Angelica Root Oil

Angelica root is held high as a blessing to herbalism in the United States, just as Ginseng is to the Chinese herbalism. These angelic roots form a vital part of the history of Aromatherapy for fighting against mental exhaustion, anxiety and stress.

angelica-root-bannerLovingly called as the ‘Oil of Angels’ and ‘Root of the Holy Spirit’, Angelica root and its essential oil have been used for eliminating harmful toxins, purifying blood, treating rheumatic conditions and for relieving menstrual difficulties and respiratory problems.

It is one of the first essential oils we reach for in any infection or immune deficiency. Its tonic nature builds tissue and also brings balance to hormonal excesses or deficiencies”, say Bryan Miller and Light Miller in their book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy about Angelica root essential oil.

Chandaamshuka is among the few prominent Ayurvedic names of the Angelica plant, where the word ‘Chandaamshuka’ is termed as “one of the agents found in mountains, which helps to control serious diseases.”

With its ability to treat dysmennorhea, flatulence, nervous headaches, rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, cerebral diseases, hypertension, arthritis and many other health conditions, Angelica root is a trusted medication in Ayurvedic healing with the Sanskrit name Laghu coraka and Hindi names like Dudhachoraa and Choraka bheda.

Therapeutic properties and chemical components of Angelica root oil:

The essential oil of Angelica is extracted from the roots of this plant by steam distillation method. The predominant chemical constituents of Angelica root oil are pinene, β-terebangelene, limonene, p-cymene, myrcene, β-bisabolene, terpinolene, sabinene, pentadecanolide, α-phellandrene, linalool, cis-ocimene, camphene and certain other terpenes.

The remedial values of Angelic root oil are hepatoprotective, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, anti-coagulant, expectorant, antipyretic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, stomachic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antifungal, tonic, carminative, aphrodisiac and nervine.

Historical significance and uses of Angelica root oil:

Scientifically called as Angelica archangelica, this plant is regarded as the most unique member of the Umbelliferae family for its pleasant aroma, encompassing fragrant that is completely different from fennel, chervil, caraway, anise and parsley.

Since the pre-historic period, Angelica root is compared to Dong Quai, which is a female rejuvenative herb. Similarly Angelica root and its essential oil have been used for thousands of years in the treatment of female menstrual syndromes and reproductive difficulties.

Renowned herbalists like Paracelsus and John Gerard have prescribed the use of Angelica for treating various illnesses and the most notable among them was its effectiveness in treating plague, colic and viral infections. The roots, stems and seeds of this plant were burnt to purify the atmosphere naturally.

French herbalists Jean-Baptiste Chomel and Nicolas Lemery have depicted Angelica herb as an effective expectorant with sudorific, tonic and depurative properties.

Angelica is connected with the reproductive system in Chinese medicine. This herb has been trusted to contain Angelic powers and was used in the folk medicine and other traditional remedies for treating fever, rheumatism, rashes, toothaches, wounds and nervous headaches.

The traditional populace used Angelica roots internally for aiding in the treatment of obstetric disorders, fatigue, anorexia, menstrual problems and gastric ulcers.

A herbal infusion prepared with the crushed roots of this plant have been used in herbal medicine as an emmenagogue, bronchial tonic and for relieving general debility, indigestion and flatulence.

These remedial roots have been a part of the Austrian medicine, taken in the form of tincture or tea for treating flu, infections, fever and problems of the nervous system, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.

The North European folklore practices used the Angelica roots as a shield against poisonous insect bites and infectious maladies. It was also used as a blood cleanser and for highly contagious infections.

Angelica is found growing wild in Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Thailand and the inner valleys of Himalayas including Kashmir, Lahaul, Kullu and Chamba.

It was cultivated all around the world and attained high fame in the Sami culture in Scandinavia as a trusted medicinal plant and healthy vegetable. It has also been said that they used it as a flavoring agent in reindeer milk.

Called as the ‘Root of the Holy Ghost’, Angelica was believed effective against evil spirits and magical spells. Associated with many Pagan festivals, it was used as a guard against contagious health conditions, witchcrafts and for treating bites of mad dogs.

Angelica has been used for bestowing good luck, long life, faithfulness in marriage, happiness and as a blessing to the new born as well as the mother. It was introduced in Niort in 1602 as a promising remedy for plague.

