Calamus Root (Acorus calamus) has been used in India, it is commonly sold as a condiment-spice like ginger and is still used for diseases of the nervous system. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the use of calamus root to increase mental focus, and as an antidote to smoking marijuana and tobacco. Native Americans would chew the root while running long distances to increase their endurance and stamina. A tincture of calamus is useful as a parasiticide when directly and frequently applied to lice and scabies infestations.