Notes

Scientific name : Acorus calamus
Universal name : Canadian Cree name : Rat root
Other names : sea sledge, flag root, myrtle grass, sweet myrtle, sweet rush (and other combinaisons), Gladdon, and Beewort

Appearance : reed-like
Perennial
Height : one meter
Moist soil (water plant), needs sunlight
Water once every 2 or 3 days
Grows best in shallow water, marshes, edge of a river, ponds
Seeds ripe in July/August, must be planted quickly
Flowering between May and July

Leaves strongly scented with bitter taste
Sweet smell

Many uses despite toxicity
Powdered rhizomes : used as substitute to cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg
Used as floor covering
Properties : abortifacient, anodyne (relives pain), anthelmintic, aphrodisiac (used in some love potions), carminative, counters the side effects of hallucinogens, diuretic, hallucinogen, laxative, otalgic (cures ear aches), sedative
Healing uses : cure tooth aches, burns, eye diseases, recovery after a stroke. Powder form : clearing a cough and relieving the strain on one’s voice.
Mild tonic, mild antistress
Nicholas Culpeper research (17th century) : suggest it strengthen mind and stomach ( = used in digestive potions)

Symbol of love (wrongly)

Do not take in high doses or over long period of time
Pregnant women should not use it (abortifacient)