Is the root of the calamus edible? The Critical Dangers of Wild Harvesting and Consumption
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                While calamus root has a long and complex history in traditional medicine, the U.S. FDA banned its use as a food additive in 1968 due to concerns over a carcinogenic compound found in some varieties. This raises a critical question for foragers and herbal enthusiasts: **is the root of the calamus edible**?