Calamus Essential Oil
Calamus is a red-like aquatic plant growing to about 1m high, with sword-shaped leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers. it grows on the margins of lakes and streams with a long-branched rhizome immersed in the mud. Its erect, sword-shaped leaves bear considerable resemblance to those of the Yellow Flag, hence its equally common popular name of 'Sweet Flag,' though it is not related botanically to the Iris. All parts of the plant have a peculiar, agreeable fragrance. Calamus was largely grown for its rhizomes in the East and the Indian rhizomes were imported extensively long after it was common in Europe. The Indian rhizome is said to have a stronger and more agreeable flavor than that obtained in Europe or the United States.
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| Botanical Name: | Acorus calamus L. |
| Family: | Acoraceae |
| Synonyms: | Sweet flag |
| See Also: | |
| Parts Used: | Unpeeled dried root |
| Extraction Method: | Steam distilled |
| Appearance: | |
| Aroma Description: | Warm, spicy odor |
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| Modern Uses: | The oil of Acorus calamus is used as an ingradient in flavors, particularly in liquors. Acorus calamus oil is employed also in perfumery. Because of its peculiar, Warm and somewhat spicy odour, it blends well into compositions of the heavier oriental type. |
| Cautions: | Calamus oil should never be used in aromatherapy. The essential oil contains asorone, which is a carcinogenic and oral ingestion can cause convulsions and liver and kidney damage. |
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