Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet flag
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for addressing symptoms of colds, including those accompanied by fever. In Ayurveda, sweet flag is referred to as "Vacha" and is believed to possess warming, expectorant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly administered in formulations meant to clear respiratory congestion, reduce fever, and soothe sore throats. Ancient texts describe its use as a remedy for "Kapha" imbalances, which are associated with mucus and respiratory conditions.
The traditional rationale for its use centers on its aromatic rhizomes, which are thought to help open nasal passages, promote sweating (thereby reducing fever), and relieve cough. Sweet flag may be prepared as a powder, decoction, or infused in ghee for easier administration, especially for children.
However, scientific evidence to validate these traditional uses is limited. A few laboratory studies have found that extracts of Acorus calamus possess mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to viral pathogens responsible for colds. There are no robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for colds with fever in humans. Additionally, concerns about the safety of certain compounds (notably beta-asarone) in sweet flag have led to regulatory restrictions in some countries. In summary, its use for colds with fever is primarily justified by tradition, with limited modern scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)
aloe veragreen chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
pear
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
yerba santa
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
aster root
indigo leaves
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Capillary Artemisia
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
Fruit
Flavoglycosides
Little ironweed
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by sweet flag
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Addictions (general remedies for)
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Burning Feet or Hands
Burns and Scalds
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)