Sweet Flag (Vach) - Acorus calamus

Premium quality Ayurvedic Sweet Flag rhizomes from India's finest medicinal herb regions through trusted indian spice traders and bulk spice suppliers. As a leading spice merchant specializing in bulk spices, we provide rich α-asarone and β-asarone content (1.8-3.2% essential oil), traditionally processed for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and wellness applications worldwide.

Export Quality Sweet Flag from India's Premier Medicinal Herb Growing Regions - Trusted Indian Spice Trader & Bulk Supplier

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), known as "Vach" or "Vacha" in Sanskrit, represents one of India's most ancient and revered medicinal herbs, documented in Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for over 3000 years. As a premier indian spice trader and bulk spice supplier, we operate on a sophisticated merchant export model, sourcing premium rhizomes from pristine wetlands of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala through our network of spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers. Our bulk spice sourcing ensures optimal climatic conditions and traditional cultivation methods produce the highest quality medicinal grade material, making us a trusted spice exporter with superior α-asarone and β-asarone content.

As specialized spice traders and bulk spice suppliers of Indian medicinal herbs, we ensure comprehensive quality control through our network of certified organic farmers and Ayurvedic processors, establishing ourselves as a reliable spice manufacturer partner. Our bulk indian spices undergo traditional Sodhana (purification) processes as prescribed in classical texts, followed by modern testing protocols to meet international pharmaceutical standards. Operating as a dedicated spice wholesaler with merchant export capabilities, we provide complete documentation including phytosanitary certificates and quality analysis reports, making us trusted spice suppliers to pharmaceutical companies, herbal medicine manufacturers, and wellness product developers across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.

Basic Information
Common Name:Sweet Flag, Vach, Vacha
Botanical Name:Acorus calamus L.
Family:Acoraceae
Sanskrit Name:Vacha, Ugragandha, Golomi
Origin:Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala
Harvest Season:September to November
Part Used:Rhizome (underground stem)
Shelf Life:36 months (whole), 24 months (powder)
Multi-Language Names
Hindi:वच (Vach), बच (Bach)
Tamil:வயம்பு (Vayambu)
Malayalam:വയമ്പ് (Vayampu)
Kannada:ಬಜೆ (Baje)
Bengali:বচ (Boch)
Marathi:वेखंड (Vekhand)
Gujarati:ગોરબચ (Gorbach)
English:Sweet Flag, Sweet Root, Calamus

Why Choose Our Sweet Flag (Vach) - Premium Ayurvedic Quality

Discover why leading pharmaceutical companies, Ayurvedic manufacturers, and wellness brands worldwide trust our Sweet Flag as their preferred spice merchant and bulk spice supplier for premium medicinal herbs.

Authenticated Indian Spice Trader with Ayurvedic Certifications

As a certified indian spice trader specializing in medicinal herbs, we maintain AYUSH licensing, organic certifications, and traditional Sodhana processing capabilities. Our bulk spice supplier credentials include partnerships with certified Ayurvedic processors and traditional medicine manufacturers, ensuring authentic quality.

Premium Sourcing Through Merchant Export Model

Our sophisticated merchant export model connects spice manufacturers and spice wholesalers across Kashmir, Himachal, and Kerala regions. This bulk spice sourcing approach ensures access to the finest medicinal grade Sweet Flag with lowest β-asarone content, making us a trusted spice exporter for international markets.

Quality-Assured Bulk Spices with Laboratory Testing

Every batch undergoes comprehensive GC-MS analysis for α-asarone and β-asarone content verification. Our bulk indian spices meet international pharmaceutical standards with complete certificates of analysis, making us reliable spice traders for regulated markets worldwide.

Global Bulk Spice Supplier with Regulatory Compliance

Operating as professional spice wholesaler with merchant export licensing, we provide complete regulatory documentation for USA, EU, Canada, and Asia-Pacific markets. Our spice suppliers network ensures consistent availability and compliance with international medicinal herb regulations.

Regional Varieties & Quality Grades

Kashmir Sweet Flag (Premium Grade)

Hexaploid variety (6x=72) with lowest β-asarone content (5.2%), making it safest for pharmaceutical applications. Grown in high-altitude marshy areas.

Premium Grade Low β-asarone Pharmaceutical
  • Oil Content: 2.5-3.2%
  • β-asarone: 5.2% (lowest)
  • Color: Light brown, uniform
  • Best For: Pharmaceutical, export markets
Himachal Pradesh Grade

Triploid variety from hill stations with balanced essential oil composition. Traditional Ayurvedic processing ensures optimal therapeutic properties.

