Wiki / Calamus Root

Calamus Root (Acorus calamus, also Sweet Flag) is a water plant of the riverbanks and wetlands of Europe and Asia. The dried root contains essential oils and bitter compounds and releases an intense, sweetly spicy, slightly cinnamon-like and camphor-like fragrance when burned.

Calamus was traded as a precious spice and healing agent in antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the Old Testament, calamus is part of the sacred anointing oil. As an incense it is said to sharpen consciousness, have a clarifying effect and initiate deep purification processes. In Native American medicine it is venerated as a power plant.

Caution: Contains beta-asarone – do not ingest. As an incense in normal quantities it is safe. Use: Place root pieces on incense charcoal.