Native Americans chewed the root while running long distances to increase endurance and stamina. In China, calamus root is considered to have antiarrythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory, antitussive, antibacterial and expectorant properties. It has been used to combat a lack of mental focus, stomach problems, acidity and as an aid to quite tobacco. Externally it is added to the bath to quiet the nerves and induce a state of tranquility. Tincture of calamus is useful as a parasitic when directly and frequently applied to lice and scabies infestations. Caution: avoid during pregnancy.