It is also used as a flavoring agent in jams, omelettes, liqueurs, aquavits, trout, wines and other beverages.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Angelica root essential oil:

Angelica root is used in the powdered form for internal usage in Ayurveda and is also recommended as an oil for topical application and is also suggested as an inhalation for respiratory problems. Ayurveda is a significant part of Atharvaveda, one among the 4 sacred books of the Indian mythology where 114 verses talk about various illnesses and its Ayurvedic remedies.

Ayur + Veda simply mean the ‘knowledge of life’. This traditional healing methodology states that a determined and disciplined life is the key to longevity and healthiness. Absolute health in Ayurveda is an array of physical, psychological, spiritual and environmental attributes.

Among the greatest Ayurvedic philosophers, Charaka and Sushruta have played a vital role in gifting the most prized Ayurvedic encyclopedias namely Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Where the former states this holistic approach as, “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Ayurveda never treats diseases just by overlooking at its mere symptoms but it first attempts to trace the root cause of an illness. Treating the actual underlying cause aids in curing the disease initially and in preventing it in the future also.

The philosophy of Ayurveda believes that everything on earth is a part of Nature and diseases occur where there is imbalance with Nature. With the firm belief that Mother Nature has all the medicines for all kinds of illnesses on earth, Ayurvedic medication spins around Nature’s innate remedies for serving humanity.

The uniqueness of Ayurvedic treatment is its exclusive attention to every person as it decisively states that every human being has a unique individual constitution and their illnesses should also be treated in a unique manner as per their constitution or Prakriti, which is an arrangement of the three fundamental energies or doshas namely vata, kapha and pitta.

These Ayurvedic body types or doshas are nothing but a combination of the five elements of nature and is also called as Panchamahabutas. They are space, air, fire, water and earth. Based on this natural law of Ayurveda, every person has a predominance of any one of these doshas and it acts as a deciding factor in the personality, character, mental makeup and behavioral patterns.

Perfect balance between these three doshas indicates health and heartiness and imbalance between these doshas due to improper food habits, climatic changes and negligence in disciplinary actions paves way for diseases.

Ayurveda prescribes natural remedies like Ayurvedic essential oils, herbs, simple physical exercises, meditation, prayers, yoga, Pranayama or breathing exercises, Ayurvedic routine, and other Ayurvedic remedial techniques like Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massaging with Ayurvedic essential oils, Panchakarma or the detoxification therapy and certain other holistic practices.

Angelica root essential oil in Ayurvedic medicine is “good for all dosha types, except for Pitta in excess” quotes Bryan and Light Miller. It is also known for its curative effects in the treatment of hiccups, adrenal problems, menstrual cramps, amenorrhea, cold, anemia, headaches and improper circulation.

It’s time to read through the Ayurvedic health benefits of Angelica oil:

Angelica-root-broucher1. Fights against respiratory infections and fever:

Cold, flu, cough, bronchial congestion and other respiratory infections conquer the healthy system mainly because of kapha dosha vitiations. Kapha dosha is a combination of earth and water, excess of which leads to amassing of mucus and phlegm deposits in the nasal passages, lungs and the bronchial passages.

Angelica and its essential oil are good Ayurvedic remedy for normalizing kapha imbalances for which this herb is known to have kaphahara (one that normalizes kapha) and Svasahara (one that treats breathing problems) effects.

Bryan Miller and Light Miller suggest Angelica essential oil as excellent inhalation oil for treating respiratory problems. As a promising expectorant, this oil has been prescribed as a natural cure for cold, influenza, fever, cough, chronic bronchitis, blocked nose and breathing difficulties.

A 2011 study titled “Angelica archangelica Linn. is an angel on earth for the treatment of diseases” by Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, University of Kashmir, India published in the International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology and Neurological diseases suggests Angelica as a stimulating bronchial tonic, for its effect in treating bronchial conditions, headache, fever, chest congestion, migraine, cough and certain other respiratory problems.

Add 2 drops of Angelica oil along with 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil to steam inhalation for treating migraine pain, nasal congestion, cold, whooping cough, headache, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma and breathing difficulties.

