Botanical name - Acorus calamus
Country of Origin - Hungary
Common names: Sweet flag, Sweet Root, Bach, myrtle grass, sweet cane, sweet grass, sweet rush, sweet sedge, wild iris
In cooking, the sweet flag or calamus root is sometimes used as a substitute for ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg in Indian and Arab sweet dishes. Historically Calamus root was added to wine in Europe, was also one of the ingredients of absinthe, Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs and was a key ingredient in the original recipe for Dr. Pepper.
Commercially, the rhizome has found its way into hair and tooth powders and beverages., including beer, bitters, tonics, liqueurs, and cordials.
Today, sweet flag is still used for its refreshing aroma with it's dried rhizomes (roots) being used in potpourris. In powdered form it is used for sachet and toilet powders.
Gardeners should take note that calamus effectively kills ants and fleas when applied as a fine dust. It is also very efficient at getting rid of grain weevils since it renders the male sterile.