Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is valued for its purported effects on various ailments, including digestive and respiratory issues. However, its use specifically for swollen lymph glands (lymphadenopathy) is not prominent or well-documented in these traditional sources. In some folk practices, sweet flag has been used as a general anti-inflammatory or “blood purifier,” concepts that sometimes overlap with the treatment of glandular swellings. Despite these occasional references, there is little direct or consistent traditional evidence supporting its targeted use for swollen lymph nodes.

From a scientific perspective, there are no robust studies or clinical trials demonstrating that sweet flag has any direct effect on lymphatic health or on reducing swollen lymph glands. Its phytochemical components, such as β-asarone, have shown some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies, but these findings do not translate into validated treatments for lymphadenopathy in humans. Moreover, safety concerns exist regarding the use of sweet flag, as certain constituents (notably β-asarone) are considered potentially carcinogenic and toxic.

In summary, the use of sweet flag for swollen lymph glands is supported at best by scattered traditional anecdotes, with no substantial body of traditional or scientific evidence to justify its use for this specific condition.

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