Saturday, November 3, 2007

SWEET FLAG/Acorus calamus


The plant Sweet Flag is aromatic on account of presence of an essential oil,which contains the glucoside bitter priciple "Acorin".The oil is called as Calamus oil.It has an expectorant action and commonly used for asthma.It is also used as remedy for chronic diarrhoea.The rhizome is an appetizer and also useful in the treatment of epilepsy,delirium,hysteria , loss of memory and as a brain tonic.The powdered rhizomes and essential oil can be used as a safe insecticide due to presence of trans-isomer of asarone.The leaves and rhizomes are used to control lice.Its oils used for flavouring various items.In moderate doses,the oil produces antispasmodial action on the involuntary muscle tissue,inhibiting the excessive peristatic movements of the intestine.

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