Sweet Flag
Information taken from “Micmac Medicines” Remedies & Recollections by Laurie Lacey, Page (27)
This plant has a long history of usage in both Native and non-Native folk medicine traditions. The Micmac considered it a preventive medicine. They would place the root in water and steam it in the home to prevent illness. It was also carried on the person to prevent disease. I know a man who sewed it into his shirt collar for this purpose. The root was also chewed to relieve indigestion and stomach cramps. Sometimes it was powdered and mixed with warm water and taken in this fashion. The medicine was given to infants to ease stomach pain, cramps and belching. Many years ago it may have been used to treat cholera. Common Micmac terms for the plant are “Flagroot” and “Muskrat Food”.