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| Common Names |
| Calamus , Sweet Sledge. Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Flag |
| Botanical Name |
| Acorus calamus |
| Family |
| ACORACEAE |
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| Parts Used: Rhizome |
| Constituents: |
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Sweet flag, or calamus has been used since ancient times for its effects on the digestive system and the lungs. In Europe it is used as a digestive aid, helping to counter acidity and ease heartburn and dyspepsia. The root was also chewed to help toothache and to help stop smoking.Mabey, Richard ,28 |
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Prep Methods :Traditionally taken as a tea, however internal use is not recommended for the casual user. Calamus may be used as a bath additive, or as an alcohol rub for sore muscles and circulation.
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In TCM sweet flag is used to treat deafness, dizziness and epilepsy.
Mabey, Richard ,28 |
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 The oil is strong and fragrant, its taste warm, bitterish, pungent and aromatic. Its active principles are taken up by boiling water. It is a thick, pale yellow liquid.
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| Side Effects: |
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| The essential oil of calamus contains aserone, which has a high toxicity, The FDA has issued warnings about the marketing of Aserone contained in Calamus extract as a "Legal Ecstasy", and does not permit the use of calamus in food products. Varieties of calamus traded in the United States (and all the varieties of calamus permitted for import by HealthCanada) are most effective when used externally. Do not use this herb internally at all, or only under the supervision of a qualified expert.
Mountain Rose HerbsIn high doses, it is hallucinogenic. However the rhizome used from Europe have a low concentration of aserone compared to those from India and no cases of malignancy have been reported. Mabey, Richard ,28 |
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illustration from an 1885 flora
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 Sweet Flag was brought to Europe by the Tartars in the thirteenth century, and is one of the herbs mentioned in the book of Exodus.
Mabey, Richard ,28
The name 'acorus' is derived from the Greek word 'acoron', a name used by Dioscorides, which in turn was derived from 'coreon', meaning 'pupil', because it was used in herbal medicine as a treatment for inflammation of the eye.
(Grieve, M.,767) |
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