Calamus Essential Oil Benefits And Uses, Calamus Oil DIY Recipes

Overview

Calamus essential oil, derived from the roots of calamus plant or Acorus calamus plant, also known as sweet flag, has been a revered natural remedy with a rich history in traditional medicine. This potent essential oil is renowned for its diverse range of health benefits, skin-enhancing properties, and transformative effects on hair. 

Calamus essential oil is native to India, and has many potent therapeutic properties. This essential oil is derived from fresh or dried roots through steam distillation. 

Health Benefits Of Calamus Essential Oil

1. Memory Boosting 

Calamus essential oil is celebrated for its memory-boosting properties. The presence of compounds like asorone activates neural pathways, enhancing cognitive functions and combating memory loss associated with aging.

Calamus is recommended by many yogis and ayurvedic philosophers for memory boosting. Studies suggest that people undergone memory loss due to aging can also benefit from this oil, as this oil enhances the functioning of brain.  

2. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Spasmodic 

Calamus essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic attributes, which proves effective in relieving pain and swelling associated with conditions like neuralgia. Its is also effective on nervous spasms. It also contains anti-rheumatic properties that provides relief from pain.  

3. Tranquilizing Effect 

Calamus oil's tranquilizing effect on the nervous system provides relief from insomnia and stress. Calamus root oil creates a tranquilizing effect and the person using it feels a sedative effect. The sedative properties create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and aiding in mental well-being. It is an ideal herb for meditation and introspection. 

4. Circulatory Support 

Known for its circulatory benefits, calamus oil makes the blood vessels contract, regulating blood flow. This contributes to improved circulation, ensuring that essential nutrients and oxygen reach neurons, supporting overall brain and nervous system health.

Calamus Essential Oil Benefits For Skin

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

Calamus essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition to cosmetic products. It provides relief from skin conditions characterized by pain and swelling, promoting a healthier complexion.

2. Nervine for Skin Sensitivity 

As a nervine, calamus oil proves effective for sensitive skin. It helps in soothing irritation and redness, making it an excellent choice for individuals with skin sensitivity.

3. Anti-Aging 

Beyond its cognitive benefits, calamus oil can be beneficial for skin health. It addresses signs of aging, and when applied topically, it may aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. DIY Blending 

Calamus essential oil blends well with other essential oils like lavender, tea tree, clary sage, and marjoram, providing a versatile option for crafting therapeutic blends tailored to specific skin needs.

Hair Benefits Of Calamus Essential Oil

1. Scalp Revitalization 

Calamus essential oil's antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for scalp health. It revitalizes the scalp, addressing issues like dandruff and promoting a clean and healthy foundation for hair growth.

2. Hair Growth Stimulant 

The oil's nourishing components stimulate hair follicles, promoting robust growth and preventing issues like hair thinning. Regular use of calamus oil contributes to fuller and healthier-looking hair.

3. Damage Repair 

Calamus oil's reparative qualities make it effective in reviving damaged hair. Whether dealing with split ends or brittle strands, the oil works to restore and fortify the hair, leaving it resilient and vibrant.

Different Ways To Use Calamus Essential Oil 

1. Aromatherapy

Add a few drops of calamus essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser. Inhale the fragrance directly from the bottle or by placing a few drops on a cotton ball. Use in a room spray by combining with water in a spray bottle.

2. Topical Application

Dilute calamus oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. Apply the diluted mixture topically to the skin for various benefits, ensuring it does not exceed recommended concentrations.

3. Inhalation

Add a few drops of calamus oil to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the steam by covering your head with a towel over the bowl, creating a makeshift steam tent. Alternatively, use a personal inhaler or diffuser necklace for on-the-go inhalation.

4. Massage Oil

Blend calamus essential oil with a carrier oil to create a massage oil. Use this blend to massage onto the skin, promoting relaxation and benefiting from its anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Hair Care

Mix a few drops of calamus oil with a carrier oil suitable for hair, such as jojoba or argan oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp for revitalization and potential benefits for hair growth.

6. Bath Soak

Add a few drops of calamus essential oil to your bathwater. Enjoy a relaxing bath to experience the tranquilizing effects of the oil on the nervous system.

7. Compress

Create a warm or cold compress by adding calamus oil to a bowl of water. Soak a cloth in the mixture and apply it to the affected area for relief from pain and swelling.

8. Personal Blends

Combine calamus oil with other essential oils like lavender, tea tree, clary sage, or marjoram. Create personalized blends for specific purposes, such as stress relief, skin care, or mental clarity.