Ayurvedic Grade High Oil Traditional
  • Oil Content: 2.0-2.8%
  • α-asarone: 16.82% (highest recorded)
  • Color: Golden brown
  • Best For: Ayurvedic medicines, extracts
Kerala Cultivated Grade

Specially cultivated in controlled wetland conditions. Rich in phenylpropanoids and bioactive components with excellent drying and processing quality.

Cultivated High Bioactives Export Quality
  • Oil Content: 1.8-2.9%
  • Processing: Same-day harvest & dry
  • Color: Uniform light brown
  • Best For: Essential oil extraction, export
Standard Commercial Grade

Cost-effective grade suitable for general applications where specific asarone content is not critical. Good for spice blends and industrial uses.

Commercial Cost Effective Multi-purpose
  • Oil Content: 1.5-2.2%
  • Source: Multiple regions
  • Color: Variable brown shades
  • Best For: Spice industry, aromatherapy

Form/Processing/Grade Options

Physical Forms Available

  • Whole Rhizome Pieces: 5-15 cm dried segments
  • Cut & Sifted: 2-5 cm uniform pieces
  • Coarse Powder: 40-60 mesh size
  • Fine Powder: 80-120 mesh pharmaceutical grade

Processing Methods

  • Traditional Sodhana: Ayurvedic purification process
  • Solar Drying: Natural sun-drying method
  • Steam Sterilization: Microbially safe processing
  • Organic Certified: NPOP/EU/USDA compliant

Complete Product Specifications

General Product Information
Parameter Specification Testing Method Remarks
Country of Origin India (Kashmir, Himachal, Kerala) Certificate of Origin Wetland marshy regions
Harvest Period September to November Farmer Documentation Post-monsoon optimal period
Processing Method Traditional Sodhana + Modern drying Process Documentation Ayurvedic + modern methods
Drying Method Solar drying, controlled temperature Process Monitoring Same-day harvest processing
Storage Conditions Cool, dry place, <60% RH Storage Guidelines Protected from moisture
Shelf Life 36 months (whole), 24 months (powder) Stability Studies Proper storage conditions
GMO Status Non-GMO, naturally grown Declaration Traditional cultivation
Irradiation Not irradiated Process Declaration Natural processing only
Physical Parameters by Grade
Parameter Kashmir Premium Himachal Grade Kerala Cultivated Testing Method
Rhizome Size 5-15 cm length, 1-2.5 cm dia 8-20 cm length, 1.5-3 cm dia 6-12 cm length, 1-2 cm dia Physical measurement
Color Light brown, uniform Golden brown Light to medium brown Visual inspection
Moisture Content 8-12% max 10-14% max 8-12% max Oven drying method
Foreign Matter 0.5% max 1% max 0.5% max Manual sorting
Ash Content 6% max 8% max 6% max Muffle furnace
Essential Oil Content 2.5-3.2% 2.0-2.8% 1.8-2.9% Steam distillation
Bulk Density 400-450 kg/m³ 420-470 kg/m³ 380-430 kg/m³ Volume displacement
Chemical & Microbiological Parameters
Parameter Specification Testing Method Standard Reference
α-asarone Content 0.83-16.82% (variety dependent) GC-MS Analysis Pharmacopoeia Standard
β-asarone Content 5.2-92.12% (variety dependent) GC-MS Analysis EU/FDA Regulation
Essential Oil 1.8-3.2% Steam Distillation IP/BP/USP Standard
Eugenol Content 2-8% GC-MS Analysis Analytical method
Total Ash 8% max IP Method Indian Pharmacopoeia
Acid Insoluble Ash 2% max IP Method Indian Pharmacopoeia
Water Soluble Extractive 15% min IP Method Pharmacopoeia
Alcohol Soluble Extractive 12% min IP Method Pharmacopoeia
Heavy Metals (Lead) <10 ppm AAS/ICP-MS WHO Guidelines
Heavy Metals (Cadmium) <0.3 ppm AAS/ICP-MS WHO Guidelines
Pesticide Residues Below MRL limits GC-MS/LC-MS International MRL
Aflatoxins <20 ppb total ELISA/HPLC International Standards
Microbial Load (TPC) <10⁵ cfu/g Plate Count Method IP Standard
Yeast & Mold <10³ cfu/g Plate Count Method IP Standard
E.coli Absent in 1g Selective Media IP Standard
Salmonella Absent in 25g USP Method Pharmacopoeia
Packaging & Container Loading Options
Package Type Weight Options Material MOQ Container Load
HDPE Drums 25kg, 50kg Food grade HDPE with tight lids 500 kg 18-20 MT (20ft FCL)
Multiwall Paper Bags 25kg, 50kg Kraft paper with PE liner 1000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Aluminum Lined Bags 25kg Aluminum barrier film 500 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Pharmaceutical Packs 1kg, 5kg, 10kg Pharma grade containers 100 kg As per requirement
Consumer Retail Packs 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g Food grade pouches/bottles 2000 pcs As per pack size
Bulk FIBC Bags 500kg, 1000kg Food grade FIBC with liner 2000 kg 16-18 MT (20ft FCL)
Vacuum Packed 1kg, 5kg Multi-layer barrier films 100 kg Extended shelf life
HS Code & Export Classification
Product Form HS Code Required Documentation Additional Notes
Sweet Flag Rhizome (Whole) 1211.90.50 Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate Medicinal plant classification
Sweet Flag Powder 1211.90.50 Certificate of Origin, Quality Analysis Report Various mesh sizes
Sweet Flag Essential Oil 3301.29.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Steam distilled oil
Sweet Flag Extract 1302.19.90 Certificate of Origin, COA, MSDS Standardized extracts
Processed Ayurvedic Grade 3003.90.90 Certificate of Origin, Ayurvedic Certification Sodhana processed material
Standard Export Documents
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Phytosanitary Certificate
  • Quality Analysis Report
  • AYUSH License (for Ayurvedic grade)
  • Fumigation Certificate (if required)
Market-Specific Requirements
  • USA: FDA registration, β-asarone content limits
  • EU: Novel Food notification, asarone limits
  • Canada: Health Canada approval for medicinal use
  • Australia: TGA listing, therapeutic goods requirements
  • Japan: MHLW notification, traditional medicine classification
  • UK: MHRA compliance, herbal medicine regulations

