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Calamus Root C/S 1 lb.
The following attributes of Calamus, also
called Sweet Flag, summarized by Maude Grieve, have all been
confirmed by modern research. Grieve's classic 'A Modern
Herbal': On account of the volatile oil which is present, it
also acts as a carminative, removing the discomfort caused
by flatulence and checking the growth of the bacteria which
give rise to it. It is used to increase the appetite and
benefit digestion, given as fluid extract, infusion or
tincture. Tincture of Calamus, obtained by macerating the
finely-cut rhizome in alcohol for seven days and filtering,
is used as a stomachic and flavouring agent. It has a
brownish-yellow colour and a pungent, spicy taste. The dried
root may be chewed ad libitum to relieve dyspepsia or an
infusion of 1 OZ. to 1 pint of boiling water may be taken
freely in doses of a teacupful. The dried root is also
chewed to clear the voice. The rhizome is largely used in
native Oriental medicines for dyspepsia and bronchitis and
chewed as a cough lozenge, and from the earliest times has
been one of the most popular remedies of the native
practitioners of India. The candied root is sold as a
favourite medicine in every Indian bazaar.
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