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+9779851030965Calamus root people refer to Acorus calamus, a perennial marsh plant native to Nepal, as “Bojo” or “Sweet Flag” and value it for its medicinal and fragrant qualities. This plant, indigenous to many areas of Asia and Europe, thrives in the temperate to subtropical environment of Nepal. At altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters above sea level, it primarily inhabits moist and marshy habitats like riverbanks, marshes, and humid grasslands. The conventional Nepali herbal medicine and cultural traditions have been notably defined by the fragrant rhizome and elongated, sword-shaped leaves of Acorus calamus.
The mid-hill areas of Nepal, which include Makwanpur, Chitwan National Park, and the hills near Pokhara, are the ideal habitat for the indigenous Acorus calamus population. This is because the species’ native home is located in hilly areas. The local community can conserve the plant as a resource, allowing it to thrive in its natural state without intensive cultivation. People value the rhizomes for their therapeutic properties. These qualities encompass a reduction in neurological ailments, lung diseases, and gastrointestinal problems. Traditional Nepali and Ayurvedic medicine utilizes bojo in various roles due to its antibacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Examples of these forms include decoction, oil, and granules. The wild-crafting method for Acorus calamus relies on the careful collection of rhizomes. This allows the plant to recover and maintain ecological balance, thus demonstrating its cultural and environmental significance.
The wild-crafted essence of Acorus calamus in Nepal has significant economic and ecological advantages. Locals traditionally engage in its harvesting during certain seasons, promoting environmentally responsible practices and enhancing their subsistence. The aromatic rhizomes serve two primary functions: firstly, as a constituent in herbal treatments, and secondly, as an essential element in insect repellents, incense, and perfumes. Conversely, ecological deterioration and the over exploitation of wild populations provide significant obstacles to the sustainable survival of this resource. Researchers are currently investigating the viability of cultivating Acorus calamus in community forests. Environmentalists and local governments collaborate on this research to deepen their understanding of sustainable harvesting techniques. We conserve the function of this vital plant in Nepalese traditional knowledge systems and preserve its ecological variety.