The unpeeled, dried rhizome of acorus calamus Linne.

Habitat.—United States, Europe, Western and Southern Asia, including India and Japan.

Properties.—The leaves as well as the root have an aromatic odor; but the root only is employed. It should be collected late in the autumn, or in the early spring. After removal from the ground, the roots are washed, freed from their fibers, and dried with moderate heat. By drying they lose nearly one-half their diameter, but are improved in odor and taste.

Constituents.—Acorin, a liquid, yellow glucoside, having a bitter taste; a volatile oil; calamine; choline.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 grs to 1 dr.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM CALAMI—FLUIDEXTRACT OF CALAMUS

Made by maceration, percolation and evaporation.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 drs.; dogs, 15 ms. to 1 dr.

Action and Uses.—Calanus is a feeble aromatic bitter, and is therefore useful in loss of appetite and indigestion associated with mild forms of flatulence. The powdered root is used as a base in powders, balls and electuaries. It is harmless, and the dose is therefore unimportant.