Scientific name: Acorus calamus

Nepali name: Bojho

Common Name: Sweet myrtle or Sweet caneScientific

Family: Araceae

A semi-aquatic plant, calamus requires moisture for optimal growth. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade. Often it borders on swamps or marshes and riverbeds. A semi-aquatic plant. It grows in tropical, subtropical and temperate climate. It requires average annual rainfall of 100 - 300cm and Optimum temperature of 20-250C. The plant yields 3 to 4.5 tones of dry rhizomes/ ha under favorable condition and the yield of oil ranging from 0.85 to 2.5%.

Uses of Bojho

·        It relieves flatulent colic, cough and colds, asthma, bronchitis, nervous complaints and contains tannins useful in chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

·        The powdered roots are used as vermifuge and oil is extensively used in cosmetics and perfumery work.

·        The dried rhizome is used in piles, infection, uterine, hysteria disorder, hysteria, loss of memory, heart disease and epilepsy.

·        It promotes memory longevity and good voice.

About Author

Kushal Naharki is an energetic, enthusiastic and versatile youth pursuing undergraduate degree in Agriculture at IAAS, Lamjung Campus, TU. World Hidden EcoHero Award Winner is also Regional Ambassador of TunzaEcoGeneration for Asia. He is working as Program Coordination of Youth Innovation Network, Vice President of Youth Thinkers’ Society Lamjung and Local Representative of YPARD Nepal. With the involvement in agriculture, environment and youth empowerment, he believes to bring the change in the society and create a sustainable future for all.

Picture Reference: http://www.nehhpa.org.np/product/everest-aroma-industries-(p)-ltd.--essential-oil