Calamus Root (Sweet Root, Acore, Rat Root, Sweet Flag, Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Cane, Sweet Sedge, Flagroot, Calamus)

Basic Information

KNOWN EFFECTS

Aids in expelling gas from the intestinal tract. Depresses central nervous system. Causes hallucinations.

Miscellaneous information:
Used primarily in India for many illnesses. Essential oil extracted from the root causes cancer in rats. The FDA has banned all varieties of this plant for human use.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats asthma. Treats coughs. Treats dyspepsia. Treats convulsions. Treats epilepsy. Treats hysteria. Treats insanity. Treats intestinal parasites. Is used as an aphrodisiac. Reduces fever.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and
those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended
periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity, see Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS