speak

The power to speak

Calamus root is aromatic and bitter. It is used for throat colds, sore throats, irritable coughs, laryngitis, chest colds, and head colds. It is considered an effective antihistamine; clearing stuffy sinuses and helping to dispel mucous. It is good when you've lost your voice and for singers or people who work with the voice.

It is also good for libido in both sexes. It also has a reputation in Ayurveda for benefitting conditions in the aging prostate. According to herbalist Henriette Kress “Calamus is astonishing for the pain from endometriosis. One of the few herbs we have for that; cherish it…”

Calamus also excels as a relaxant, despite its stimulating properties. “Stimulant” and “relaxant” shouldn't be seen a contradictory (uses occupying opposite ends of a polarity): stimulating herbs increase the expression of the vital force, while relaxants ease the resistance to that expression. They work together in a complimentary fashion to achieve the same end: better flow of energy and vitality.

Calamus can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and is especially helpful in finding one’s voice and expression.

 

Calamus promotes circulation to the brain, sharpens memory, enhances awareness, and increases communication. The yogic name, Vacha, means “speech” and refers to its action on the fifth chakra and its propensity to help you speak from your highest consciousness.

Clarity, centering, perspective. Expressing one's truth. This is what the teachings of Calamus is about.