A Guide To Calamus Essential Oil

Calamus essential oil is available in three forms:

• diploid (Acorus calamus var. americanus)
• tetraploid or hexaploid (Acorus calamus var. angustatus)
• triploid (Acorus calamus var. calamus)
  

Depending on the form, this essential oil has varying degrees of potential toxicity (and possible carcinogenicity). Most aromatherapy sources recommend using the oil only under the guidance of a professional.

Plant family: Araceae

Production: Steam distilled from the roots (rhizomes) of the plant, which is also called sweet flag.

Aroma: Faintly sweet and waxy.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Base

Is calamus essential oil safe to use during pregnancy? No, and do not use while breastfeeding.

Is calamus essential oil safe for children? Unlikely. Consult a professional.

Main components:

• Diploid: shyobunones, acorenone, preisocalamendiol
• Tetraploid or hexaploid: beta-asarone, isoeugenol, calamenene
• Triploid: shyobunones, beta-asarone
  

For more details, see Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. The book states the most commonly available form of the oil is tetraploid and recommends a dermal maximum of 0.2% for it.

Calamus Essential Oil Uses

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Calamus is useful for any type of spiritual/intuitive work, bringing information directly from the seventh chakra to the sixth chakra, where the mind can understand the information, and to the fifth chakra for communication.

Lotus Garden Botanicals states the best-suited use for calamus is in perfume or spiritual holy anointing oils.

Photo Credit: Mokkie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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