A gentle massage with 1 drop of Angelica oil and 1 drop of Yarrow oil and 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil in your vaporizing ointment or in a warm blend of 15ml of pure coconut oil on your chest, throat and back can be a quick reliever of block nasal passages, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, itchy eyes and fatigue due to cold.

Massaging the foot soles with 2 drops of Angelica oil blended with 1 drop of Cumin oil mixed with 2 ml of Evening primrose oil can help in reducing the body temperature in case of fever. This also aids in combating micro-organisms that are responsible for fever and respiratory infections. Cumin and Angelica oil have excellent kapha-reducing and immune enhancing qualities that support in guarding your system against contagious fever or other infections.

2. Strengthens the immune system:

Primordial medicinal practices recommended the chewing of Angelica leaves or drinking the tea prepared with these leaves, for enhancing the immunity of a person. With its effect to fight against various hazardous pathogens and microbes including bacteria, fungi and virus, Angelica and its essential oil is a trusted natural medicine for promoting the overall health of a person.

Bryan Miller and Light Miller in their book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy quotes Angelica oil as “Good for all dosha types and its tonic nature builds tissue and also brings balance to hormonal excesses or deficiencies.” They also state that Angelica is one among the first essential oils that they use in case of immune deficiency or infections.

Adding 2 drops of Angelic oil along with 2 drops of Petitgrain oil in your warm bathing water daily can help you vastly in improving your immune power and balancing your immune deficiencies.

You can also go for an invigorating massage with 5 drops of Angelica oil with 2 drops of Rosewood oil and 2 drops of Cumin oil and 2 drops of Fennel oil with 100 ml of virgin Olive oil for supporting your immune system and guard your body against vulnerable diseases.

3. Excellent aid for digestive problems:

Angelica has been recommended by numerous physicians of various traditional medications, including the Traditional Chinese medicine as an excellent remedy for treating digestive problems like colic, intestinal gas and indigestion. Many physicians prescribe it for curing anorexia as it is known to stimulate the digestive as well as the nervous system.

The essential oil extracted from the root of the Angelica plant helps in relieving abdominal pain, intestinal gas, colic, sluggish digestion, stomach ache, cramps, nausea, flatulence and headaches caused due to digestive disorders.

Massaging your stomach with 2 drops of Angelica oil along with 2 drops of Vetiver oil in a blend of 2 ml of sesame oil can assist in stimulating the secretion bile and other digestive acids. It also helps in proper digestion and absorption of energy from the digested food.

Inhaling the bitter aroma of Angelica oil by adding 1 drop of this oil in your diffuser or a tissue can support in healing wounds or ulcers in the stomach lining and intestinal walls. With its relaxing and soothing carminative properties, Angelica oil assists in expelling intestinal gas and also relieves the pain associated with it by calming the stomach, abdominal muscles and intestines.

4. Trusted blood cleanser:

Excess of kapha dosha leads to accumulation of water deposits in the body along with the amassing of uric acid, salts, toxic substances due to improper digestion etc., This is one among the major cause for obesity, renal calculi, rheumatic conditions, gout and hypertension.

Angelica and its essential oil can aid in checking these water-borne diseases with its power to control the excess secretion of kapha dosha, thus assisting in regularizing its secretion and flushing out the toxic remains in the system through sweat and urine.

The essential oil of Angelica has diuretic property, which improves the quantity and frequency of urination, through which the accumulated water remains, toxic substances, salt, uric acid and fat in the blood and the body gets eliminated.

With its blood purifying or depurative property, promoting urine or diuretic property, influencing sweat or diaphoretic attribute of Angelica oil quickens the elimination of toxins through sweat and urine.

Massaging your body or the inflamed or painful parts of your system with 5 drops of Angelica essential oil with 2 drops of Fennel oil and 3 drops of St. John’s Wort oil along with 50 ml of coconut oil can be an excellent aid in reducing inflammation, pain, swelling, muscular soreness, irritation, redness and fat deposits and in treating urinary infections. You can also add 2 drops of Angelica oil in warm compress for alleviating pain associated with rheumatic conditions and arthritis.

