Calamus

Calamus, or sweet flag, is a tall marsh plant whose aromatic rhizome has been used since ancient times. Cunningham calls it feminine, with the Moon and water, and lists luck, healing, money and protection. He has seeds strung as beads, or powdered root in incenses, for healing, and root pieces in kitchen corners against hunger and poverty. It also strengthens and binds spells. Kynes adds Earth, Virgo and the Sun, and lists spirit guides and wisdom. She sells cut, dried and powdered root, an essential oil diffused to work with spirit guides, and a flower essence, and notes Sumerian incense, Egyptian tombs and a Roman and Arab reputation as an aphrodisiac. Cunningham warns that several plants are sold as calamus, two of them very dangerous, and advises against internal use. Kynes and Wikipedia say the root is toxic if ingested.