Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for respiratory ailments such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The root and rhizome of sweet flag are often prepared as teas, powders, or decoctions and are valued for their purported antispasmodic, expectorant, and soothing properties. Traditional practitioners recommend sweet flag specifically for spastic coughs due to its believed ability to relax bronchial muscles and ease airway spasms.

Scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. Some preclinical studies have shown that extracts of Acorus calamus possess antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically be beneficial in spastic cough. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on in vitro and animal models.

Overall, the use of sweet flag for spastic cough is primarily justified by tradition, with some preliminary pharmacological support but insufficient clinical validation. Due to concerns about the potential toxicity of certain compounds in sweet flag (such as beta-asarone), its safety in medicinal doses should also be considered.

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