5. Panacea for womanly problems and supports reproductive conditions:

Angelica essential oil has excellent emmenagogue properties that help in treating the premenstrual syndrome, delayed menstruation, blocked periods, menopausal problems and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Angelica has been claimed as a renowned part of Chinese medicine and ten forms of Angelica herb were known to be used for strengthening the spirit, enhancing the fertility rate and for curing all sorts of feminine problems.

Adding 2 drops of Angelica oil in your vaporizer or diffuser is said to elevate your feelings and drive the negative energies like mood fluctuations, uneasiness, depression and fatigue experienced during menstrual cycle or during the post or pre-menopausal period.

Gently applying 3 drops of Angelica oil along with 2 drops of Dill oil and 20 ml of sesame oil on your lower abdomen, thighs, lower back and around your genital area can assist in relieving menstrual pain, severe abdominal cramps or dysmennorhea, blocked or delayed menstruation, nausea, fatigue, restlessness and headache associated with menstruation and menopause.

6. Fortifies the nervous system and relaxes your body:

With its stimulating and sedative effects, Angelica essential oil is said to act as a potent tonic for the nervous system and is said to instill a positive effect on the entire mechanism.

2 drops of Angelica oil with 1 drop of Rose oil added to air freshener or diffuser can certainly help in uplifting your spirits by enhancing your mood, promoting peaceful sleep by sedating the nervous afflictions and relaxing your tensed or sore muscles.

A weekly rejuvenating massage with 5 drops of Angelica oil blended with 3 drops of Rosewood oil, 3 drops of Petitgrain oil, 3 drops of Chamomile oil and 1 drop of Rose oil with 75 ml of Jojoba oil can alleviate nervous tension, anxiety, pain, anger, and negative feelings due to depression and hypertension.

This massage followed by a warm bath blended with 2 drops of Angelica oil will wipe away your mental pressure, strengthen your nervous system and leave you feeling recharged to take up the new week ahead. It is for this reason, the book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy quotes “The Archangel of Healing is embodied in Angelica, bringing strength, bravery and perseverance.”

Other health benefits:

Angelica oil is also claimed as a trusted natural remedy for treating cancerous growths, bleeding problems, constipation, psoriasis, dry skin problems, liver infections, diarrhea, sore throat, typhus fever and certain other health conditions.

Disclaimer:

This information is only for the purpose of education and is not recommended for treatment or for substituting any professional medical advice or prescribed medication. We are not medical experts and this article is published only with the view of sharing the traditional wisdom of Ayurvedic healing, world’s oldest healing methodology.

Essential oils should not be ingested and is suggested good only for topical use in diluted form. This is due to the fact that pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause adverse effects, if used on the skin directly. Speak with your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before selecting the appropriate essential oils for your state of health along with your unique individual constitution or prakriti.

Angelica root essential oil has phototoxic effects and may cause allergic reactions when exposed to direct sunlight immediately after use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Get special advice from your Doctor before using essential oils, if you are pregnant or a nursing mother.

Angelica Root Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

angelica-logoGreener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 – Possible Skin Issues:

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Angelica root oil is said to exhibit phototoxic effects, the resultant being irritation of the skin, redness, allergies, sunburns, blisters, hyperpigmentation and Photodermatitis or Berloque dermatitis. These skin maladies might occur if your skin is exposed to sunshine after the dermal application of this oil till 12 to 36 hours of usage.

The underlying principle is the reaction of plant furocoumarins or Psoralens present in Angelica root oil, namely angelicin. This component reacts negatively whilst absorbing sunlight visibly and ends up in toxicity, by way of modifying the molecular structure of the skin cells.

Generally, coumarins present in plant extracts are said to cause adverse side effects like phototoxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects by impeding with the DNA, on amalgamating with the ultraviolet rays exhibited from sunlight.

Research reports state that autoxidation components in Angelica root oil like alpha-pinene, limonene and delta-3-carene might cause skin sensitization. Storage of this oil in dark and airtight container, preferably in refrigerator is recommended.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) says that the safe level of dilution for the use of Angelica root oil on the skin exposed to sun is 0.8%, which is about 4.8 drops per ounce of any carrier oils.

Studies suggest that Angelica root oil must be avoided by pregnant and lactating women mainly due to its phototoxic, emmenagogue and abortifacient properties, as it might cause changes in the cellular structure of the fetus, induce menstruation and lessen the supply of milk (anti-galactogogue) in nursing mothers.

