The sweet flag plant is native to Asia and was brought to Europe in the 13th century by the Tartars. It has a pleasant smell, which resembles mandarin oranges; however, it has a sour taste. In Arabic countries, its essence is used as an aphrodisiac.
- Sweet tasting, with flavours similar to a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger – although watch out for the bitter aftertaste.
- Perfect as a tea, flavouring for food or as bitters.
- If you don’t enjoy the bitter aftertaste of this calamus root tea, you can always mix in a spoonful of honey.
Sweet Flag Scientific Facts
- Other names: Calamus, grass myrtle, myrtle flag, sweet grass, sweet myrtle, sweet rush.
- French: Acore.
- Spanish: Calamo aromatico.
- Environment: It grows along the borders of marshes and river banks in Europe, North America, and Argentina. Widespread, but not very common.
- Description: Water plant of the Araceae family, which grows from 60 to 150 cm high, with lanceolate, narrow leaves, and flowers growing in cylindrical spikes.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The rhizome (underground stem).
Healing Properties and Warning
Sweet flag rhizome contains an essential oil, Oleum calami, to which the plant owes its medicinal properties. These are as follows:
- Appetizer: It increases appetite.
- Eupeptic: (Promotes digestion). It is helpful for a bloated stomach, a lack of gastric juice (hypochloridria), and chronic gastritis.
- Carminative: Sweet flag eliminates gas in the digestive tract.
- Muscular relaxing and mildly sedative in the nervous system, when externally applied, adding its decoction to hot bathwater. It alleviates rheumatic pain and aids sleeping.
- Eases skin itching for rashes and nettle rash. A bath with a decoction of sweet flag root relieves itching and soothes the skin.
WARNING! The continuous administration of cis-isoasarone (one of the components of the essential oil of the sweet flag) to experimental animals, can produce toxic effects of a mutagenic type. As a precautionary measure, the prolonged internal use of sweet flag (for more than one month) should be avoided, or better still, pharmacological preparations of sweet flag oil, which have the cis-isoasarone removed, should be used.
How to use Sweet Flag
- Decoction or infusion with a tablespoonful of ground rhizome (some 15g) per cup of water. Drink two or three daily cups. Do not sweeten.
- Baths: Add to the bathwater a decoction prepared with 500g pf ground rhizome per liter of water.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the primary health benefits of sweet flag?
Sweet flag, or Acorus calamus, offers several health benefits. It is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Additionally, it has been used traditionally for its potential to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal issues and enhance mental clarity.
How does it help with digestion?
The plant contains compounds such as acorins and β-asarone, which have been studied for their ability to stimulate digestive juices and promote better digestion. Its carminative properties may help relieve gas and bloating while supporting overall gastrointestinal health.
Can it improve cognitive function?
Yes, the this plant has been traditionally used as a cognitive enhancer. Studies suggest that it may improve memory, concentration, and overall mental alertness. This effect is attributed to its ability to enhance cerebral circulation and potentially modulate neurotransmitter activity.
Does sweet flag have anti-inflammatory properties?
Sweet flag exhibits anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compounds such as β-asarone and acorin. These compounds have shown potential in reducing inflammation, which may benefit conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory disorders.
Is sweet flag beneficial for oral health?
Sweet flag has been traditionally used for oral care due to its antimicrobial properties. It may help maintain oral hygiene by combating bacteria that cause dental plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Can sweet flag plants be used to alleviate respiratory issues?
It may help clear respiratory passages by promoting the expulsion of mucus. This can be beneficial for conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and congestion.
Is sweet flag safe for consumption?
While sweet flag has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, it is essential to use it cautiously. Some compounds present in the sweet flag plant, such as β-asarone, may have potential toxic effects in high doses. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it internally, especially in large quantities or for an extended period.
How can sweet flag be consumed for its health benefits?
Sweet flag can be consumed in various forms, including as a tea, tincture, or powdered supplement. It can also be incorporated into herbal formulations or used topically as essential oil. However, following dosage recommendations and consulting a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for guidance is crucial.
Are there any precautions to consider when using sweet flags?
Individuals with certain medical conditions such as epilepsy, liver disease, or pregnancy should avoid using sweet flag due to its potential adverse effects. Additionally, sourcing sweet flags from reputable suppliers is essential to ensure purity and quality.
What is the recommended dosage for its health benefits?
Dosage recommendations for sweet flags may vary depending on age, health status, and intended use. A modest dose is ideal, and any side effects should be carefully monitored as the dosage is raised. Consulting a qualified healthcare provider or herbalist for personalized advice is recommended.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 424. Print.
- Singh, B., & Sharma, R. A. (2015). Acorus calamus L. (Sweet flag): A review on its phytochemistry, pharmacological and toxicological aspects. Scientific World Journal, 2015, 1-14.
- Dhingra, D., & Kumar, V. (2008). Memory-enhancing activity of palmatine in mice using elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2008, 1-4.
- Srivastava, S., & Lal, S. (2012). Traditional wisdom and value addition prospects of Acorus calamus Linn.: An overview. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(33), 4673-4680.
- Kumar, V., & Singh, P. N. (2018). Pharmacological potential of Acorus calamus: A review on its medicinal properties. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 112-118.
- Khan, R., Islam, B., Akram, M., Shakil, S., Ahmad, A., Ali, S. M., & Siddiqui, M. (2016). Antimicrobial activity of five herbal extracts against multi drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria and fungus of clinical origin. Molecules, 21(1), 1-11.
- Patel, S., Sharma, V., Chauhan, N. S., & Thakur, M. (2011). Acorus calamus: An overview. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 4(10), 3050-3053.
- Bisht, R., & Jain, S. (2010). Acorus calamus: Extensive pharmacological properties. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2(4), 38-45.
- Mukherjee, P. K., & Kumar, V. (2007). Acorus calamus: Scientific validation of ayurvedic tradition from natural resources. Pharmaceutical Biology, 45(8), 651-666.
- Sharma, V., Thakur, M., & Chauhan, N. S. (2010). Pharmacological potential of Acorus calamus Linn. in neurological disorders. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, 1(2), 143-149.
- Jayakumar, S., Madankumar, A., & Asokkumar, S. (2012). Potential protective effect of Acorus calamus extract against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene-induced renal carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology, 31(4), 365-376.
Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API