Marsh calamus: medicinal properties and contraindications

Marsh calamus is a medicinal plant that grows in the marshes and has been used for a long time in folk medicine. It has also found its application and in cosmetology, cooking, traditional medicine. It has many useful properties and helps to get rid of many unpleasant symptoms that occur against a number of diseases. It is important to use calamus correctly, so as not to harm the body.

Chemical Composition

Folk healers claim that it is the root of the common or marsh calamus gives the opportunity to cope with a number of diseases. Gather it in the fall or spring. The plant is characterized by a high content of essential oil, which gives it a special aroma and taste. The composition of the oil of calamus marsh contains the following substances:

• azaron;
• borneol;
• calameol;
• beta-pinene;
• element;
• akoron;
• curcumen.

There are also other substances that have a positive effect on the body. The main element is azaron. But in addition to the essential oil, the plant contains the following substances:

1. Starch. This is a source of carbohydrates, which are energy for the body. It also has a positive effect on the digestive process.
2. Vitamins. Marsh calamus is rich in various vitamins, such as A, C, PP, K, E and the B group. All of them are necessary for various processes occurring in the body. Many of them help support vision, the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary and reproductive systems, and others. They also allow you to increase and maintain immunity. That is why marsh calamus is widely used to treat certain pathologies.
3. Choline. This is a vitamin B4, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is found in sufficient quantities in the cairo that it makes it possible to create special sedatives on the basis of the plant. It has also found its use in traditional medicine.
4. Iodine. This chemical element is necessary for the body to maintain the thyroid gland. The lack of the substance is most often suffered by the inhabitants of northern regions. That is why folk healers recommend using the plant to replenish the iodine. Lack of the substance leads to the development of diseases of the endocrine system, which can result in various complications. They affect the entire body as a whole, especially the heart and blood vessels. That is why iodine is the most important element in the body.
5. Tannins. This is a group of certain substances that are present in many plants, including aira. They have a positive effect on the digestive system, which allows to use the plant for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, tannins have wound-healing, anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Ascorbic acid. This is a treasure trove of vitamin C, which takes an active part in the body's defenses. Its lack leads to an increased risk of colds, flu and more serious pathologies.
7. Palmitic acid. It is one of the main components of palm oil. The substance is widely used in cosmetology. With its help, it is possible to accelerate the healing process of small wounds, relieve irritation, eliminate peeling of the skin, restore the structure of damaged hair.

Marsh calamus contains many useful substances, the presence of which allows you to use the plant not only for medicinal purposes. It is consumed as food, used in cooking, it is used to create cosmetics that are highly effective. Swamp calamus was also recognized by traditional medicine. It is also the basis for the production of medicines that have a small number of contraindications and are used both for prevention and for the treatment of certain diseases.

How it looks and where it grows

Marsh calamus is not an annual plant. There are about six varieties, but only two of them have been officially recognized by experts. The plant also bears the name cereal or common. It grows on the banks of fresh water bodies, but often it can be found near bogs and small rivers. That is why it received the characteristic name of the place of growth.

St. John's nectar bears fruit. They are red or green in color. Scientists believe that this is how the plant came to Europe. Historians know the facts that even the soldiers of the Mongol-Tatar tribe used the roots of the plant, which they lowered into reservoirs. According to them, calamus helped to make water safe, clean and suitable for drinking. This is why the plant is popularly called the "Tartar potion".

The calamus is able to take root quickly, which allowed it to spread quickly enough throughout Europe. The plant in its appearance is a small shrub, the height of which does not exceed 120 centimeters.

The leaves of the calamus have a bright green color, reach a length of one meter and a width of up to 3 centimeters, sword-shaped. They grow in the form of a fan above the root. It can be distinguished from other similar plants by its spicy, marshy smell. In the European part of Russia, the plant is called swamp cinquefoil for its appearance.

The root of the calamus is capable of growing up to one and a half meters in length. It is covered with a dark crust, inside of which is a light pink pulp. It tastes bitter but is quite edible. The smell of the rhizome is reminiscent of tangerine and cinnamon. The root of the plant is widely used as a spice in cooking. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Oil is extracted from the root pulp, which is added in the process of making cosmetics and perfumes.

