Family:
Acoraceae (Arum Family)

Organ Meridian Systems :
Heart, Liver, Spleen

Properties :

Acorus calamus is a grass-like, rhizome forming, perennial that can grow to 2 meters high, resembling an iris.

This species inhabits perpetually wet areas like the edges of streams and around ponds and lakes, in ditches and seeps. It often shares habitat with the common cat-tail.

The plants have long creeping roots that spread out just below the surface of the soil. These roots spread horizontally and can grow to almost 2 meters in length for old, well established specimens.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Acorus has been used in Asia for at least the last 2000 years for a number of beneficial reasons. The ancient Chinese used it to lessen swelling and for constipation. In India, Ayurvedic medicinal practice has used the magical root to cure fevers, for asthma and bronchitis, and as an all around sedative. The root was also used by the ancient Greeks and included in the traditional remedies of many other European cultures.*