Sweet flag rhizome powder – Acorus calamus var. americanus

The rhizome is dried and then finely ground to produce a light, aromatic powder. This form is convenient for quick infusion, incorporation into pastes, or cosmetic use. It is also found in spiritual traditions where it is used as an incense or sacred ingredient.

Description

Sweet flag grows in humid areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Its thick rhizome is the most commonly used part. The Americanus variety is preferred for its low content of β-asarone, a potentially toxic compound present in other varieties. Its powder is light beige to golden brown in color and very fragrant.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Sweet flag, calamus, aromatic reed
• Latin name: Acorus calamus var. americanus
• Family: Acoraceae (or sometimes Araceae)
• Part used: Rhizome
• Form: Fine powder
• Origin: North America, Europe, Asia
• English name: Sweet flag root powder
• German name: Kalmuspulver
• Name in Spanish: Pollo de cálamo
• Name in Italian: Polvere di calamo aromatico
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق عِقْرِبِيط (Mas'houq ʿIqribīt)

Main virtues

Traditionally used for its digestive, warming, and balancing properties. In cosmetics, it perfumes and purifies. It is also widely used in burning powders or as an aromatic paste base in artisanal incense.

Main constituents

Essential oils (camphor, eugenol, asarone*), tannins, mucilages, starch, flavonoids, organic acids. (*non-carcinogenic in the americanus variety)

Use and dosage

• Infusion: ½ teaspoon in 200 ml of hot water, infuse for 10 min, filter.
• Cosmetic: 1 teaspoon in a paste made from clay, hydrosol or honey.
• Incense: powder to be burned directly on charcoal or mixed with other plant resins.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Use exclusively the americanus variety.
• Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Respect the dosages. Do not use for a long period without supervision.

History and origin

Present in traditional pharmacopoeias since ancient times, sweet flag was used to tone the body and perfume spaces. In some Native American cultures, it was consumed or burned for sacred purposes. In India, it is listed in Ayurveda under the name "Vacha," for its effects on speech and mental clarity.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an opaque, tightly closed jar, away from humidity.
• Packaging: resealable kraft bag, jar or metal box.
• Appearance: fine powder, golden beige.
• Smell: warm, woody, slightly camphoric and spicy.

Sources and references

• Flora of North America – https://floranorthamerica.org
• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• USDA GRIN – https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov
• Ayurveda Texts and Native American Traditions

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