The stem of the calamus is straight. It has pronounced sharp edges that resemble a saber blade. The flowers are distinguished by their yellow color, collected in eight pieces in inflorescences, which grow from the center of the leaf. The marsh calamus begins blooming in May and ends in July.

Harvesting and storage

Prepare marsh calamus for use in the preparation of cosmetics and medicines, as well as in cooking should be in early fall. Gather the plant with a rake, as it is difficult to pull it by hand from under the silt. The rhizomes are separated from the leaves and stems and washed thoroughly. They are left outdoors for a few days to dry completely.

After drying, the roots are cut into several pieces, each of them should be no more than 20 centimeters in length. In case the root is thick enough, it is split. This will allow you to harvest it faster and more properly, dry it and extend its shelf life.

Prepared parts of the calamus root are put in a container with an iron lid and left at 35 degrees. It is important that the temperature should not exceed this figure. This is due to the fact that strong heating will cause the evaporation of essential oil. As a result, the root will have almost no useful properties.

When the rhizomes will break apart without difficulty - it means that the raw material is ready for storage and use. It can be put in a glass container or cloth bag. Store in a dark, cool and dry place. The shelf life is 1 year.

Ready to use the root has a small weight, yellowish-brown color. The pulp has a pinkish or white color.

Therapeutic properties of calamus marsh root

The calamus, due to its composition, is used for medicinal purposes. It has a number of useful properties, which allow to stop unpleasant symptoms, to get rid of a number of diseases and significantly reduce the risk of colds, flu and SARS.

Also, marsh calamus is used in traditional medicine for the manufacture of medicines. Popular, for example, are tablets "Vikar", which are used to treat diseases of the digestive system. They have a mild effect, envelop the mucosa of the stomach and protect it from the negative effects of a number of factors.

Distinguish the following medicinal properties of marsh calamus:

1. Dilation of blood vessels, due to which blood pressure values are restored.
2. Elimination of painful sensations. This allows the use of the calamus as a painkiller.
3. Removal of spasms. They are the cause of the pain. The active substances of the plant help to eliminate the spasm of muscle tissue and internal organs, which greatly alleviates the condition of the person.
4. Destruction of microbes. The special substances that make up the calamus have antimicrobial action, destroy pathogens and slow down their spreading through the body.
5. Restore the work of the nervous system. Such property allows the application of plants for the treatment of neurological diseases, including depressive states.
6. Stopping bleeding. Means on the basis of marsh calamus are also used to stop both internal and external bleeding, which are dangerous to human health, as they lead to anemia, lack of blood and a significant deterioration.

Among other things, marsh calamus is known for its astringent properties. It is also used to increase the tone of the body as a whole. That is why it is used in cooking in the preparation of various dishes.

For women

The plant is recommended by folk healers as a means of getting rid of myoma. This is a fairly common disease, which is characterized by the occurrence of benign formation on the tissues of the internal genitalia.

Iris is useful for women's health and for the reason that it allows you to restore the hormonal background. Its disruption can occur during pregnancy, menstruation, menstruation. After a course of therapy, there is an improvement in the general condition, a reduction in the intensity or complete relief of unpleasant symptoms. It is important to begin treatment in the early stages, as disturbed hormonal background leads to a number of diseases, including the endocrine system.

For men

The root of the marsh calamus is also useful for men. It is known that it refers to aphrodisiacs, which increase libido. Such a property is achieved due to the high content of essential oil.

In addition, remedies based on the plant have a positive effect on the genital system, not only increasing potency, but also overall tone, reduce the risk of diseases such as adenoma of the prostate. The plant is able to improve the quality of the seminal fluid, which has a positive effect on reproductive function.

Marsh calamus is often used as the main component of remedies for the treatment of infertility. The right treatment can achieve positive results.