A 2011 study on ‘Angelica archangelica’ published in the International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases states that this traditional herb can be a potent alternative for producing harmless and effectual anti-cancer drugs.

The most comforting note is that the coumarins are not the major constituents of Angelica root oil and grants a sizeable periphery of safety for dermatological uses.

Yet, the great news is that Furocoumarins are also used along with the long-wave ultraviolet light treatment in the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma, vitiligo, psoriasis and mycosis fungoides. This warning is pertinent to direct use on the skin like creams, massage oils, lotions and balms not for wash-off products like soaps, shampoos and other bath preparations.

Reference Links Substantiating Possible Skin Issues of Angelica Root Oil:

  1. Essential Oils Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
  2. Angelica archangelica Linn. is an angel on earth for the treatment of diseases ZA Bhat, Dinesh Kumar, MY Shah, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, published in the International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases
  3. Angelica by Drugs.com
  4. Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics by Ikhlas A. Khan and Ehab A. Abourashed.
  5. Angelica archangelica L. by Madeleine Kylin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, The Faculty of Landscape planning, Horticulture and Agricultural Science Plant breeding and Biotechnology

Thought for the day:

Nature is infinitely creative. It is always producing the possibility of new beginnings.     -Marianne Williamson

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Guide to the Herbal Treatments of Diseases by Thomas Bartram
  3. The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D.
  4. Sacred Plant Medicine: The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism by Stephen Harrod Buhner, Brooke Medicine Eagle
  5. Vibrant Health Now! How to use essential oils, aromatherapy and natural health products to detox your body and reach optimal health by Casey Conrad

Reference Links:

  1. Angelica archangelica by Wikipedia
  2. Angelica archangelica Linn., is an angel on earth for the treatment of diseases by ZA Bhat, Dinesh Kumar, MY Shah Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazaratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India published in the International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, and Neurological Diseases.
  3. Canda (Root) – Angelica archangelica by The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
  4. Health benefits of Angelica essential oil by Organic Facts


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Calamus Oil

Calamus-bannerOften acclaimed as an ideal herb for meditation and introspection, Calamus is recommended by saints, yogis and Ayurvedic philosophers for enhancing the functions of the brain, improving memory power, increasing intellectual capacity and for stimulating proper circulation to the brain.

The essential oil of Calamus is extracted from the root of the Calamus plant, scientifically known as Acorus Calamus or Sweet flag by steam distillation method.

The Sanskrit name of Calamus is Vacha, which means ‘speech’ and the primordial sages and religious Gurus have believed Calamus to facilitate human beings to articulate from their highest inner consciousness.

Ayurveda recommends Calamus herb for its power to fortify the adrenal gland and for its effectiveness in treating neuralgia, dysmennorhea or painful periods, memory loss, epilepsy, gingivitis, lack of stamina, lymphatic drainage, asthma, hysteria, deafness, sinusitis, lack of consciousness and trauma.

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Historical uses and importance of Calamus root and its essential oil:

Calamus is native to Asia and Europe and has been found growing across Australia, South Africa, North America, New Guinea and Reunion. It has its name mentioned in the Old Testament and was talked about in Exodus as an element of the sacred anointing oil of the Bible.

It was also denoted in the Chester Beatty papyrus VI, which approximately dates back to 1300 BC and Papyrus used Calamus with various other ingredients in preparing a bandage to appease stomach ailments.

Calamus has been a vital part of the traditional healing system of various countries for more than thousands of years in the treatment of numerous medical conditions.

The primeval Egyptians trusted Calamus root as a potent aphrodisiac for its effectiveness in augmenting the health of the reproductive system. Calamus was added to wine in Europe and it also forms a part of absinthe.

The Penobscot people believed that Calamus root helped in healing prolonged sickness that was plaguing the people for a long time. They also steamed all through the homes to ward off illnesses and the dried roots were strung together for preservation.

The people of the Potawatomi community used the dried Calamus root powder for treating catarrh. Indonesians use this aromatic root as a flavoring agent in the preparation of meat, sea foods and other vegetarian cuisines.

The warriors of Teton-Dakota applied the root paste on their faces for alleviating fear in the warfront. Calamus essential oil is also used in making perfumes mainly because of its therapeutic properties.

