Nagarmotha/NutGrass - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more


Nagarmotha/NutGrass


The nutgrass, Cyperus rotundus L. (Family: Cyperaceae), is a colonial, perennial herb. It is originated in India 2000 years ago and widely used in Ayurveda to treat several diseases. Along with this, it is used in several systems of medicine to treat variety of diseases. The synergistic actions of the Cyperus’ compounds have added advantage over that of a single constituent. 

It shows analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-arthritic, anti-candida, anti-cariogenic, anti-convulsant, anti-diarrheal, anti-emetic, anti-helminthic, anti-histamine, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-platelet, anti-pyretic, anti-ulcer, anti-viral, cardioprotective, cytoprotective, cytotoxic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, ovicidal, and larvicidal, wound healing effects.

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It has different names in different languages such as Names in different languages: Hindi Name(Motha, nagarmotha), Marathi Name(Nagarmotha),  English Name(Nut grass, Purple nutsedge, Nutsedge, Java Grass, Coco grass, purple nutsedge, Red nutsedge, Khmer kravanh chruk),  Kannada Name(Tunge Gadde),  Telugu Name(Tunga Mustalu),  Tamil Name(Muthakach),  Malayalam name(muthanga)     

Some common names of Nagarmotha in Sanskrit are Krodeshta, Hima, Varida, Gundra, Gangeya, Ghana, Megha, Raja KaserukaAbda, Ambhoda, Ambudhara, Jalada, Jalavaha(grows in moist places), Sugandhi, ghanaha, Gangeyi GangaGrantila



Chemical Constituents 

The major chemical components of this herb are essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, cyprotene, cyperene, aselinene, rotundene, valencene, cyperol, gurjunene, trans-calamenene, cadalene, cyperotundone, mustakone, isocyperol, acyperone, etc.

The major compoundsisolated from essential oil and the extracts of C.rotundus rhizomeare Alpha-cyperone, Alpha-rotunol, Beta-cyperone, Beta-pinene,Beta-rotunol, Beta-selinene, Calcium, Camphene, Copaene,Cyperene, Cyperenone, Cyperol, Cyperolone Cyperotundone D-copadiene, D-epoxyguaiene, D-fructose, D-glucose, Flavonoids,Gamma-cymene, Isocyperol, Isokobusone, Kobusone, Limonene,Linoleic-acid, Linolenic-acid, Magnesium, Manganese, C.rotunduskone, Myristic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Oleanolic-acid-3-o-neohesperidoside, Oleic-acid, P-cymol, Patchoulenone, Pectin,Polyphenols, Rotundene, Rotundenol, Rotundone, Selinatriene,Sitosterol, Stearic-acid, Sugeonol, Sugetriol.

C.rotundus contains an essential oil that provides for thecharacteristic odour and taste of the herb, comprised mostlysesquiterpene hydrocarbons, epoxides, ketones, monoterpenesand aliphatic alcohols. Sesquiterpenes include selinene,isocurcumenol, nootkatone, aristolone, isorotundene, cypera-2,4(15)-diene, and norrotundene, as well as the sesquiterpenealkaloids rotundines A-C. Other constituents include the ketonecyperadione, and the monoterpenes cineole, camphene andlimonene. C.rotundus has also been shown to containmiscellaneous triterpenes including oleanolic acid and sitosterol,as well as flavonoids, sugars and minerals 

 The oil of C. rotundus was mainly composed of cyperol, α-cyperene, rotundine, α-cyperone, α-copaene, valerenal, myrtenol, β-pinene, α-pinene and α-Selinene, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (Caryophyllene). 

Phytochemical studies have shown that the essential oil consists of polyphenol, flavonol, glycoside, alkaloid, saponins, sesquiterpenoids as major chemical components of this herb. 