Marsh calamus in medicine

Folk medicine recommends the use of marsh calamus for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

1. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The plant helps to restore the lost appetite, is used in disorders of the stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, colic and disturbed intestines. Allows you to eliminate spasms, painful sensations, has a coating effect, reliably protects the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract from the negative effects of various factors. Also means on its basis have the property to reduce the acidity of the stomach.
2. Flu and acute respiratory infections. St. John's wort is used to prepare infusions and decoctions for the treatment of colds, as it helps to expel phlegm from the bronchi. Also means can be taken with the purpose of prevention of these diseases.
3. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. St. John's wort is used when there is pain in the chest area, expanding and increasing the tone of the vascular walls.
4. Pathologies of the nervous system. The active substances of the calamus help to cope with stress, depression. Medicines based on the plant are mild sedatives.
5. Headache. The calamus is also able to eliminate regular headaches, especially those caused by high blood pressure.
6. Hallucinogen poisoning. The active substances of the marsh cinquefoil perfectly cope with intoxication of the body with hallucinogenic substances. It perfectly neutralizes their effect.
7. Alopecia. It often affects men at the age of 35 years. Regular use of decoctions based on calamus will help to save the hair.
8. Male infertility. The calamus is able to improve the composition of the seminal fluid, it is used to treat adenoma of the prostate.
9. Tuberculosis of the lungs. The plant is also recommended in the detection of tuberculosis, as it helps to neutralize the action of pathogens and accelerate the healing process.
10. Rheumatism. The root of the calamus perfectly eliminates all the discomfort associated with this disease.
11. Diseases of the liver. Infusions and decoctions based on the plant will help reduce the negative effects of various substances on the liver.

Among other things, calamus is used in painful menstruation, in order to improve the secretory function of the ovaries, relieve heartburn, improve the secretory function of the stomach.

Root of calamus marsh is used to prepare powders, infusions, decoctions. They all have therapeutic properties. But it is important not only to prepare them correctly, but also to take them in order not to harm your body.

At menopause

The onset of menopause is caused by the emergence of a number of unpleasant signs. They can be eliminated with the help of infusions based on the calamus.

After a course of therapy, a woman feels a significant improvement in her general condition. Flushes practically disappear, the work of the nervous system is restored, there is no irritability, depression, and the mood improves.

For potency

It is known that the root of the calamus is a fairly strong aphrodisiac. It is able to increase potency and is used as a remedy for infertility.

Such a property is due to the components in the composition, which also help to improve the quality of sperm. As a result, the reproductive capacity is significantly increased.

For the teeth

The root of the calamus is also used for diseases of the teeth, gums. It helps to stop bleeding, eliminate toothache. To maintain dental and oral health in general, it is recommended to rinse the mouth daily with a decoction based on calamus.

The plant is also able to eliminate bad breath, relieve inflammation affecting the gums. Means based on it are used to treat ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa, such as stomatitis.

With gastritis

Marsh calamus or common calamus is recommended by folk healers for the treatment and prevention of gastritis. Means on its basis can reduce the risk of ulcer formation. Such a property is achieved due to its enveloping action. The active substances protect the intestinal mucosa, preventing not only the effects of negative factors, but also the further spread of the inflammatory process.

But it is important to consult a gastroenterologist before starting treatment. Also, the remedy is not recommended for use in the acute stage. It is taken only in remission, when there are no pronounced unpleasant symptoms.

Against nail fungus

Tinctures based on the root of marsh calamus have a strong antimicrobial effect. This allows them to be used for nail fungus. They are applied to the nail plate and the area around them.

The course of treatment takes several weeks, but after it, the nails look healthy, the symptoms of the disease disappear. The remedy can also be used to prevent the development of fungus. It is recommended for people who often go to the pool or sauna.

For vision

In folk medicine, there are several recipes designed to improve and maintain vision, the work of the visual apparatus in general. They are prepared on the basis of calendula and calendula.

Thanks to the healing properties of the plant, it is possible to restore eye pressure, normalize blood circulation in the organs of vision, relieve fatigue. The active ingredients help to strengthen the retina, normalize the composition of tear fluid. There is also a recipe that is used to get rid of cataracts and prevent its occurrence.

From smoking

St. John's wort is known in folk medicine as an effective remedy against smoking. The recipe is quite simple - you need to chew a piece of dried root of the plant. This will help to reduce cravings.

Often, from smoking, calamus is used together with peppermint. The remedy will also help to reduce cravings for cigarettes, which contributes to a gradual cessation of smoking.

For pancreatitis.

