ABSTRACT
Calamus oil is the essential oil obtained from the rhizomes of the calamus, Acorus calamus L. Calamus inhabits perpetually wet areas such as the banks of streams and rivers and around ponds, lakes, and swamps. The rhizome in various forms, such as powder, decoction, aqueous and solvent extract, and its volatile oil are reported to possess insecticidal, antibacterial, fungicidal, larvicidal, and antitermite properties, and repel larvae and insects. The rhizomes and their oils are used to treat insomnia, melancholia, neurosis, epilepsy, hysteria, loss of memory, remittent fever, rheumatism, toothache, and respiratory ailments. Calamus oils have also been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, hair loss and other disorders. The uses in Europe and India are different because the composition of the essential oils is different. Calamus oil is a yellowish to yellowish brown, clear liquid which has an aromatic, herbaceous, spicy and creamy odor.