Leaves & Rhizome : Calcium, caryophyllene, camphene, copaene, cyperene, cyperenone, cyperol, cyperotundone, cyperolone, D-copadiene, D-epoxyguaiene, isocyperol, isokobusone, kobusone, limonene, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, mustakone, myristic acid, oleanolic acid, oleic acid, P-cymol, patchoulenone, rotundene, rotundenol, rotundone, selinatriene, sitosterol, stearic acid, sugeonol, sugetriol, α–cyperolone, α–rotunol, β‑cyperone,β‑pinene, β‑rotunol, β‑selinene

Different phytochemical studies on C.rotundus revealed thepresence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, starch, glycosides,furochromones, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, sitosterol, fattyoil containing a neutral waxy substance, glycerol, linolenic,myristic and stearic acid.

The presence of chemical constituents such as steroids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, gums, lactones, coumarin, essential oils and esters etc. in Nagarmotha, make this weed of immense interest for potential application in various fields.



Properties and Benefits

  • Rasa (taste) – Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), Kashaya (astringent)
  • Guna (qualities) – Laghu (lightness), Rooksha (dryness)
  • Taste conversation after digestion- Katu(Pungent) 
  • Veerya/Potency – Sheetala(Cold)
  • Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha & Pitta Dosha 
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  • Sugandhi – having good fragrans 
  • As per Charaka , Of all the herbs useful as absorbent, digestive and carminative, Musta and Parpataka are the best herbs to relieve fever.
  • Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhea, IBS
  • Deepana – improves digestion strength
  • Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha
  • Trushnahara – Relieves thirst
  • Aruchihara – useful in relieving anorexia
  • Krumi Vinashini, Jantughna – Relieves worm infestation, useful in infected wounds
  • Raktajit – useful in blood disorders
  • Pittajwarahara –Relieves fever with burning sensation and gastritis
  • Jwaratisarahara – relieves fever associated with diarrhea
  • Jalaja,Gangeyi – grows near water resources
  • Kachethya – grows in marshy land
  • Grandhila – Tubers are nodular
  • Sugandha – Musta has agreeable odour
  • Prachya – Musta is common in North Eastern regions of India Taste: Tikta, Katu, Kashaya – Bitter, pungent and astringent in taste.
  • Kantida – improves skin tone and complexion
  • Medhya – improves intelligence
  • Vatahara – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance  such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
  • Visarpahara – useful in herpes
  • Kanduhara – useful in relieving pruritis (excessive itching)
  • Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases
  • Vishahara – Anti toxic
  • Musta is used as a substitute for camphor.It is useful in urinary tract infections, dysuria and vaginal white discharge.

Uses, Remedies, Benefits and Application 

1) Chyawanprash and Ashokarishta, which are well-known ayurvedic formulas has Cyperus as one of the ingredients. 


2) Fine powder of the roots of Musta(half teaspoon) is taken along with a taspoon of honey for the conditions such as  abdominal gurgling & tastelessness. Taken 3-4 times a day.

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3) The 25th chapter of sutrasthana of Charaka samhita has mentioned C. rotundus as the best among all herbs in causing astringent effect. It is an excellent herb used as absorbent, digestive and carminative.


4) 10 gram of coarse powder of the rhizome is added in 2 cups of water along with pinch of Ginger powder/ Sunthi  and decoction is made, which is then filtered and administered. This cures most of the problems related to stomach and intestine such as gastritis.

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5) Both Papaya seeds and rhizomes of Musta/Nagarmotha are taken in 2-3 gram each and fine powder or paste made. This is taken early in the morning preferably on empty stomach and in the evening. This helps to cure the complaint of pin worm infestation and related problems like nausea, anorexia, itching of the anus  in about 10-12 days time.

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6) Rhizome of Nagarmotha is taken and rubbed with plantain juice and fine paste is made. This is administered to the breast feeding mother in cases where breast milk is vitiated or the child is getting indigestion due to breast milk.


7) The anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. The antacid property of this herb prevents formation of excessive acids in the stomach, these property helps in treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and pramotes better absorption of nutrients in the body.


8) Fine powder of Nut grass is dusted over the body parts, rashes, prickly heat, excess sweating, over the ulcers with secretions. This reduces the moisture and relieves sweating as well as excess moisture from the body parts.


