calamus

(Scientific name: Acorus calamus): Also known as White Acorus calamus and Tibetan Acorus calamus. Perennial with stout rhizomes. Basal leaves are sword-shaped, with prominent midvein, basal leaf sheaths folded and membranous edges. Born in swamps, streams or rice fields.

Acorus calamus can extract aromatic oil, which is fragrant. In the traditional culture of China, it is a kind of spirit grass that can prevent infectious diseases and drive away evil spirits. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people used to put calamus leaves and mugwort leaves together under the eaves. Rootstocks can be used as spices. Also known as Yaojiu. The poisonous plants listed in China Botanical Atlas Database are poisonous to the whole plant, and the rhizome is more toxic. When taken orally in large doses, it will produce strong hallucinations. Native to China and Japan, distributed in north temperate zone.

Alias: mud calamus, cattail, wild calamus, smelly calamus, mountain calamus, white calamus, sword calamus and big calamus.