Actions: stimulant, rejuvenate, expectorant, decongestant, nervine, antispasmodic and emetic. Used for colds, cough, asthma, sinus headaches, sinusitis, arthritis, epilepsy, loss of memory, hysteria. Calamus is currently under F.D.A restrictions not recommended for internal use, held to be toxic. However, it has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years, being one of the most renowned herbs of the ancient Vedic seers. It is a tonic for the brain and nervous system, said to have a purifying, revitalizing effect. It can be applied externally as a paste on the forehead for headaches, or for joint pain.