What is Calamus?
Calamus is a plant that is mostly used for medicinal purposes. However, before delving into the health benefits of this herb, it is best to know and understand its side effects first. Calamus root is not a common medicinal plant because it is not as widely used by people, unlike some other medicinal plants. One of the major reasons why it is one of the least used herbal plants is because it has a high risk of toxicity and can lead to severe side effects if taken in large doses for a long time.
To prevent taking large doses, countries like America have prohibited their citizens from using it for medicinal purposes. Most people in other parts of the world prefer to avoid the herb. However, using healthy dosages is better than quitting them completely. This is because the calamus herb in itself is packed with numerous nutrients and natural properties that can support human health and give it a massive boost.
Uses of Calamus
Of every part of the plant, the root of the calamus plant is mostly used for medicine and studies have shown that it can help prevent, treat and manage some health conditions. It used to be common only among ancient Chinese and Indian herbal medicines. Although, it is still in use today, and people who use it ensure that they take safe and healthy doses. This is because taking large doses can put your health at risk.
There is only one way of making herbs out of the root: boiling the root in water. After boiling the root for about 10 to 15 minutes, you should leave the water to cool. Then take out the roots and the herb is now safe to drink. Ensure that you drink safe doses of the herb. Herbalists have suggested that it is safe to take the herb once a month for the prevention of health conditions. This will help prevent toxicity or side effects. This article is packed with the medicinal properties, health benefits, and also side effects of calamus root.
Medicinal Properties of Calamus Root
Calamus is packed with significant amounts of medicinal and natural properties that can support health and help the body function properly. The following are the medicinal properties of calamus root;
- Expectorant properties
- Diuretic properties
- Carminative properties
- Laxative properties
- Anthelmintic properties
- Emetic properties
- Aromatic properties
- Thermogenic properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant properties
- Anticonvulsant properties
- Aphrodisiac properties
- Antiseptic properties
- Insecticidal properties
- Antimicrobial properties
All of these medicinal and natural properties work hand in hand to boost health. All the health benefits you can enjoy from the herbal root are courtesy of all of these natural and medicinal properties.
Studies showed that with these properties, the calamus root can help boost the function of some organs in the body, like the brain and the digestive organs, and prevent severe brain and gut health-related health conditions. Coupled with these, it has calming effects that soothe inflammation and ability to prevent infections from gaining access into the body. These are a few of the health benefits the calamus root can supply your body with. Below are the health benefits of calamus root
Health Benefits of Calamus Root
Depression
Studies have shown that the calamus root is packed with medicinal properties that can support the function of the brain and the nervous system as a whole. It used to be the first go-to herb in ancient times for those people suffering from psychological disorders like depression and anxiety.
Today, research has proven that drinking a cup of calamus root tea can help prevent depression, and in the case of those who are already depressed, drinking calamus root tea can help improve their conditions. It is best to speak with your doctor before taking calamus herb, as this will help you determine how much of the tea will be enough to clear your depression. You should also ensure that you follow the dosage recommended by your doctor.
Treats Stomach Disorders
Due to its impressive medicinal properties, calamus root is an effective remedy for stomach disorders ranging from indigestion to stomach ulcers. Drinking the herb, on the one hand, can help support stomach health by boosting digestion, killing intestinal worms, and preventing stomach ulcers. While on the other hand, grinding dry calamus root into coconut oil and applying it to your stomach can help treat stomach aches and other stomach disorders.
Before using calamus root for your stomach conditions, you should speak with your doctor first. Also, ensure that you do not use this herb to treat your children’s stomach health conditions, as studies are still ongoing on whether it is safe for young children and infants.
Eliminates Inflammation
Inflammation can be triggered by numerous factors and can also signify that something is wrong in the body. Although, in some cases, inflammation fades on its own. However, when an underlying health condition triggers it, it might not go away on its own until the health condition is tackled. If you notice that your inflammation has lingered for a long time and gets worse, you can drink some calamus root herb to help you relieve the inflammation.
Studies have shown that calamus root has a wealth of anti-inflammatory properties that can clear inflammation. However, before doing this, ensure that you visit your doctor so you do not overdose.
Improves Asthma
Asthma attacks can be so uncomfortable and can put your life at risk. Although asthma attacks can be prevented, most people still experience it no matter how much they try to prevent them. According to research, some herbs can help improve the condition of asthmatic people. These herbs begin by reducing asthma attack episodes and also reducing the severity of the asthma attack.
Studies have shown that those who consume calamus root herb for their asthma have reported a significant improvement in their condition. Further studies also showed that the herb might also be effective for other respiratory health conditions like bronchitis. However, research is still ongoing to confirm that.
Hormonal Balance
Calamus root is packed with lots of antioxidants and other natural properties that can boost the production of hormones in the body ranging from sexual hormones to hormones that control mood, digestion, and reproduction.
Apart from enhancing the production of these hormones, it also helps regulate and balance these hormones to help them perform their functions properly. All you need to do is boil up some calamus roots and drink the herb. What’s more? People who have been diagnosed with hormonal irregularities experienced significant improvement after a few days of consuming calamus root herb.
Manages Epilepsy
Although epilepsy until today can only be managed, however, it can be managed perfectly, such that epilepsy patients can live their lives to the fullest with scanty episodes of epileptic attacks. One of the most confirmed ways of managing epileptic symptoms is the consumption of herbs. Some herbs have been discovered not just to help manage epileptic symptoms but also to reduce the episode and severity of the attacks.
One such herb is the calamus root herb. It effectively gets rid of epileptic symptoms. However, do not overuse the herb for your condition to prevent complications. Speaking with your doctor before using the herb for your epilepsy is also advisable.
Boosts Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation can pose a great health risk. This is because the blood carries oxygen and other healthy minerals throughout the body. Thus, if blood does not get to some parts of the body, those parts may be useless and unable to perform their various functions. Numerous factors, like underlying health conditions, can trigger poor blood circulation. Apart from diets, other ways to prevent poor blood circulation is by taking certain herbs that have promising effects in ensuring healthy blood circulation.
One of the best herbs to use to boost blood circulation in your body is the calamus herb. This is because it has a wealth of medicinal properties that support the processes leading to healthy blood transportation throughout the body.
Side Effects of Calamus Herb
Consuming large doses of calamus herb for a long time can lead to the following side effects;
- Organ damage
- Intestinal tumors
- Leukocytosis
Conclusion
Calamus root is a herb that should be taken with caution. It has so many health benefits, but it can be dangerous for health if you take large doses.
