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Calamus Root
Spring and summer bring with them a number of pests in our gardens and on our pets. One of the most interesting ways to keep fleas off your pets and pests from your veggies is to sprinkle Calamus Root in the area.
What's especially nice is that this product can be ingested, so if you or your pet come in contact with it, there is no cause for alarm -- in fact, it might just be good for what ails you both!
Scientific name is Acorus calamus, common name "Sweet Flag", this perennial grows in marshy places in zones 3 through 10. Once you know what you're looking for, you can't miss it as it grows up to 6 feet tall! However, you don't have to collect your own, you can let your fingers do your collecting at www.kalyx.com. Besides which, if you collect it, it's gone! Perennial or not, if you nab the root, it's not coming back!
On this site, you will get interesting tidbits about the many and varied uses for Calamus Root. For instance, their quote from Waller's British Herbal:
'The powdered root is also esteemed in Ceylon and India as a vermifuge and an insecticide, especially in relation to fleas. Sprinkled round a tree attacked by white ants in Malay (Perak) it was found to destroy those that were near the surface and prevented others from attacking the tree.'
So, we suggest using it inside the bedding of your pet's bed and all around any area in which it spends time. Since anyone or any animal can be allergic to any substance, we suggest you gently test it out before liberally applying it! But since the plant is so very ancient -- believed to be the oldest living monocot! -- it is likely very safe for all.
If you've an ant's nest near your home or in a child's play area that you want 'gone', you can try sprinkling some calamus root powder in a semi-circle, leaving the opening facing toward where you want the critters to go! This eliminates the concern of using highly toxic substances where children play.
We are thinking of using it to discourage ticks on ourselves by dusting shoes and pants legs with a liberal amount. We'll let you know of the results. If you find or have any other insecticidal or vermicidal uses for calamus root, please let us know!
Sue
