Botanical Overview
Acorus calamus, commonly known as Sweet Flag or Calamus, belongs to the family Acoraceae. The medicinal part used is the rhizome. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Energetics
The plant is considered warming and drying with bitter, pungent, and sweet tastes. It has an ascending directionality and tonifying properties, primarily influencing the qi.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Digestive tonic
- Nervine
- Antispasmodic
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
Syndromes
- Dyspepsia
- Gastrointestinal spasms
- Nervous system disorders
- Respiratory congestion
TCM
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Wheezing
Syndromes
- Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency
- Cold in the Middle Jiao
- Phlegm-dampness obstructing the Lungs
Ayurveda
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Vata disorders
- Kapha imbalance
- Agni (digestive fire) weakness
Unani
- Flatulence
- Colic
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Nervous disorders
Syndromes
- Cold humors
- Digestive weakness
- Nervous debility
Constituents & Mechanisms
The rhizome contains phytochemical groups including beta-asarone, alpha-asarone, essential oils, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids which contribute to its antispasmodic, carminative, and nervine effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Rhizome powder 1-3 g daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol 2-4 mL 1-3 times per day
- Infusion 1-2 g per cup 2-3 times per day
Safety & Contraindications
Calamus contains beta-asarone, a compound with potential carcinogenicity at high doses; thus, long-term or high-dose use is not recommended. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Patients with liver disorders should avoid use. It may potentiate CNS depressants.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported information on planetary or elemental rulers was found.
Selected References
- Acorus calamus – Sweet Flag, Plants For A Future
- Acorus calamus L., rhizoma, European Medicines Agency (EMA) HMPC Monograph, 2015
- Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Acorus calamus Linn.: A comprehensive review, Gupta et al., 2017
- Acorus calamus in Ayurveda, Arya Vaidya Sala