Botanical Name: Acorus Calamus
 
Aromatic Description: Calamus Root Essential Oil is extracted from the root of the Acorus calamus plant, also known as the sweet flag or Calamus. The plant is native to northern India but can also be found in Asia and North America. "Calamus" is derived from the Greek word "Calamos." I. The ancient Egyptians used the plant for its aphrodisiac properties. Later on, Asians utilised the root for the same reason. The plant was also mentioned in the Bible. It was mentioned in Exodus as an ingredient of the anointing oil. 
 
Calamus Root Essential Oil, derived from the Acorus calamus rhizome, also known as Sweet Flag or Vacha, carries a unique aromatic, warm, spicy, woody, and slightly sweet profile. Its scent is earthy with herbaceous undertones and hints of cinnamon and ginger, creating a deeply grounding and mentally clarifying atmosphere. This essential oil has a rich history in spiritual and medicinal traditions, particularly in Ayurvedic and ancient ritual practices, where it symbolises inner truth, mental clarity, and heightened intuition. Often associated with the awakening of the third eye, the Calamus Root supports focus, meditation, and spiritual awareness.
 
Chemically, Calamus Root Essential Oil is known for its high content of β-asarone. This compound contributes to its psychoactive and calming properties but raises safety concerns due to potential carcinogenicity in high concentrations. Other components such as α-asarone, eugenol, calamenene, and isoeugenol provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic benefits. Because of the β-asarone content, it's important to ensure the oil is sourced from low-asarone chemotypes, such as North American varieties, which are generally considered safer for external use.
 
Therapeutically, Calamus Root Essential Oil is valued for its effects on the nervous and digestive systems. It can help calm anxiety, soothe nervous tension, and promote mental focus. Its warming and antispasmodic nature makes it useful in massage blends for digestive discomfort, bloating, or muscle stiffness. It also supports respiratory health by helping to clear congestion and ease coughing. Its earthy and exotic base note adds depth to natural fragrance compositions, particularly those with Oriental or spiritual themes.
 
When blended, Calamus Root pairs well with other grounding and warming oils. It harmonises beautifully with wood oils like sandalwood, vetiver, and cedarwood, spices like ginger and clove, and resins like frankincense and myrrh. When balanced thoughtfully, it can complement florals like ylang-ylang or rose for emotionally restorative blends.
 
Calamus Root Essential Oil is typically extracted via steam distillation of the dried rhizomes. The oil is thick, amber to brown, and highly aromatic. Due to its potency and the safety considerations of certain chemotypes, it should always be used cautiously and in low dilution. When used respectfully, Calamus Root offers a powerful tool for deepening mental focus, restoring energetic balance, and enhancing spiritual connection.
 
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation, Plant Part: Roots