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Dietary supplement

Calamus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Calamus label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Calamus against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Calamus is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and gas, loss of appetite, memory and focus (traditional).Based on those ingredients, 1,119 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Calamus by Herbal Terra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Calamus by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Calamus by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Oct 6, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract. Calamus has been used traditionally for digestive and respiratory concerns, though the evidence supporting these uses is not established in the data we hold.

The product also contains menstruum, an inactive ingredient used as a solvent in the extraction process.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Calamus product and its label doesn't state a use — see Calamus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The effectiveness evidence for calamus is not established. The data we hold rates its use for bronchitis, asthma, anorexia nervosa, and cancer as insufficient — meaning there isn't reliable research backing these claims.

If you're considering this product for a specific health reason, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports it for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calamus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calamus carries significant safety concerns. The safety data advises against it: some calamus products contain beta-asarone, a compound the FDA banned from food because it may raise cancer risk.

Additionally, calamus contains other potentially toxic compounds and is not safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The most common adverse effects reported are nausea and vomiting.

Rare but serious effects include cancer risk and intestinal paralysis; fast heartbeat has also been reported. Given these concerns, this is not a product to take without careful discussion with your own healthcare provider.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calamus

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Calamus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 1,120 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any sedatives or sleep aids (CNS depressants), blood pressure medications, antidepressants especially MAOIs, medications for urinary or nerve conditions (anticholinergic or cholinergic drugs), acid-reflux medications, or any drug your liver metabolizes (CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 substrates) — calamus interacts with all of these and may alter how they work or increase their levels in your body.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Calamus is not recommended for routine use. It carries a documented cancer risk through beta-asarone, is unsafe in pregnancy and lactation, and interacts with a broad range of medications across multiple drug classes.

If you're considering it for a specific condition, talk with your own doctor or pharmacist first — the potential harms outweigh the unproven benefits for most people.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Calamus, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429523975931
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 233802
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Calamus by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429523975931
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Origin of plant material: Poland.

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Acorus calamus

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Calamus by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Calamus label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Calamus by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract

Interacts with
1,119 drugs
970 mg per serving

Calamus is a swamp plant with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for digestive and nervous-system complaints. Howeve...

Certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Calamus by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Calamus?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,119Drugs
1,100 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract 1,119

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Calamus interact with 1,119 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Calamus interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Calamus with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract10 drug types · 1,119 drugs

Anticholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of anticholinergic drugs and calamus might decrease the effectiveness of the anticholinergic drug.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking calamus with other antihypertensive medications might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that calamus decreases the rate and strength of the heartbeat, which might lower blood pressure. use with caution.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cholinergic Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of cholinergic effects.
In vitro evidence shows that calamus can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of CNS depressants and calamus might have an additive effect and increase the risk of sedative effects.
Animal research shows that calamus is a CNS depressant and increases gamma-aminobutyric acid levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, taking calamus with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.
In vitro research shows that calamus extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, calamus might potentiate the effects and adverse effects of MAOIs.
Some reports suggest that calamus increases the effects of MAOIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antacids

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of antacids.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, taking calamus might reduce the effectiveness of PPIs.
Some research suggests that calamus lowers gastric pH.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
certified organic Calamus (Acorus calamus) dried root liquid extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Calamus, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Calamus by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Calamus by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Calamus has a known interaction with 1,119 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Calamus contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is calamus safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against calamus in pregnancy and lactation. It may affect the uterus, contains potentially toxic compounds, and no safety data support use while nursing. Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist before considering it.
What are the most common side effects?
Nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse effects reported with calamus. Rare but serious effects include cancer risk and intestinal paralysis; fast heartbeat has also been reported.
Does calamus really increase cancer risk?
Yes — calamus contains beta-asarone, a compound the FDA banned from food because it may cause cancer. Some forms of calamus are higher in beta-asarone than others, and the cancer risk is a documented safety concern.
What is calamus supposed to do?
Calamus has been used traditionally for bronchitis, asthma, anorexia nervosa, and digestive issues. However, the data we hold does not establish that it is effective for any of these uses — the evidence is insufficient.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
No — not without checking with your own doctor or pharmacist first. Calamus lowers blood pressure, so taking it alongside blood pressure medication could cause your pressure to drop too far.
Will this interact with my antidepressant?
Possibly. If your antidepressant is an MAOI, calamus might potentiate its effects. If it's metabolized by CYP2D6 or CYP3A4, calamus may slow its clearance and raise its level in your body. Check your specific medication with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Calamus label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Calamus’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Calamus

Interacts with 1,119 drugs

Calamus is a swamp plant with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for digestive and nervous-system complaints. However, it contains beta-asarone, a compound...

Read the full Calamus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Calamus's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Calamus 13 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publ, 1997.
  4. Shoba, F. G. and Thomas, M. Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarrhoea. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;76(1):73-76. PubMed
  5. Koo, B. S., Park, K. S., Ha, J. H., Park, J. H., Lim, J. C., and Lee, D. U. Inhibitory effects of the fragrance inhalation of essential oil from Acorus gramineus on central nervous system. Biol Pharm.Bull. 2003;26(7):978-982. PubMed
  6. Oh, M. H., Houghton, P. J., Whang, W. K., and Cho, J. H. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine 2004;11(6):544-548. PubMed
  7. Panchal, G. M., Venkatakrishna-Bhatt, H., Doctor, R. B., and Vajpayee, S. Pharmacology of Acorus calamus L. Indian J Exp.Biol 1989;27(6):561-567.
  8. Vargas, C. P., Wolf, L. R., Gamm, S. R., and Koontz, K. Getting to the root (Acorus calamus) of the problem. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998;36(3):259-260.
  9. Pandit S, Mukherjee PK, Ponnusankar S, Venkatesh M, Srikanth N. Metabolism mediated interaction of a-asarone and Acorus calamus with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Fitoterapia 2011;82(3):369-74.
  10. Sharma V, Singh I, Chaudhary P. Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation. Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(18):1454-66.
  11. Björnstad K, Helander A, Hultén P, Beck O. Bioanalytical investigation of asarone in connection with Acorus calamus oil intoxications. J Anal Toxicol 2009;33(9):604-9. PubMed
  12. Federal Register. Volume 33, Page 6967. U.S. Government Publishing Office. http://api.fdsys.gov/link?collection=fr&volume=33&page=6967. Accessed May 23, 2018.
  13. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 189 - Substances Prohibited From Use in Human Food. Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=259fa8a1284cad42676075c8425c7333&mc=true&node=pt21.3.189&rgn=div5.

See these in context on the Calamus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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