#AcorusCalamus

Across Thailand, the fragrant rhizomes of Acorus calamus, locally known as ว่านน้ำ, have long been a staple in traditional medicine and ritual life. Revered for its healing lore, the plant—often called sweet flag in English—forms a bridge between ancestral knowledge and contemporary science. As interest in herbal remedies grows, it is vital to understand both the potential and the cautions surrounding Acorus calamus.

In rural Thai communities, ว่านน้ำ has been a versatile remedy for generations. Its rhizomes are used to ease digestive discomfort, support vitality, and even serve protective roles during festivals. Traditional healers prepared root-based concoctions for colic, digestive upset, rheumatism, coughs, and bites from venomous creatures. Ethnobotanical studies across Thailand and Southeast Asia document widespread reliance on ว่านน้ำ alongside other herbs in everyday healing and food traditions.

For centuries, the slender, aromatic rhizomes of Acorus calamus—known across Thailand as ว่านน้ำ—have held a treasured place in local medicine cabinets and cultural rituals. Revered for its purported healing properties and deep-rooted cultural importance, this remarkable wetland plant (often called “sweet flag” in English) draws an intriguing bridge between ancestral knowledge and evolving scientific research. As interest in herbal remedies continues to rise among health-conscious Thais, understanding both the promise and the complexities of Acorus calamus is more vital than ever.