In the case of the establishment of such a disease as pancreatitis, the root of the plant is used in the form of powder. The remedy helps to improve the synthesis of bile, its passage. The calamus also restores the level of acidity.

The powder is used internally. A small amount of the remedy, about the tip of a knife, is kept for five minutes in the mouth, and then drink a glass of water.

With sore throat

Angina is a common cold, in which white sores appear on the mucosa of the throat. They hurt and spread to more extensive areas. Such a condition is accompanied by a number of signs such as sore throat, cough and elevated body temperature.

To get rid of the disease will help decoction or infusion based on the root of the marsh calamus. It helps to destroy pathogens, relieve painful sensations and stop the inflammatory process.

Types of medicinal compositions with marsh cairo

Many different remedies are made on the basis of common calamus. All of them have medicinal properties, help to stop the unpleasant symptoms of various diseases, restore the work of individual systems and organs. It is used in various forms.

Infusion .

To prepare an infusion, you will need 20 grams of the root of the plant, which must first be crushed with a blender. It is poured with a glass of boiling water. The container is covered with a lid and heated for 15 minutes in a water bath.

After that, the remedy is left to infuse for an hour, and then bring up to the original volume with boiled water. It is used 50 ml per day.

The infusion is used in the establishment and prevention of gastritis, angina, colic, toothache. It can also be used for hearing impairment and decreased quality of vision.

Decoction

On the basis of the calamus, folk medicine recommends the use of a decoction. It is used for neuroses, excessive endometrial overgrowth, migraines, menstrual irregularities. To prepare it, you need to crush 3 teaspoons of dried root and pour a glass of water. Put the container on the fire and boil for a quarter of an hour. The resulting remedy to take one-third cup before a meal.

Decoction is also useful for baldness. It will help to strengthen the roots of the spikelets, restore their shine and structure.

Candied

From the root of the marsh calamus you can prepare not only a useful, but also quite tasty remedy, which will please not only children, but also adults. Before making candied fruits, you will need to boil a syrup. Cut the root of the plant into small pieces and drop it into the cooked syrup, boil for 5 minutes. After that, take the pan off the heat and leave for 12 hours. After this time, boil again and infuse for 5 minutes. Dry the pieces and eat them.

Powder

It is used to treat wounds and ulcers, runny nose. In addition, it helps improve memory. Dried pieces of marsh calamus root just need to be turned into a powder with a blender. It is used both pure and mixed with honey. Before using the remedy in this case, it is important to make sure that there is no allergy to the product of bee production.

Oil of calamus: properties and application

Swamp calamus is known in folk medicine and cosmetology as a plant that contains a large amount of essential oil. It also has many medicinal properties and can be used for medicinal purposes. But it is impossible to use it in its pure form because of its smell, which is quite specific. It is usually combined with other oils. The resulting remedy is used for inhalations in case of a runny nose, cough. But the procedures should be carried out only in the absence of fever.

The oil of common calamus in combination with other essential oils helps to relieve nervous tension in cases of frequent stress and depression. The product is added to water when taking a bath.

The essential oil of calamus has found wide application in cosmetology. Due to the high content of many vitamins and other substances, it has a rejuvenating effect, eliminates peeling, redness of the skin. When used as part of shampoos and masks for hair oil helps to restore their shine, restore their structure and get rid of split ends. Thus, even the oil from the root of the calamus is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for cosmetological purposes.

Cosmetological applications

The root of the calamus is used in home cosmetology for the preparation of hair products. They will get rid of many problems, such as peeling of the scalp, hair loss. All prepared on its basis infusions, decoctions will give your curls shine, return them to the thick and healthy appearance.

There are several recipes:

1. Decoction. It is used to strengthen the hair. For preparation, you will need to prepare 4 tablespoons of crushed root and one liter of boiling water. Everything is sent to one container, cover with a lid and insist for 2-3 hours. The product is used to rinse hair and rub it into the scalp. You can also add 1 tablespoon of crushed cones of hops and a small amount of burdock root, pre-dried and crushed. The decoction is popular for hair loss.
2. Growth Rinse. The proportions of all the ingredients can be taken anytime. Root of marsh calamus, dried or crushed, pour boiling water. Then insist a couple of hours and strain. Apply after each wash.
3. Mask against hair loss. In a separate container pour 250 grams of crushed root, pour 500 ml of table vinegar and put on the fire. Boil everything on low heat for 15 minutes. Immediately after the solution comes to a boil, add 3 tablespoons of pure water and mix. Mask applied to the entire length of the hair after it cools.

