Calamus Swamp

As a spice and medicinal rhizome of calamus was known in ancient Greece and Rome, it is mentioned in medieval manuscripts. Calamus rhizome is widely used in folk and scientific medicine, food processing, household and cosmetics.

Raw is part of the means of exciting the appetite and improves digestion. Apply calamus gastric ulcer, liver and kidney diseases, rarely use as expectorant in the form of decoctions, infusions and powders, powder sprinkled ulcers and wounds. Previously, the rhizome chewed during an epidemic of cholera, typhoid, influenza. Fragrant leaves of sweet flag are used in everyday life, especially in Ukraine, where they carpet earthen floors. Bunches of leaves adorn the walls of the premises - the plants contribute to the destruction of fleas and other insect pests.

Calamus rhizome contains a volatile oil, has a pleasant smell and spicy taste, akorin (bitter glycoside), tannins, vitamins, resins, sugars, trace elements.

from rhizomes and leaves receive an essential oil which is used in perfumes for fragrance soap, different lipsticks, creams and shampoos. Decoction of rhizomes of calamus in a mixture with burdock root and hops cones (in equal amounts) bands cabins hair of the head to strengthen them on a roll. Is also a member of fees for the bath, especially for children's bathrooms in the treatment of rickets and metabolic disorders.

Raw calamus harvested in late summer when the water level goes down and the plant is easier to extract water from the forks or rakes. Rhizomes immediately washed, cut the leaves and roots, cut into pieces of length 15-30 cm (thick split more along to accelerate drying) and provyaliv in air dried. With heat drying temperature should not exceed 35-40 œ C. At harvest pieces of rhizomes get back into the water and, thus, would serve as planting material for the resumption of thickets. However, repeated harvesting at this point can be conducted not earlier than 10 years!

Air has a high plasticity with respect to conditions of growth, it can grow in places that do not require intensive moisturizing. Propagated by segments of rhizome length of 10-20 centimeters. Planting can be done in both autumn and spring. Dry raw materials and essential oils from the rhizomes are used to flavor medicines, used as a substitute for ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.