Calamus
Botanical Name: Acorus calamus
Common Names and Synonyms: Sweet Flag
Background: Herbalists use calamus in the treatment of gastro-intestinal
disorders such as dyspepsia, gastritis and gastric ulcers. It is
considered a specific for colic resulting from flatulence. Calamus,
or sweet flag, should be harvested in the Autumn. The rhizome should
be free of dirt and excess leaves, split lengthwise and dried in the shade.
It is used to stimulate a poor appetite and ease flagging energy from poor
digestion.
Calamus in the Cayce Readings
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Calamus was most often used as an ingredient in a massage oil formula (7
readings), although 2 readings included calamus as an ingredient in complex
tonics. Edgar Cayce did not give the specific action of calamus in
any of these readings.
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The amounts of calamus varied as follows:
| 10 drops |
3 readings |
| 2 drops |
2 readings |
| 4 drops |
1 reading |
| 1/4 ounce |
1 reading |
| 1/2 ounce |
1 reading |
| 1 dram |
1 reading |
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All seven massage oil formulas included olive oil and myrrh. One
of these readings also included oil of lavender.
Cayce Quotes on Calamus
3461-1
When the hot applications or hot baths are given
along the spine, over the diaphragm, over the limbs, massage the body with
this combination of oils:
Olive Oil (heated)..........2 ounces,
Tincture of Myrrh...........2 ounces,
Calamus Oil.................1 dram.
3428-1
At least once each week we would have a general
hydrotherapy treatment, including first a mild Cabinet Sweat followed by
a needle shower, and then a massage using this combination of oils:
Olive Oil (heated).............2 ounces,
Tincture of Myrrh..............2 ounces,
Calamus Oil...................10 drops.
Massage these oils into the spine itself, also in
the areas especially of the ribs, around each rib, around the central bone
or sternum or breastbone, around the collarbone, especially over the areas
of the 9th dorsal, 11th and 12th dorsals, and throughout the sacral areas.
3125-1
To 2 gallons of Distilled or Rain Water, add - in
the order named:
Yellow Dock Root......................2 ounces,
Burdock Root..........................1 ounce,
Calamus Root........................1/2 ounce,
Black Snake Root, or Snake Root.......1 ounce,
Red Root..............................1 ounce,
Buchu Leaves..........................1 dram,
Cincho Bark...........................2 grains,
Podophyllin (dry).....................1 grain,
Elder Flower..........................4 ounces.
Reduce by slow boiling, in an enamel container with
an enamel or glass top (not tin or metal), to 1 gallon. When partly
cooled, cut 4 drams of Gum of Elm in the alcohol - that is, cut 4 drams
of the Tolu elm, or Balsam of Tolu, in 6 ounces of Grain Alcohol, and add
to the solution.
The dose will be a teaspoonful four times each day,
before each meal and at retiring.
1111-1
Take 32 ounces distilled water. To this add
3 ounces clary flower, or garden sage (dried). Reduce this by slow
boiling to 1/2 the quantity. Strain, and while still warm add 10
grains ambergris dissolved in 1 ounce alcohol, 1/2 dram Oil of Juniper.
Dissolve 2 ounces beet sugar in 2 ounces of distilled
water. To this add Essence of Calamus root 10 minims, Essence of Wild Ginseng
5 minims.
Then add this to the other solution, with 1 dram
of Cinnamon (preferably in the stick).
Shake the solution before the dosage is taken, which
should be half a teaspoonful before each meal.
It would be well that there be added a sufficient
amount of gin to the solution to act as a preservative, 2 to 4 ounces.
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