Acorus calamus / sweet flag / vada kaha
This is a small plant with an underground stem that grows in moist places such as marshes.
From ancient times to this day, local people use Sweetflag to protect young children from infectious diseases
Acorus calamus is growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Chemistry
Calamus leaves and rhizomes (roots) contain a volatile oil that gives a characteristic odour and flavour. Major components of the oil are beta-asarone (as much as 75%) and alpha-asarone, saponins, lectins, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and steroids. Phytochemicals in the plant vary according to geographic location, plant age, climate, species variety, and plant component extracted. Diploids do not contain beta-asarone.
Uses of Sweetflag
Acorus calamus has a very long history of medicinal use in many herbal traditions. In practice, the whole root is used medicinally.
Acorus calamus is widely employed in modern herbal medicine as an aromatic stimulant and mild tonic
In Ayurveda, it is highly valued as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system and as a remedy for digestive disorders.
The roots are used internally in the treatment of digestive complaints, bronchitis, sinusitis etc.
Acorus calamus has wonderfully tonic powers of stimulating and normalizing the appetite. In small doses, it reduces stomach acidity whilst larger doses increase stomach secretions and it is, therefore, recommended in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. (However, if the dose is too large it will cause nausea and vomiting.)
It is a folk remedy for arthritis, cancer, convulsions, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, epilepsy etc.
whilst chewing the root alleviates toothache.
Acorus calamus is also used externally to treat skin eruptions, rheumatic pains and neuralgia.
A homoeopathic remedy is made from the roots. It is used in the treatment of flatulence, dyspepsia, anorexia and disorders of the gall bladder.
Acorus calamus can Resistance to viruses.
Recent studies have shown that Acorus calamus inhibits the growth and reproduction of harmful viruses.
Acorus calamus capable of combating viruses with air, piece of Acorus calamus root should be wrapped in a clean cloth over the right elbow and tied in a clean cloth. It absorbs the energy of the body in the breath and builds immunity.
Scientific classification
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Tracheophytes
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Monocots
Order – Acorales
Family – Acoraceae
Genus – Acorus
Species – A. calamus
Binomial name– Acorus calamus