Value-Added Products & Applications

Comprehensive range of Sweet Flag derived products for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and wellness applications.

Ayurvedic Powder

Traditional Sodhana processed powder for classical Ayurvedic formulations and therapeutic preparations.

Sodhana Processed
Essential Oil

Steam distilled oil rich in α-asarone and eugenol for aromatherapy and pharmaceutical applications.

1.8-3.2% Yield
Standardized Extract

Concentrated extracts standardized for α-asarone content for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Standardized
Pharmaceutical Grade

Ultra-low β-asarone content material specifically processed for pharmaceutical formulations.

Low β-asarone
Aromatherapy Grade

Premium essential oil and dried material for therapeutic aromatherapy and wellness applications.

Therapeutic
Organic Certified

NPOP/EU/USDA organic certified Sweet Flag for premium natural product manufacturers.

Organic

Traditional & Modern Applications

Nervous System Support (Medhya Rasayana)

Traditional use as a brain tonic (Medhya Rasayana) for enhancing memory, intelligence, and speech clarity. Mentioned in Charaka Samhita for neurological disorders, epilepsy, and mental clarity.

Classical Use: Saraswatarishta, Brahmi ghrita, Medhya rasayana | Dosage: 250mg-1g with honey
Digestive Health (Deepan-Pachan)

Powerful digestive stimulant with carminative and anti-spasmodic properties. Used for abdominal pain, flatulence, indigestion, and as an appetizer.

Properties: Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive), Vatanuloman | Formulations: Hingwashtak churna, Vachadi churna
Respiratory Support (Kaphaghna)

Traditional expectorant and anti-asthmatic properties. Used in bronchitis, cough, asthma, and throat disorders. Clears respiratory passages.

Action: Kaphaghna (anti-mucus), Kasaghna (anti-cough) | Usage: Decoction, powder with honey
Women's Health Support

Traditional use for menstrual disorders, uterine tonic properties, and support during childbirth. Part of classical formulations for gynecological conditions.

Applications: Dysmenorrhea, uterine disorders | Caution: Not recommended during pregnancy
Pediatric Applications

Traditional use for children's speech development, teething problems, and general health. Given with honey to improve cognitive development.

Traditional Practice: Jatakarma sanskara (newborn care) | Form: Very small doses with honey or ghee
Nootropic Supplements

Modern research supports cognitive enhancement properties. Used in memory supplements, brain health formulations, and nootropic products for mental clarity.

Active Compounds: α-asarone, β-asarone, eugenol | Applications: Memory enhancers, cognitive supplements
Neuroprotective Research

Scientific studies on neuroprotective effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential applications in neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Areas: Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, neuroprotection | Compounds: Asarone derivatives
Antimicrobial Applications

Essential oil demonstrates antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. Used in natural preservative formulations and antimicrobial products.

Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal | Applications: Natural preservatives, antimicrobial agents
Anti-inflammatory Formulations

Research-backed anti-inflammatory properties for topical and oral formulations. Used in natural anti-inflammatory supplements and preparations.

