Bojho (Sweet Flag)
Essential Oil from Calamus (Bojho)
Bojho (Sweet Flag)
Scientific name –
Acorus calamus
Uses
- Medicinal:
- Digestive Aid: Used traditionally to treat digestive disorders such as indigestion, flatulence, and colic.
- Cognitive Health: Known for its memory-enhancing properties, helping improve focus and reduce mental fatigue.
- Antimicrobial: The oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, often used to treat infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: Used for reducing inflammation and pain, especially in cases of arthritis and muscle pain.
- Aromatherapy:
- Calamus oil is used for its calming and relaxing effects, helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
- Used in massage oils and diffusers for soothing and grounding properties.
- Cosmetics:
- Used in skin-care products for its antiseptic and healing properties, particularly for treating skin irritation and wounds.
- Insect Repellent:
- The oil is known for its ability to act as a natural insect repellent, used in creams or sprays to keep pests away.
Composition
Main Compounds and Approximate Percentage:
- Asarone: ~70-85% (main compound, with α-asarone and β-asarone)
- β-Asarone: ~50-70%
- α-Asarone: ~20-30%
- β-Caryophyllene: ~5-10%
- Cineole: ~1-2%
- Other Terpenes: Trace amounts
Availability in Nepal:
- Growing Region:
- Prefers wetland areas and marshy soils, typically found in temperate to subtropical regions.
- Commonly found in lowland and riverbanks, but can also grow in mountainous wet zones.
- Altitude:
- Typically found at 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level
- Altitude:
- Ilam: Wetlands and riverbanks are prime locations for Bojho.
- Jhapa: Known for its swampy regions ideal for cultivation.
- Chitwan: Marshy zones and riverbanks suitable for growth.
- Kailali and Kanchanpur: Areas in the Terai region where Acorus calamus can be found.
