Other than muskrat , beaver and coon trapping people use this herb for other things .
Usage and effects: The roots are collected in late f-all or spring and washed, the small hairs are removed and the root is dried at low temperature. The root could be chewed or chopped and prepared as tea. Must be stored cool and dry. A piece of 5cm (thick as a pen) is stimulating and evokes cheerful mood. A 25cm piece may lead to altered perception and hallucinations. Calamus is also said to be an aphrodisiac, especially when used as an additive in your bathing-water. Some aboriginal tribes chew the roots as stimulant and for mouth-hygiene. No secondary effects were reported. Some experiments seem to indicate that extreme amounts of calamus oil lead to a higher risk of cancer in rats. No similar effects are reported for humans. Calamus Root is considered to have anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory, anti-tussive, anti-bacterial and expectorant properties. Calamus has been used for lack of mental focus, stomach problems, acidity, and as an aid to quit tobacco smoking. Calamus has been shown to be of low toxicity in animals, and adverse reactions are rare. Though recent studies have revealed thepresence of B-asarone, a carcinogen, the American variety is considered superior to the European because it seems to lack this ingredient. The Native Americans would chew the root while running long distances to increase endurance and stamina. Externally it is added to the bath to quiet thenerves and induce a state of tranquillity. Tincture of Calamus is useful as a parasiticide whendirectly, and frequently, applied to lice and scabies infestations. Calamus does have emmanagogicproperties and should be avoided during pregnancy. It has a delicious smell, but a somewhat bitter taste. It has been used medicinally since ancient Greek and Arabian times and is mentioned in the Old Testament, though in fact it was confused with citronella grass. Caution: Calamus should not be used with MAO-inhibitors!
