Nagarmotha, also known as Cyperus rotundus or Nutgrass, is a powerful herb widely recognized in Ayurvedic medicine for its myriad health benefits. This herb, often considered a weed, has a long history of being used in traditional healing practices. Let’s explore its incredible properties and how it can benefit your health!
Latin Name: Cyperus rotundus
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Motha , Nagarmotha
- Bengali: Musta, moothoo
- Tamil: Muthakach
- Telugu: Tung Mustalu
- Kannada: Tunge Gadde
- Malayalam: Muthanga
- Marathi: Nagarmotha
- Gujarati: Moth ,Nagarmoth
- Punjabi: Mutha, Motha
Sanskrit Name: Heem, Jalada, Sugandhi,Gangeyi, Granthila.
The name Shatavari translates to “she who possesses a hundred husbands,” symbolizing its ability to nourish and support the reproductive and hormonal health of women.
Nagarmotha benefits in Ayurveda & its discription
Nagarmotha is a perennial plant belonging to the sedge family. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions and is prized for its rhizomes (underground stems), which are the primary source of its medicinal properties. The herb is referred to as Mustaka in Sanskrit and holds a prominent place in Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine.
Rasa (Taste):
- Tiktha (Bitter)
- Katu (Pungent)
- Kashaya ( Astringent)
Virya (Potency):
- Shita (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
- Katu(Pungent)
Guna (Qualities):
- Laghu (light)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Musta- Nagarmotha
Helps Improve digestion
- Nagarmotha is a natural deepan -pachan( digestive & carminative) herb, helping to reduce indigestion, bloating, and flatulence.
- It is particularly effective in balancing the Pitta dosha, which is associated with Ama making it a great remedy for acidity and hyperactive digestion.
Aids in weight management
In Ayurveda obesity means medorog is result of Mandagni ( low digestive fire), nagarmotha is having an excellent digestive property helps to improve metabolism and aids in weight loss.
Skin problems
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Nagarmotha is used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rashes. In Ayurveda it is categorized as Kandughna means which relieves itching.
Helps to improve Lactation
A research paper published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology mentions that Nagarmotha powder also enhances the secretion of milk in lactating mothers. It increases the production of prolactin hormone which improves the flow and quantity of milk in nursing mothers. Please consult your Ayurvedic physician for usage tips and dosage recommendations.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
The herb helps reduce inflammation in the body, offering relief from conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
Medicinal Qualities of Shatavari
Deepan: Helps to improve digestive fire Agni.
Pachan : Improves digestion and helps in digesting the Ama ( toxins).
Grahi : Absorbent therefore useful in diarhhea.
Trushnahara : Herb which helps in relieving thirst. Because of this property nagarmotha powder is beneficial in fevers.
Stanya janan : Useful in milk production post delivery
Stanyashodhak : Helps to purify any impurities in the mothers milk.
Jantu nashak : Relieves worm infestation
Rakthajit : Helpful in blood realted problems
Pittajwahara: Relieves fever associated with pitta.
Medhya : Improves intelligence.
Kanduhar : Relieves itching ( pruritis)
Key Active Compounds in Musta
Nagarmotha’s healing properties stem from its rich blend of bioactive compounds, including:
- Essential oils (like cyperene and rotundone)
- Cyperene, humulen, selinene, zeirone
- Camphlolenic,aldehyde,longiverbenone
- Terpenoids
These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and digestive-supporting effects.
How to use Nagarmotha
Nagarmotha can be consumed in various forms, including:
Powder Form
- Nagarmotha powder can be mixed with warm water or honey and consumed for digestive and detox benefits.
Essential Oil
- Dilute Nagarmotha oil with a carrier oil for topical use, particularly for skin issues or as a massage oil for inflammation.
Herbal Decoction
- Boil the dried root in water to create a decoction, which can be consumed as a tea for various health benefits.
Face Packs
- Nagarmotha powder can be mixed with natural clays or rose water and applied as a face mask for clearer, healthier skin.
Home Remedies of Nagarmotha
To Increase Breast Milk : Take cow milk 100ml add water 100ml and Nagarmotha root 10gms to it. Boil this milk till it reduces to half ( 100ml). Drinking this milk daily helps to enhance milk production in the breast for feeding.
In Irritable Bowel syndrome : Nagarmotha rhizome powder 2 gms mixed in 1 glass of buttermilk . This buttermilk is given to drink 3 to 4 times daily helps in relieving the Irritable bowel syndrome.
Read more about ayurvedic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome
To reduce itching: Take half to one teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder and make a paste with rose water. Apply on the skin and leave for 2 to 4 hours. Cleanse with water. Repeat this till symptoms resolve.
It can also be used as dusting powder along with herbs like kushta, vidanga, lodhra, sarjaras etc. This dusting powder relieves Kitibh- ringworm, Kandu- Pruritis, Pama- Keloids, Vicharchika- Excema
For Hair Growth : Take one teaspoon of nagarmotha powder add 1/2 teaspoon of amla powder, 1/2 teaspoon of shikakai powder and 1/2 teaspoon of reetha powder to it. Now make a paste by adding little water to it. Apply this paste on the scalp and leave it for 2 to 3 hours. Wash it with herbal shampoo.
Musta ( Nagarmotha) siddh Jal
I use this nagarmotha infused water on many of my patients . All you have to do is soak nagamotha rhizome in one 1 litre of water and keep it overnight. Next day boil it a liitle bit . Drink this 1 litre water in whole day. This medicated water helps to ignite digestive fire and helps in digestion. It also helps build immunity gradually. Because of this this nagarmotha infused water helps to overcome seasonal helath issues such as flu, diarrhea and dynstery.
Cautions And Contraindications of Java grass
While Nagarmotha powder is generally safe, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare practitioner before use.
- Always start with small doses to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Nagarmotha take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly nagarmotha work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Musta
Nagarmotha (Cyprus rotundus) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Mustharistham: Used in digestive problems such as indigestion, diarheea
Navaka guggulu : It is a ayurvedic medicine for weight loss treatment.
Panchtikharisth : Useful in fever and as a blood purifier
Conclusion
Nagarmotha is a versatile herb with immense therapeutic benefits. From promoting digestion and healthy skin to supporting weight management and mental clarity, it’s a true Ayurvedic gem. Incorporate this wonder herb into your routine, and experience the healing touch of nature!
Have you used Nagarmotha before? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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