Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus L.) also known as Calamus, Sweet Sedge and Myrtle Flag

Medicinal Plants: Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus L.) where it grows and its medicinal uses…

You’ll see Sweet Flag Flag is originally from Southern Asia but has been successfully introduced to most parts of the world where you’ll see it growing, reed like, in ponds, pools and deeper streams.

The rhizome (root) was used in Medieval times – an oil was pressed from its rhizomes or it was cut into small segments and dried in the sun to start with but later removed to a more shady position. Never given to pregnant or lactating women but seems to have been recommended for the treatment of the elderly. It was used to treat digestive disorders (1 gram of oil in a tea). Also rubbed on the skin to improve blood circulation or gargled to treat mouth ulcers and inflammations. Extract of Sweet Flag is still used in modern tranquillizers.

Sweet Flag was harvested in autumn months usually but also in March. It was ripped up from the ponds and pools by the use of a strong rake.

WARNING: These articles are for leisure reading only and NOT for medicinal instruction. Never use any medicines or medicinal plants without consulting a medical practitioner.