SWEET FLAG
Acorus calamus
COMMON NAMES: Calamus, myrtle flag, sweet grass, sweet sedge, sweet rush root.
FEATURES: Sweet flag resembles blue flag (Iris versicolor). It is not an iris, however, and may be
distinguished from it by its corm and the pungent taste of the leaves. This perennial herb grows throughout
the United States on the borders of ponds and marshes where the soil is constantly moist and rich.
MEDICINAL PART: Rhizome.
SOLVENTS: Alcohol, hot water (partial solvent).
BODILY INFLUENCE: Aromatic, carminative, stomachic, stimulant, tonic.
USES: The first candied root was used by Indians and Turks for dyspepsia. It is also frequently used for
heartburn caused by distention of the stomach by gas. In many instances those suffering from stomach
discomfort from some unknown cause found calamus a remedy by chewing the root or using the tea
several times a day. The uncomfortable feeling of burning water from the stomach into the throat is usually
brought under control by this ancient method. Useful in flatulence, wind, colic, ague, upset or sour
stomach, dyspepsia, etc. Taken at regular intervals, it is a most innocent and effecive stomach conditioner,
the ill health of which more than half of our illnesses stem from. The Egyptians used sweet flag for the
legendary disease of scrofula, but it should be combined with supporting, more effective herbs for this
chronic condition.
DOSES: Infusion of 1 ounce of the cut or granulated herb to 1 pint of boiling water. May be taken
frequently in cupful amounts. Tincture of calamus alone, 10–40 drops in water, according to age and
severity of condition.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: There are many insinuating names for sweet flag (Acorus calamus) in Russia, two
of which are Mongolian poison and bitter poison. Originally China and India were the motherland of
calamus, which was first brought to Russia in the eleventh century when the Mongolians overcame the
Russian territory. Tatars believed that calamus purified the water. When they planned on settling in a new
territory, calamus was always planted near the watering place to ensure pure drinking water for the
horses. The Mongolians brought many new adapataions from China to Russia. Around this time in history