Sweet flag (North American calamus)

Acorus americanus

Native American

Photo credit: Jack Greenlee, U.S. Forest Service

Safety information

Toxicity: Species/chemotype dependent. Beta-asarone is genotoxic/carcinogenic in animals; Eurasian calamus oil is restricted. North American A. americanus is generally lower-risk but data are incomplete — caution with quantity/chronicity.

Contraindications: Pregnancy; prolonged/high-dose internal use; avoid beta-asarone-rich Eurasian material.

Interactions: Sedative/CNS effects — caution with CNS depressants.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Caution in pregnancy.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

decoction · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Folk

carried as a charm · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Folk

chewed rhizome · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Traditional use: sore throat, colds/cough, toothache, fatigue on long journeys (stimulant), GI complaints; ceremonial/protective charm

Proposed mechanism: aromatic oils; North American diploid A. americanus is reported low/absent in beta-asarone, unlike some Eurasian A. calamus

Dosage note (descriptive only): avoid prolonged/high-dose internal use

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Indigestion / dyspepsia Cough Sore throat Toothache Common cold Fatigue / weakness

Nutritional notes

n/a (aromatic).

Healing traditions

Native American

Sources (3)

beta-asarone reviews
USDA NRCS (Acorus americanus)
Moerman, Native American Ethnobotany

All sources →