Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet flag
For the health condition: Addictions (general remedies for)

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Synopsis

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

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In these systems, sweet flag rhizome is considered to have properties that calm the mind, support the nervous system, and help manage emotional disturbances. Its use for addiction is rooted in these traditions, where it is sometimes used as an adjunct to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, calm anxiety, and support recovery from substance dependence—especially for alcohol and tobacco. The rationale is often based on its purported nervine and adaptogenic effects, and its ability to modulate mood and cognition.

However, robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of sweet flag in treating addictions is lacking. There are a handful of animal studies suggesting some neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects, but these are preliminary and do not directly assess its utility in addiction treatment. Human clinical studies are virtually non-existent, and safety concerns have been raised due to the presence of β-asarone, a compound in some sweet flag varieties that may be carcinogenic. Thus, while its use is justified by historical tradition, it is not supported by strong scientific validation. Caution is advised, and it should not be considered a primary or standalone remedy for addiction.

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