SWEET FLAG Acorus calamus, L.( N. O.: Araceae)
Common Names: Calamus, Myrtle Flag, Sweet Grass, Sweet Sedge, Sweet Rush Root. Features: Sweet flag resembles the Blue flag( Iris versicolor). It is not an Iris, however, and may be distinguished from it by its corm and the pungent taste of the leaves. This perennial herb grows on the borders of ponds and marshes where the soil is constantly moist and rich, throughout the United States. Medical Part: Rhizome. Solvents: Alcohol, hot water( partially). Bodily Influence: Aromatic, Carminative, Stomachic, Stimulant, Tonic. Uses: The first candied root was used by the Indians and Turks for dyspepsia. It is also frequently used for heartburn, caused by distention of the stomach by gas. In many instances those suffering from stomach discomfort from some unknown reason found Calamus a remedy by chewing the root, or the use of the tea, several times a day. The uncomfortable feeling of burning water from the stomach into the throat is usually brought under control by this ancient knowledge. Useful in flatulence, wind, colic, ague, upset or sour stomach, dyspepsia, etc. Taken at regular intervals, it is a most innocent and effective stomach conditioner, the health of which more than half of our illnesses stem from. The Egyptians used Sweet flag for the legendary disease of scrofula, but it should be combined with supporting, more effective herbs for this chronic condition. Dose: Infusion of 1 oz. of the cut or granulated herb to 1 pint of boiling water. May be taken frequently in cupful amounts. Tincture of Calamus alone, 10 – 40 drops in water, according to age and severity of condition. Russian Experience: There are many insinuating names for Sweet flag( Calamus) in Russia, two of which are Mongolian poison and Bitter poison. Originally China and India were the motherland of Calamus, which was first brought to Russia in the eleventh century when the Mongolians overcame the Russian territory. Tartars( Mongolians) considered that Calamus purified the water. When they planned on settling in a new territory, Calamus was always planted near the watering place to ensure of pure drinking water for the horses. The Mongolians brought many new adaptations from China to Russia. Around this time in history China was on a very high cultural standard and medicine, particularly herbal was in great favour( Vishaya Schkolla, Moscow, 1963).
In the Ukraine, Baltic area and Poland, Calamus has been well known since the thirteenth century. In the seventeenth century sugared rhizomes of Calamus were imported to Germany from Constantinople( Istanbul), Turkey, but the Calamus plant was not known to them at this time. Angerius von Busback, Austrian ambassador in Constantinople, became aware of the tonic properties of this medical plant from Turkey and sent the fresh rhizomes to Praga in 1565. The fresh stock was sent to Vienna Botanic Garden in 1574, where a famous botanist, Clausius, took great pride and gave much attention to its cultivation. It was here that the first, and one of the most complete, botanical descriptions was made and proudly displayed to everyone interested. A Polish doctor came to see the Garden and disparaged the famous scientist for his attention to such a common weed as Tartar poison, bitterly known in Russia and Poland since the Mongolian invasion. This ridicule was so discouraging to the famous botanist that he gave Calamus to anybody who wanted a plant and soon the whole country was alive with Calamus. To this day botanist Clausius is remembered for his sincere devotion to Calamus, but the name of the merciless doctor is gone with the wind. Folk Medicine soon discovered Calamus was everything but Mongolian poison and praised it highly as a healing agent. Decoction or tea for stomach condition, liver, gall-bladder, kidney and bladder,