Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) is a member of the Araceae family, native to Eastern Asia, North America, and Europe. Traditionally, its rhizomes, stems, and leaves have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its carminative, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, european herbal medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sweet Flag
Scientific Name	Acorus calamus
Plant Family	Araceae
Genus	Acorus
Species	calamus
Native Range	Eastern Asia, North America, Europe
Plant Parts Used	Rhizomes, Stems, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Acorus calamus
Common Name: Sweet Flag
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Calamus, Acorus Calamus
Plant Family: Araceae
Genus: Acorus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Smooth, dark green upper surface with lighter green lower surface, possessing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ridged, aromatic, herbaceous, terete, ascending, monopodial, branching at base, surface glabrous, nodes prominent, internodes elongated, leaf sheaths clasping, fibrous root system emerging from base.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: Traditionally described as a soothing carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a warming tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a gentle bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Antispasmodic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Alkaloid: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by many plant species.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers humus-rich soil with moist but well-drained soil. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.