China was on a very high cultural standard and medicine, particularly herbal, was in great favor (Vishaya
Schkolla, Moscow, 1963). Folk Medicine: Soon discovered calamus was anything but Mongolian poison
and praised it highly as a healing agent. Decoction or tea for stomach condition, liver, gallbladder, kidney
and bladder, stones in the kidney and bladder, malaria; nastoika (with vodka) as a gargle for mouth
irritations and toothache. The country people kept the fresh leaves in the house as aromatic, disinfectant,
and insecticide. The roots were burned to clear the air when sickness from cholera, typhus, flu, etc., were
present. It is used as an aromatic bitter to improve appetite and the digestive system, to relieve the central
nervous system, in decoctions, nastoika, and extracts. Decoctions and tea for kidney and bladder, liver,
gallbladder, and general tonic. Powder used internally and externally (Atlas, Moscow, 1963).
Externally: Nastoika (with vodka) is used for bathing wounds, infected ulcers, shingles, scurvy, children
with rickets, scrofula, and various skin conditions. Powder for wounds and ulcers. A hair decoction of
calamus, burdock, and hops is a preventative for falling hair and improves the hair and scalp if
application is massaged regularly. Veterinary: For stomach, liver, and various internal ailments. The
powder for external wounds, ulcers, etc. Commercial and industrial: One ton of raw rhizomes when dry
yields about 500 pounds (Naukova Dumca, Academy of Science, Ukraine, Kiev, 1963). Sweet flag oil is
used medicinally, in the food industry, and as a wine aromatic.
INDIAN AND PAKISTANI EXPERIENCE: Known as Bacha or Vacha, it has been used for generations. Bodily
influence: aromatic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, bitter tonic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, emetic,
emmenagogue, laxative, nauseant, stimulant. Uses: Diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, and chest affections.
Infusion for epilepsy of children. In small doses for flatulence, colic, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, loss
of appetite, bronchitis and catarrh, fevers, ague, hemorrhage. As an emetic, 30 grains is effective, used
instead of ipecac. For asthma, 10 grains every 3 hours. Externally: The burned root mixed with some
bland oil is used as a poultice for flatulence and colic. Also for paralyzed limbs and rheumatic swellings.
Dry powdered root is dusted over foul and indolent ulcers and wounds. The above mentioned are the
most popular, but use varies individually and by location (Medical Plants, India, Pakistan, J. F. Dastur,
Bombay, 1962).