The traditional Turks used this herb for all kinds of infections and it is used in preparing cough drops. It is also been used in the Traditional Chinese medicine, Siddha and Ayurvedic healing systems for its carminative, laxative, sedative and diuretic properties.

Chemical constituents and healing properties of Calamus essential oil:

The primary chemical components of this oil are beta asarone, eugenol, calamusenone, corenone, alpha aselinene, camphone, alpha calacorene, shyobunone, beta gurjunene, calamendiol and iso shyobunine.

The therapeutic properties of Calamus oil are rejuvenative, circulatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, cephalic, nervine, tranquilizing, stimulant, decongestant, anti-rheumatic, emetic, anti-periodic, memory boosting, carminative, stomachic, bactericidal and expectorant properties.

Calamus in Ayurvedic Preparations:

Numerous research reports have proved that Calamus is one the most commonly employed ingredient in plenty of Ayurvedic preparations, mainly because of the presence of essential oils in its rhizomes. Ayurvedic medications like kashayam, choornam, ghritham and tailam contain Calamus and are prepared by following the preparation methods mentioned in Sahasrayoga.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Calamus essential oil:

Calamus essential oil is habitually called as a tonic for the brain in Ayurveda. It has been mentioned in Vedas, the holy books as one of the exceptional medicines and Ayurvedic philosophers explored numerous healing benefits of Calamus apart from supporting the functions of the nervous system and brain, for which Calamus still exists as a vital part of various Ayurvedic medicines since 4,000 years.

Perfect health according to Ayurveda is a triangular structure with body, mind and soul as its edges. It is the oldest of all healing systems on earth and is the pioneer to other traditional and modern medicinal methodologies like Homeopathy, Siddha, Traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Acupressure and Chiropractic.

The greatest thing about this ancient medicinal science is that its healing techniques are documented systematically since its first recordings in Atharvaveda, one among the 4 Vedas or the major sacred books of the Hindu mythology.

This ancient citation was followed by Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, known as Ayurvedic encyclopedias written by the most respected Ayurvedic philosophers Charaka and Sushruta respectively.

“The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides”, says Charaka Samhita. Ayurveda rightly means ‘the knowledge of life’ and this time-honored remedial method assists in providing the consciousness about life and health in every individual.

Ayurveda states that nature is made up of five fundamental elements namely water, earth, fire, air and space and it is also said that everything in nature is also built up with these five energies. When a person’s health is in balance with nature, absolute health prevails and imbalance with nature owing to food, climatic conditions and lifestyle changes causes illnesses.

Being a holistic curative system, where every person is regarded as a special part of nature with a unique individual constitution just like the fingerprints and it consists of three imperative dynamic energies called as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha and are nothing but a representation of any two elements of nature.

Vata dosha is a combination of air and space, and is responsible for respiration, circulation and for the functions of the nervous system. Kapha signifies earth and water, and is in charge for sustenance, physical structure, movement of fluids in the system and the reproductive health.

Pitta symbolizes fire and water and is accountable for body temperature and metabolic functions like digestion, absorption and excretion. Stability between these three doshas signifies perfect health and inequality causes sickness.

Ayurveda recommends natural remedies including herbs, essential oils, simple physical exercises, yoga, prayers, meditation, Pranayama, Ayurvedic routine, Panchakarma (Ayurvedic techniques for detoxification) and Ayurvedic massaging with natural essential oils.

These remedies are prescribed in such a way to correct the unevenness between the doshas. Calamus essential oil is known to aggravate pitta and pacify kapha and vata dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Calamus oil are:

Calamus-broucher1. Triggers the mind and promotes positive thoughts:

Calamus herb and its essential oil have been witnessed by numerous herbalists and Ayurvedic physicians as an endlessly safe and useful natural remedy for activating the mind and improving the power of thinking.

It is popularly known as a boosting herb for meditating Yogis and Saints, where Calamus is said to help them stay focused and concentrated in their long lasting meditation known as yagna.

Calamus was used in the preparation of tea in the ancient period and was also used in neti pot as a powerful remedy for treating brain conditions. Adding 1 to 2 drops of Calamus essential oil in diffuser, vaporizer, burner or a tissue paper and inhaling the uplifting aroma of this oil can aid in opening the mind, promoting clarity, enhancing the concentration power, mental stability, attention, and the power of positive thinking along with organization of speech.

