A plant record

Sweet flag

Acorus calamus · Acoraceae

EnglishSweet flag

FrançaisAcore

BotanicalAcorus calamus

FamilyAcoraceae

Sweet flag — Acorus calamus, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Contains β-asarone (a carcinogen; banned as a food additive) — use only a β-asarone-free chemotype (the triploid/tetraploid strains) or properly processed root, avoid in pregnancy, and never prolonged or high-dose. A bitter aromatic root taken traditionally as a warm infusion, or by chewing a small piece, to rouse appetite and ease sluggish digestion, gas, and mild gastric cramp.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ Contient de la β-asarone (cancérogène; interdite comme additif alimentaire) — n'employer qu'un chémotype sans β-asarone (souches triploïde/tétraploïde) ou une racine correctement traitée, éviter pendant la grossesse, jamais d'usage prolongé ni à forte dose. Racine aromatique amère employée en infusion tiède, ou mâchée en petit morceau, pour ouvrir l'appétit et soulager digestion lente, gaz et légers spasmes gastriques.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

German Commission E (Calami rhizoma); β-asarone toxicology (EMA); European phytotherapy

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

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