Nagarmotha, also known as Nutgrass, is a plant-based ayurvedic herb. Its scientific name is Cyperus Rotundus. It tastes bitter and gives a pungent smell. Nagarmotha is a riverbed plant found in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. It helps with digestion, manages appetite issues, helps in lung and liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, and problems related to the uterus.
Nagarmotha uses
Nagarmotha for hair loss and dandruff
How?
According to the studies, Nagarmotha has antibacterial and antifungal properties which fight dandruff-causing bacteria that grow on oily scalp. It strengthens hair roots and gradually prevents hair loss.
Dosage:
- Mix 4-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil with coconut oil or any hair oil you prefer and apply it to your hair and scalp.
- Leave it overnight and wash your hair with shampoo.
- Repeat this process twice or thrice a week.
Nagarmotha for dark spots
How?
The astringent properties of Nagarmotha benefit your skin health by reducing melanin, a skin pigment responsible for skin tone. This, in turn, helps to treat dark spots.
Dosage:
- You can apply Nagarmotha lotions and creams every day before sleeping.
2. Mix Rosewater to ½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder + ashwagandha and make a thick paste. Apply it on your skin and let it dry. Then wash it thoroughly with clean water.
Nagarmotha for urinary infections
How?
As per studies, Nagarmotha roots have antibacterial properties that help manage the symptoms of urinary tract infections like a burning sensation.
Dosage:
Take ½ spoon of Nagarmotha churna with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
Also read: Manjistha benefits for women
Nagarmotha for diabetes
How?
Nagarmotha has antioxidant properties that help in lowering blood sugar levels. It is an effective solution to manage diabetes painlessly.
Dosage: Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
Nagarmotha for lactation
How?
According to the studies, Nagarmotha helps produce prolactin (hormone) which increases lactation and improves the quality of breast milk.
Dosage: Take the pure root of Nagarmotha and make a paste after peeling it off. Apply this paste all over the breasts to improve lactation and relieve sore nipples.
Nagarmotha for indigestion
How?
As per studies, Nagarmotha has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the pain caused by gas or painful periods. It also helps in the digestion process.
Dosage: Take ½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha churna with lukewarm water twice a day after having food.
Nagarmotha for stress and anxiety
How?
The essential oil of Nagarmotha has an earthy smell that builds a soothing effect on your body. It reduces pain and regulates the level of serotonin in the body.
Dosage: Mix 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil with coconut oil, olive oil, or any oil you prefer, and massage your body gently before sleeping to reduce fatigue, muscle pain, and stress.
Nagarmotha for weight loss
How?
It helps reduce excess fat from the body and helps manage obesity by boosting the digestive system and its absorption properties.
Dosage: Take ½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha churna with lukewarm water twice a day after meals.
Nagarmotha for skin diseases
How?
Nagarmotha helps with inflammation, itchiness, blisters, eczema, etc., due to its cooling and astringent properties.
Dosage:
- Mix ½ - 1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder with some coconut oil and make a thick paste.
- Apply this paste evenly to the affected areas and leave it to dry for about 2-4 hours.
- Wash it thoroughly with clean water, and don't rub the affected areas aggressively.
Forms of Nagarmotha
- One can use the stem to make perfumes and incense sticks. They have a woody and earthy fragrance.
- One can also use Nagarmotha roots as spices.
- Nagarmotha powder or Churna benefits indigestion and treats many disorders.
- One can use Nagarmotha oil extracted from its roots for stomach problems and diabetes.
- One can use the flowers of Nagarmotha grass to extract oils from it, which act as an insect repellent.
- It is also present in the form of capsules.
Nagarmotha Side Effects
There are no recorded side effects of the herb. However, Nagarmotha overdose can cause complications; therefore, take the following precautions:
- Avoid Nagarmotha during constipation; it can make the stomach situation worse.
- Consult your doctor before taking Nagarmotha during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Excessive consumption of the herb can cause constipation and aggravate Vata doshas.
Also read: Kanchanar guggulu benefits uses, does and precautions
References
Ali Aghassi (2013) Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Cyperus rotundus L. from Iran (Journal of essential oil-bearing plants JEOP) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261687986_Chemical_Composition_of_the_Essential_Oil_of_Cyperus_rotundus_L_from_Iran
H.Nalini Sofia (2014) AN OVERVIEW OF NUT GRASS (CYPERUS ROTUNDUS) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AYUSH (World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265208985_AN_OVERVIEW_OF_NUT_GRASS_CYPERUS_ROTUNDUS_WITH_SPECIAL_REFERENCE_TO_AYUSH
Shamkant B Badgujar, Atmaram H Bandivdekar (2015) Evaluation of a lactogenic activity of an aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus Linn (National Library of Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25625349/
Sri Ranjani Sivapalan (2013) Medicinal uses and Pharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus Linn – A Review (Research Gate) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256736999_Medicinal_uses_and_Pharmacological_activities_of_Cyperus_rotundus_Linn_-_A_Review