Root of calamus marsh can also be used to improve the condition of the skin of the face. The remedy allows you to eliminate excess greasiness, return the natural color. To prepare the tincture, you will need 2 tablespoons of crushed root. It is poured a liter of boiling water. The container is tightly covered with a lid and left for 3 hours in a dark place. The remedy is used to wipe the skin of the face. The procedure is best done in the morning and evening. Keep the infusion should not be more than 2 days in the refrigerator.

Application of calamus in cooking

Marsh calamus is used not only as a remedy for a variety of diseases or to maintain the beauty of the hair, facial skin. It is widely used in cooking. Seaweed is also used in the preparation of certain dishes. It is added as a seasoning in the process of canning fish and even in the preparation of alcohol-based cocktails.

The leaves of the plant can be used in the preparation of jams for flavor. St. John's wort is a substitute for pepper, nutmeg or cinnamon.

Oil obtained from the root of the plant is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. This is why calamus has long been grown on an industrial scale in Western European countries.

The following dishes can also be prepared with calamus:

1. Salad. Only the young inner leaves are used. Cut them into strips, put them in a container. Also add sour cream, chopped onions, salt to taste. All pour the syrup. The salad is quite tasty and healthy.
2. Candied fruits. They can be used instead of dessert. In the first place, it is necessary to boil a syrup. Then put in it the pre-cut roots of the calamus. Each piece should be small, about 4 centimeters in length. Then drop it into the boiling syrup for 10 minutes, take it out and dry it. Candied fruits should be stored after drying in a glass container in a dry place.
3. Pancakes. Powder of marsh calamus can also be used for baking pancakes. Add a small amount to a previously prepared batter, mix everything thoroughly. Bake the pancakes, as always, in vegetable oil.
4. Kvass. First of all, it is necessary to prepare in the usual way kvass. Then prepare a decoction based on the roots of the calamus. To do this, you will need to pour 4 tablespoons with a glass of boiling water and put on a slow fire. All boil for 15 minutes. The resulting decoction add to kvass in the proportion of 1 glass of decoction for 3 liters of kvass.

When used in cooking, calamus allows you to give a special flavor and aroma to the dish. In addition, it has a number of medicinal properties and helps to reduce the risk of colds. That is why it should be used in the preparation of various dishes.

Contraindications for use

St. John's wort, despite its useful qualities, can not always be used as a medicinal remedy, as it has a number of contraindications. These include:

1. The period of pregnancy. The active substances of the plant can adversely affect the development of the fetus.
2. Bleeding from the nasal passages. This is due to the fact that the means on the basis of the root have a vasodilator property. This can increase bleeding.
3. Peptic ulcer, which has an acute form.
4. Increased acidity.
5. Inflammatory processes of kidney tissue in the acute course of the disease.
6. Individual intolerance to the substances included in the plant.
7. Allergic reaction to calamus. It is expressed in the appearance of signs such as itching, rash, sneezing, allergic runny nose. In severe cases it can lead to Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. These conditions are dangerous to human health and require immediate medical attention.

Also, remedies based on the root of common calamus are not used when the blood pressure is low, because they reduce the BP.

Specialists do not recommend the use of leaves of calamus and the use of medicines based on the root of the plant when breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the baby may have an allergic reaction. It is expressed in the emergence of symptoms such as rash, itching, hives, redness of the skin.

Root of calamus is a popular remedy in folk medicine. The plant helps to stop many unpleasant symptoms of a number of diseases, to carry out the prevention of their occurrence. Marsh calamus can also be used in the preparation of cosmetics, in cooking. But it is important to observe all the proportions, the technology of preparing infusions, decoctions and other remedies. Only in this way they will bring invaluable benefits. Before using them, it is important to make sure that there are no contraindications, so as not to harm your body.

Photo of marsh calamus