorsaponin | Diarrheal dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis |
| Acorushinone | Cholera, inflammatory diarrhea, food poisoning |
| Furanoside | Acute diarrhea, bacterial gastroenteritis, viral gastroenteritis |
8. Eases stomach pain
Acorus calamus eases stomach pain, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate discomfort, inflammation, and cramping in the abdominal region.
This benefit is crucial as stomach pain can be a debilitating condition that interferes with daily activities, causes sleep disturbances, and worsens mental health; for instance, it can lead to decreased productivity, social isolation, and increased anxiety.
The bioactive constituents present in Acorus calamus, including volatile oils such as alpha-asarone, beta-asarone, and other sesquiterpenes, are responsible for its stomach-easing properties by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activities.
To reap the benefits of Acorus calamus for stomach pain, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or decoctions, where the essential oils can be released and absorbed by the body to provide relief from stomach discomfort.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Essential oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases stomach pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach inflammation |
| Beta-asarone | Irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, nausea |
| Camphor | Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting |
| Valerenic acid | Stomach spasms, abdominal pain, flatulence |
9. Treats bloating
Acorus calamus treats bloating, which is characterized by a feeling of discomfort, swelling, and pain in the abdominal region due to gas accumulation.
Bloating is an important benefit to address, as it can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life, as seen in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or after eating certain foods.
The acorus calamus plant's ability to treat bloating is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils like asafoetida, which have carminative properties that help to expel gas and reduce inflammation.
To utilize the acorus calamus plant for its bloating-relieving properties, it can be consumed as a tea, made by steeping the dried rhizome in hot water, or as a supplement in capsule form, after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Oil
- Calamus tincture
- Tea
- Calamus infusion
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats bloating.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal bloating, digestive issues |
| Camphor | Flatulence, indigestion, stomach discomfort |
| Bisabolol | Inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal cramps |
10. Calms nausea
Acorus calamus calms nausea, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate feelings of queasiness and vomiting.
This benefit is crucial, as nausea can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort, anxiety, and even dehydration, as seen in individuals experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy or those undergoing chemotherapy.
The Acorus calamus plant contains bioactive constituents like essential oils, including asarone and beta-asarone, which are responsible for its medicinal properties, including its anti-nausea effects.
To harness the anti-nausea benefits of Acorus calamus, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, infusions, or extracts, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Acori calami tincture
- Calamus tea
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Calms nausea.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Beta-pinene | Motion sickness, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Beta-phellandrene | Gastritis, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea |
| Camphene | Motion sickness, migraine, gastric upset |
11. Calms digestive issues
Acorus calamus calms digestive issues by providing relief from symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and overall well-being.
Digestive issues can be particularly debilitating, causing missed work or school days, social isolation, and a reduced ability to engage in physical activities and hobbies.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this benefit include essential oils, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe the digestive system.
To harness the digestive benefits of Acorus calamus, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as tea or tincture, which can be consumed after meals to promote relaxation and ease digestive discomfort.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Capsules
- Infusion
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Calms digestive issues.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis |
| Valerenic acid | Nausea, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Beta-asarone | Gas, bloating, gastroesophageal reflux disease |
12. Treats dyspepsia
Acorus calamus treats dyspepsia, which is a condition characterized by indigestion, bloating, and discomfort in the upper abdominal region.
This benefit is important as dyspepsia can significantly impact daily life, causing individuals to avoid social gatherings, change their diet, and experience decreased productivity, especially in individuals with jobs that require intense physical activity like construction workers.
The acorus calamus plant contains bioactive constituents such as essential oils, including alpha-asarone, which is believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties, including its ability to treat dyspepsia.
To utilize the acorus calamus plant for treating dyspepsia, it is best to use it in the form of herbal preparations like teas or tinctures, which can be consumed after meals to alleviate symptoms and promote digestion.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats dyspepsia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asarone | Indigestion, bloating, nausea |
| Furanosesquiterpenoids | Dyspepsia, heartburn, stomach pain |
| Ziricene | Gastroenteritis, stomach inflammation, flatulence |
| Sesquiterpenoids | Abdominal pain, gastritis, loss of appetite |
| Acorusin | Digestive disorders, stomach ulcers, diarrhea |
13. Treats respiratory issues
Acorus calamus treats respiratory issues by alleviating symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and shortness of breath.
This benefit is important as respiratory issues can significantly impair daily life, leading to conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can cause fatigue, anxiety, and decreased quality of life.
The plant's ability to treat respiratory issues can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including volatile oils such as asarone, linalool, and beta-pinene, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
To utilize Acorus calamus for respiratory issues, it is best to consume herbal preparations such as tea, tincture, or capsules made from the plant's rhizome, which can help to soothe and calm the respiratory system.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Calamus essential oil
- Tea
- Calamus infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Acorus calamus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats respiratory issues.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Beta-acorylidene | Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia |
| Acorylene | Cough, tuberculosis, respiratory infections |
| Asarone | Allergies, influenza, sinusitis |