Learned Ayurvedic research scientist Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa says, “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. The complementary energetics makes the combination suitable for a wide variety of people.”

Swami Thirtha calls Calamus as “one of the best mind herbs”, mainly for its effectiveness in fostering sadhaka pitta through which it fortifies the mind’s ability to obtain information and evoke from the memory. The essential oil of Calamus has an invigorating effect on the brain with its warm, woody and medicinal aroma with increasingly sweet after-tones.

Inhaling the therapeutic fragrance of this oil helps in activating the neural pathways and has also been proved powerful in treating neurotic problems. You can also add 2 drops of this oil to warm bathing water for refreshing your mind. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend Vacha oil to persuade positive thoughts.

2. Stimulates the nervous system:

Calamus falls under the ‘sattvic herb’ category in the Ayurvedic medicinal system. All the sattvic varieties are known to enhance and empower the ‘kundalini’ energy or the ‘vital life force’. By this way, Calamus and its essential oil acts as a revitalizing nerve tonic that augments the functioning of the brain.

Massaging your system with 5 drops of Calamus oil mixed with 2 drops of Lavender oil, 2 drops of Lemon oil, 2 drops of Yarrow oil, 2 drops of Cinnamon oil and 2 drops of Patchouli oil along with 10 ml of Virgin Olive oil can aid in rejuvenating your brain and the entire nervous system. This assists in stimulating the cerebral functions, support self-expression and overall nervous health. This massage also assists in promoting peaceful sleep and treating insomnia.

Ayurvedic healing system describes this oil as a nervine tonic and a psychotropic remedy, mainly for its positive effects on learning, boosting memory, recovering from shock and treating depression and anxiety. Calamus herb and its essential oil are recommended by Ayurvedic physicians for confiscating the negative effects and toxic residues of drugs (including the heavy use of marijuana) from the fatty tissues left within brain, liver and the nervous system.

By strengthening the nervous system, this oil is also used in recovering from trauma, post-surgery effects, hysteric attacks, epileptics and certain other nervous problems. Due to its potential to contract the blood vessels and decrease pressure on the Ninth cranial nerve, Calamus oil is used in treating neuralgia.

3. Treats memory loss and augments the intellect:

For its memory-enhancing properties, Ayurveda prescribes Calamus oil as an effective psycho-pharmacological agent and the as one of the best natural remedies for treating epilepsy, mental retardation, syncope and stupor, while augmenting memory power and for retrieving people from traumatic problems.

Calamus is used in Ayurveda to counteract the side effects of hallucinogens. This essential oil has been proved to enhance blood circulation, stimulate neurons and nerves, aiding the body to attain steadiness and attentiveness.

4. Alleviates arthritic and rheumatic pain: According to the Ayurvedic philosophy, excess of kapha dosha is responsible for stagnation of toxic substances known as ama, water deposits, salt, uric acid and other fluids in the body, especially in the joints causing pain and inflammation associated with rheumatism. Calamus essential oil is a known Ayurvedic remedy for reducing excess kapha dosha and helps in lessening pain, inflammation and redness by eliminating stagnated fluids and toxic remains through urine and sweat.

Mix 2 drops of Calamus oil with 2 drops of Ginger oil and 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil along with 3 ml of coconut oil and massaging it gently on the painful area helps in promoting blood circulation, alleviating pain, strengthening the muscles, stimulating the nerves and reducing swelling and other symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.

Few other notable health benefits:

With its pungent and bitter taste, Calamus oil is said to have excellent benefits to the respiratory system, nervous system and the digestive system. This oil strengthens the digestive system and treats intestinal worms, abdominal pain, flatulence, loss of appetite, chronic gas trouble and loss of taste. Vacha is used in many Indian homes to treat colic in newborn babies since the primeval times. Calamus essential oil effectively treats sinusitis, cold and bronchitis.

Disclaimer:

This information is only for the purpose of education and is not intended to cure, prevent or diagnose any medical condition. It is not directed as a substitute for any prescribed medication or expert medical advice. We are not medical professionals and this data is shared only for the purpose of throwing light on the ancient healing wisdom or the knowledge of life known as Ayurveda.