DIY Recipes Using Calamus Oil 

Recipe #1 - Tranquilizing Massage Blend

Ingredients:

• 10 drops of Calamus Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Lavender Oil
• 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil (or any carrier oil of your choice)

Instructions:

1. In a small, dark glass bottle, combine the calamus and lavender essential oils.
2. Add the jojoba oil to the mixture, ensuring proper dilution.
3. Cap the bottle and shake well to blend the oils thoroughly.

How to Use:

• Before bedtime or during moments of stress, take a small amount of the blend and massage it onto your temples, neck, and shoulders.
• Use gentle, circular motions during the massage to enhance relaxation.

Benefits:

• Calamus and lavender oils create a tranquilizing effect, reducing feelings of stress and promoting a calm state of mind.
• The cephalic properties of calamus oil may contribute to improved mental clarity.
• The soothing aroma of lavender enhances the overall calming experience.

Recipe #2 - Ayurvedic Scalp Treatment for Hair Growth

Ingredients:

• 8 drops of Calamus Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Rosemary Oil
• 3 tablespoons of Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in a heat-resistant container until it becomes a liquid.
2. Add the calamus and rosemary essential oils to the melted coconut oil.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and let the blend cool to a comfortable temperature.

How to Use:

• Part your hair and apply the mixture directly to the scalp.
• Gently massage the scalp to ensure even distribution.
• Leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes before washing your hair.

Benefits:

• Calamus oil's antimicrobial properties contribute to scalp health.
• Rosemary oil stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
• Coconut oil nourishes and conditions the hair, leaving it soft and manageable.

Recipe #3 - Mood-Enhancing Diffuser Blend

Ingredients:

• 7 drops of Calamus Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Bergamot Oil
• 3 drops of Clary Sage Oil

Instructions:

1. Add the calamus, bergamot, and clary sage essential oils to a diffuser.
2. Turn on the diffuser and let the aromatic blend fill the room.

How to Use:

• Allow the diffuser to run for 15-30 minutes, creating a calming atmosphere.
• Inhale deeply to experience the mood-enhancing effects.

Benefits:

• Calamus oil acts as a tranquilizer, promoting relaxation.
• Bergamot and clary sage contribute to mood stabilization and stress relief.
• The aromatic blend creates a pleasant ambiance.

Recipe #4 - Neural Clarity Roll-On Blend

Ingredients:

• 6 drops of Calamus Essential Oil
• 4 drops of Frankincense Oil
• 2 tablespoons of Sweet Almond Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the calamus and frankincense essential oils in a small roller bottle.
2. Add sweet almond oil to the mixture, ensuring proper dilution.
3. Cap the bottle and roll it gently between your palms to mix the oils.

How to Use:

• Apply the roll-on blend to pulse points such as wrists and temples.
• Use whenever you need a boost in mental clarity.

Benefits:

• Calamus oil, known for its cephalic properties, supports cognitive functions.
• Frankincense oil enhances focus and concentration.
• Sweet almond oil serves as a carrier, making it safe for topical application.

Risks And Precautions Of Using Calamus Essential Oil

1. Expert Practitioner Consultation

Before using calamus oil internally or for therapeutic purposes, consult with an experienced aromatherapist or healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on individual health conditions.

2. Purity and Quality Assurance

Ensure that the calamus essential oil used is of high quality and purity. Look for products with a certificate of analysis to guarantee the absence of contaminants or adulterants.

3. Patch Test

Before applying calamus oil topically, conduct a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

4. Avoid High Doses

Refrain from using calamus oil in excessively high concentrations, whether through inhalation, topical application, or ingestion. Stick to recommended dilution ratios to prevent adverse reactions. Also, avoid oral ingestion of any essential oils. 

5. Consider Alternative Oils

If there are concerns or potential risks associated with calamus oil, consider exploring alternative essential oils with similar therapeutic properties but without the associated risks.

6. Professional Blending

When blending calamus oil with other essential oils, seek guidance from professionals or experienced aromatherapists to ensure safe and effective combinations.

7. Children and Pets

Exercise caution when using calamus oil around children or pets, as their sensitivity to essential oils may vary. Keep oils out of their reach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, calamus essential oil is like a friendly helper from nature, offering lots of good things for our health, skin, and hair. Whether it's helping you relax with a calming massage blend, promoting a happy mood with a sweet-smelling diffuser blend, or giving your hair some extra love with a nourishing scalp treatment, calamus oil has got your back. Just remember to use it carefully, following the recipes and guidelines, so you can enjoy all the benefits without any worries.