Air Swamp.

Calamus Swamp: description, use and medicinal properties

Swamp calamus (lat. Acorus calamus) is a perennial plant of the aroid family, which is distributed in the European part of Russia, Central Asia, Siberia and the Far East. The plant, more than 1 meter high, has a powerful, fleshy, jointed rhizome, 50 cm long. The leaves are simple, alternate and linear. The flower arrow is triangular, with a groove and a thick, deflected inflorescence-cob, which is supported by a sword-shaped spur. Calamus blooms in June - July, its flowers are greenish-yellow. The ovary is triangular, and the berries are small and red. In Russia and Western Europe, calamus does not bear fruit.

Calamus Marsh grows in quiet backwaters, on the shallows of ponds, rivers and streams. In culture, it is bred by dividing rhizomes with roots, which are buried in moist soil or silt so that the water level above them does not exceed 15-20 cm. The water where calamus grows is usually suitable for drinking.

Calamus Bolotny has been known since ancient times. Previously, among many peoples it was considered a universal home remedy. It was used together with coal powder to purify water that was unfit for drinking. Currently, calamus is successfully used as feed for cattle, in the confectionery and perfume industries. In small quantities, it can be used instead of bay leaves, put in compotes of fresh and dry apples, pears and rhubarb, and boiled in syrup. Calamus rhizome is used to rivet barrels, produce starch, tan leather, and fight fleas and other insects.

Calamus rhizome is a medicinal raw material. It is collected in the fall when the water has dropped significantly. The raw materials are cut into pieces, washed and quickly dried. Store in bags or glass containers for 1 year. The raw material contains fragrant calamus oil, consisting of pinene, camphene, camphor, borneol, eugenol and other substances, ascorbic acid (150 mg%), acorine gdicoside, calamine alkaloid, choline, resin and starch.

Calamus preparations are prescribed for jaundice, malaria, exudative diathesis, rickets, kidney disease and urinary bladder. Its powder is used as a choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant and tonic. Calamus is also used to improve digestion, strengthen the nervous system, increase immunity, improve vision, lower blood sugar levels, as well as improve memory and concentration.

However, you need to remember that calamus contains toxic substances, so it should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor and in certain doses. It is not recommended to use calamus for pregnant and lactating women, children under 12 years of age, as well as people with liver and biliary tract diseases, gastric and duodenal ulcers, alcoholism and drug addiction. Before using calamus, you should consult your doctor.