Acorus calamus L.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 3

Acorus calamus L.

Names.

Myanmar: lin-ne, lin-lay. English: calamus, flagroot, sweet flag.

Range.

Northern Hemisphere. Temperate and tropical Asia; found growing around ponds and streams in cool climates. In Myanmar, grows wild and is also cultivated for use in home medicinal remedies.

Conservation status.

Least Concern [LC] ( IUCN 2017).

Uses.

Of the two varieties of this species, the larger is used in traditional medicines. Rhizome: Preparations made from the rhizome are used to promote urinary flow, relieve constipation, and cleanse impurities from the body. The stewed rhizome is given for fever, coughs, and poisoning. A mixture of the rhizome that has been roasted until charred with oil is used as a rub applied topically to ease stomachaches and bloating in children. A mixture of the rhizome with cashew oil is used as a rub to relieve swollen joints and sore muscles. A mixture of equal amounts of the dried rhizome with samone hpyu ( Trachyspermum ammi ) is burned to create smoke for inhaling as a cure for hemorrhoids. The rhizome powder is taken with warm milk for sore throat. A mixture of the rhizome with hsay-khar-gyi ( Andrographis paniculata ) is given to reduce fever. To expel worms, a mixture of equal amounts of the rhizome with baked shein-kho ( Gardenia resinifera ) is given to children. A mixture of the rhizome powder with dried ginger powder and honey is taken for partial paralysis of the mouth, chin, and cheek. A mixture of the rhizome powder with honey is licked as a cure for epilepsy and to treat loss of sanity.

Notes.

The medicinal uses of his species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991). Medicinal uses of this species in China are discussed in Duke and Ayensu (1985).

Reference.

Agricultural Corporation (1980).