Never use essential oils internally and ensure that you use them in a diluted form for external use, as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and it is always recommended to do a small patch test on your skin with the diluted essential oil. Speak with your healthcare expert or your Ayurvedic physician before choosing the appropriate essential oils for your unique individual constitution or prakriti and health condition.

Calamus Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

calamusGreener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 – Possible Skin Issues:

See => http://www.essentialdepot.com/GreenerLifeDiamond.html

The essential oil of Calamus should be strictly avoided during pregnancy as it has the potent to stimulate contractions in the uterine cavity and induce menstruation, being an emmenagogue and might lead to miscarriage or abortion. It is also advisable to restrict the use of Calamus oil during breastfeeding.

Many studies suggest that Calamus oil may have carcinogenic or cancer causing effects and might be toxic when used in excess. The prime chemical constituents responsible for its adverse effects are β-asarone (about 78.4%), α-asarone (about 6.8%) and methyleugenol (about 2%) in Acorus Calamus oil, which is of Indian origin. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have witnessed the negative potent of β-asarone in inducing the growth of malignant tumors.

The European Council files β-asarone as “substances which are suspected to be genotoxic carcinogens and therefore no MDI can be set”. According to the 1988 European Community Council, both the European Union and the United Kingdom ‘Standard Permitted Proportion’ of beta-asarone in food flavorings must be 0.1mg/kg.

IFRA (International Fragrance Association) suggests that beta-asarone and alpha-asarone should not be used as fragrance ingredients and the safe level of use of Calamus oil in consumer products should not exceed 0.01%. It also recommends that the highest concentration of methyleugenol in leave-on products like body lotion should not exceed 0.00004%.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and must be used in a diluted condition with safe carrier oils like coconut oil. It is meant only for topical application and it is not recommended to take essential oils internally.

Ingestion of Calamus oil may end up in creating hallucinations, convulsions and potent toxicity. Acorus Calamus is one among the 30 unsafe herbs listed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

According to the studies conducted in 1976 and 1977, Calamus oil is non-phototoxic and non-sensitizing when tested (patch testing with 2% Calamus oil) on 200 consecutive patients with dermatitis.

This warning is relevant to leave-on skin care products like creams, body lotions, massage oils and balms and not for wash-off items like shampoos and soaps.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Calamus Oil:

  1. Acorus Calamus: Scientific Validation of Ayurvedic Tradition from Natural Resources Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, Venkatesan Kumar, Mainak Mal & Peter J. Houghton, published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology
  2. MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ACORUS CALAMUS Kumar Amit, Vandana, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, published in the Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics
  3. Acorus Calamus by Examine.com
  4. Effects of asarone and β-asarone on conditioned responses, fighting behaviour and convulsions by P. C. Dandiya and M. K. Menon, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology and Chemotherapy
  5. Calamus by Drugs.com
  6. Toxicity of Acorus calamus rhizome powder from Eastern Nepal to Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) by R.B. Paneru , G.N.J. le Patourel , S.H. Kennedy published in Science Direct
  7. Acorus Calamus: An overview R. Balakumbahan*, K. Rajamani and K. Kumanan, Horticultural Research Station, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai, TN,  India, published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research
  8. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals By Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young

Thought for the day:

Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole.  

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by Dr. David Frawley
  2. Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, Etc.-Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution by Gazmend Skenderi
  3. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications
    by Christian Ratsch, Albert Hofmann
  4. The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World’s Oldest Healing System by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Michael Tierra
  5. New Choices in Natural Healing: Over 1,800 of the Best Self-Help Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine by Doug Dollemore

Reference Links:

  1. Acorus Calamus by Wikipedia
  2. Detection of Acorus Calamus in Ayurvedic preparations by Europe PubMed Central
  3. Vacha: Brain Tonic by Dr. R. Vatsyayan, Ayurvedacharya
  4. Clarify Your Communication with Calamus by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa published in 3HO
  5. Herb of the season, Vacha (Calamus, Acorus calamus) by Sai Ayurvedic College
  6. Vacha (Acorus Calamus Linn.): A Valuable Medicinal Plant, published in the International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research


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