Mechanism: COX inhibition, cytokine modulation | Form: Extracts, essential oil preparations
Aromatherapy Applications

Essential oil used for mental clarity, stress relief, and meditation practices. Warming and stimulating aroma supports focus and concentration.

Properties: Stimulating, warming, clarifying | Uses: Diffusion, topical application (diluted)
Therapeutic Massage

Diluted essential oil used in therapeutic massage for muscle relaxation, joint pain relief, and improving circulation. Traditional Ayurvedic massage applications.

Benefits: Muscle relaxation, circulation improvement | Method: Diluted in carrier oils
Meditation & Spiritual Practices

Traditional use in meditation, yoga practices, and spiritual ceremonies. Believed to enhance mental clarity and spiritual awareness.

Traditional Use: Meditation aids, spiritual practices | Form: Incense, diffusion, herbal preparations
Natural Personal Care

Essential oil and extracts used in natural soaps, shampoos, and personal care products for their aromatic and therapeutic properties.

Applications: Natural cosmetics, soaps, hair care | Benefits: Aromatic, antimicrobial properties
Natural Flavoring Industry

Essential oil and extracts used as natural flavoring agents in food and beverage industry, particularly in traditional and herbal formulations.

Applications: Herbal teas, traditional beverages | Regulations: Subject to regional food safety laws
Natural Insecticide

Essential oil demonstrates natural insecticidal properties. Used in eco-friendly pest control formulations and organic farming applications.

Properties: Insecticidal, repellent | Applications: Natural pest control, organic farming
Perfumery & Fragrance

Essential oil used as a base note in natural perfumes and fragrance compositions. Provides warm, spicy, and earthy aromatic profile.

Profile: Warm, spicy, earthy | Applications: Natural perfumes, fragrance blends, aromatherapy products
Organic Agriculture

Used in organic farming as natural growth promoter and soil conditioner. Traditional agricultural applications for crop protection and enhancement.

Benefits: Natural growth enhancer, soil improvement | Method: Organic preparations, natural farming

Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences lie in chromosome numbers and chemical composition. Kashmir variety is hexaploid (6x=72) with the lowest β-asarone content (5.2%), making it safest for pharmaceutical use. Himachal Pradesh variety is triploid with high α-asarone content (up to 16.82%), ideal for traditional Ayurvedic applications. Kerala cultivated variety offers consistent quality with good essential oil yield (1.8-2.9%) and is preferred for commercial export markets.
β-asarone content is strictly regulated in many countries due to potential carcinogenic concerns identified in laboratory studies. The US FDA has banned products with high β-asarone content since 1968. EU regulations limit β-asarone to 0.1mg/kg in foods and 1mg/kg in alcoholic beverages. This is why Kashmir variety with lowest β-asarone content (5.2%) is preferred for export markets, especially for pharmaceutical and food applications.
Sodhana is a traditional Ayurvedic purification process that involves sequential boiling in cow's urine (Gomutra), specific herbal decoctions (Alambusha and Panchapallava kwatha), followed by steam treatment. This process significantly reduces β-asarone content and other potential toxins while enhancing therapeutic properties. Modern research confirms that Sodhana processing makes Sweet Flag safer for medicinal use while retaining beneficial compounds.
Minimum orders: 500kg for pharmaceutical grade, 1000kg for commercial grade, 100kg for organic certified varieties. For specialized processing (Sodhana, standardized extracts): 250kg minimum. Lead times: 14-21 days for standard grades, 30-45 days for specialized processing, 21-30 days for organic certified materials. Peak harvest season (September-November) may offer shorter lead times for fresh stock.
Yes, we provide free samples up to 100g for evaluation, including complete chemical analysis showing α-asarone and β-asarone content, essential oil percentage, and microbiological parameters. Each commercial shipment includes: Certificate of Analysis with GC-MS data, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, AYUSH license copy (for Ayurvedic grade), and any additional certifications required for specific markets.
Safety depends on the variety and intended use. For pharmaceutical/nutraceutical applications, we recommend Kashmir variety with lowest β-asarone content and provide complete documentation for regulatory compliance. For research purposes, essential oils, or specific applications, other varieties may be suitable with proper labeling and documentation. We work closely with regulatory consultants to ensure compliance with destination country requirements and provide all necessary safety data.
Yes, we supply NPOP (India), EU Organic, and USDA Organic certified Sweet Flag from certified organic farms. Our sustainable sourcing includes: wild-crafting from natural habitats with rotation practices, cultivation in dedicated organic farms, fair trade partnerships with traditional growers, and complete traceability from source to export. Organic certification adds 15-25% premium but ensures pesticide-free, environmentally sustainable production.