Its home is in the mountain marshes and swamps of India and Asia. It is a very well-known herb in ancient Indian medicine and among the peoples of South Asia and the Far East. In ancient Egypt, it was referred to as holy reed and was used as an ingredient in medicines and perfumes. Many people became acquainted with it, much like pepper, during the Indian campaign of Alexander the Great. It reached Central Europe in the 16th century. Today, we can also find it here near swamps and streams.

It is used mainly in pharmacy and medicine for stomach remedies, gargles, and mouthwashes. In the kitchen, it is a component of spice blends.