9) It is also used as fodder, yielding culms, tuberous rhizomes are used for edible, medicinal and perfumery purposes. 


10) In irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), 2-3 gram of powder Nut grass is taken along with butter milk, 2-3 times a day. This helps to control Repeated bowel habits. 


11) Musta jala/phanta (hot infusion) is appreciated a remedy to overcome the seasonal health issues such as cold, cough, fever and diarrhea. It is a recommended drink during spring season. 


12) Nagarmotha is a well-known traditional remedy for many of the respiratory troubles.  It is extensively used for treating the common cold, sore throat, shortening of breath, cough and flu.


13) Nagarmotha helps to improve breast milk production and also relieves milk duct clogs. If the baby has mild fever or diarrhoea, a water decoction of this herb is made and administered to the mother.  


14) External application of this herb  is done on breasts to improve lactation. It also relieves pain, inflammation and itching.


15) Charaka explained Nagarmotha as one among Avachurnana dravya, along with herbs like Kushta, Vidanga, Lodhra, Sarjarasa etc. The body of the patient is smeared with sesame oil. Then the  powder is  dusted over th body. Dusting process is called Avachurnana. This relieves Kitibha –  ringworm, Kandu – pruritus, Pama – keloids, Vicharchika – Eczema. Reference: (Charaka Sutrasthana 5th chapter).

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16) Nagarmotha for TakradharaTakradhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment used for the treatment of psoriasis, hypertension etc. Here, medicated buttermilk is poured over a particular body part for specified amount of time.To prepare the medicated buttermilk (Takra), Nagar Motha is used,


17) External application of rhizome extract of C. rotundus is found to improve lactation and also relieve inflammation, itching and milk duct clogs. 


18) The essential oil (0.5-0.9%) from the tuber is used in perfumery, soap making and insect repellent cream.


19) Applying a paste of Nagarmotha powder and coconut oil helps reduce swelling and stops bleeding due to its astringent property.

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20) Nagarmotha essential oil helps to manage stress and anxiety when used externally. It gives a calming and balancing effect on the body.  Nagarmotha essential oil comprises woody, mild spicy and refreshing fragrance.


21) It is to be a good remedy for indigestion in the light of constituents present in it, for example, there are many enzymes for carbohydrates and minerals which act as catalyst for various biochemical reactions and helps indigestion. It is also useful for dietary management of psychotic diseases and metabolic disorders.


22) Teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder is boiled along with milk for a 5min. This helps to boost immunity.

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Purification of Musta

Rhizome of Nagarmotha pieces are immersed in an earthen pot filled with Kanji (Sour gruel) for three days. On 4th day it is take out and washed with water. Then Swedana (Fomentation) is done with Pancapallava kwatha (Decoction of 5 tender leaves) in a Dolayantra and dried in sunlight. Then it is boiled with water mixed with jaggery, dried, again triturated with goat’s urine and Sigru twak kwatha (Decoction of bark of Moringa oleifera). Lastly it should be kept with Jasmine flowers for sometimes.

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Side effects

There are no known side effects yet.





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Reference

  1. Sushruta Samhita
  2. 3 Biotech. 2018 Jul; 8(7): 309.  PMCID: PMC6037646
  3. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011 Apr-Jun; 2(2): 64–68.  PMCID: PMC3131773
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  5. Innovare Journal of Ayurvedic Sciences. Vol 4, Issue 4, 2016
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  13. Ministry of Ayush (GUIDELINESfor AYURVEDA PRACTITIONERS for COVID 19)
  14. Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research | Vol 7| Issue 5, 2019;7(5):33-37
  15. Indian Journal of Weed Science 51(1): 40–44, 2019.  ISSN 0253-8040
  16. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants.  Volume 19, 2016 - Issue 2
  17. GLOBAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH ANALYSIS. VOLUME-6, ISSUE-10, OCTOBER-2017 • ISSN No 2277 - 8160
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  19. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Volume 2021 | Article ID 4014867 |
  20. IJPSR, 2018; Vol. 9(7): 3024-3028.
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