Nagarmotha
Nagarmotha
Nagarmotha is commonly known as “Nut grass”. It has a characteristic fragrance and is generally used in culinary spices, perfumes and to make incense sticks.
According to Ayurveda, Nagarmotha helps improve digestion due to its Deepan and Pachan properties, if taken in the recommended dosage.
Nagarmotha oil is an effective home remedy for managing stomach disorders due to its antispasmodic and carminative properties. Nagarmotha oil also helps manage diabetes due to its antioxidant property. It prevents cell damage caused by free radicals and protects the body from certain diseases. It also has anti-diarrheal property as it prevents the formation of watery stools due to the presence of flavonoids.
Nagarmotha might be useful in managing skin infections. Applying a paste of Nagarmotha powder and coconut oil helps reduce swelling and stops bleeding due to its astringent property. Nagarmotha oil also protects against various bacterial and fungal infections due to its antimicrobial property.
It is generally recommended to use Nagarmotha oil or powder with coconut oil or rose water on the skin, if you have hypersensitive skin[5-7].
According to Ayurveda, Nagarmotha helps improve digestion due to its Deepan and Pachan properties, if taken in the recommended dosage.
Nagarmotha oil is an effective home remedy for managing stomach disorders due to its antispasmodic and carminative properties. Nagarmotha oil also helps manage diabetes due to its antioxidant property. It prevents cell damage caused by free radicals and protects the body from certain diseases. It also has anti-diarrheal property as it prevents the formation of watery stools due to the presence of flavonoids.
Nagarmotha might be useful in managing skin infections. Applying a paste of Nagarmotha powder and coconut oil helps reduce swelling and stops bleeding due to its astringent property. Nagarmotha oil also protects against various bacterial and fungal infections due to its antimicrobial property.
It is generally recommended to use Nagarmotha oil or powder with coconut oil or rose water on the skin, if you have hypersensitive skin[5-7].
What are the synonyms of Nagarmotha?
Cyperus rotundus, Nut Grass, Mustak, Motha, Nagaramattea, Nagaretho, Chakranksha, Charukesara, Saad kufi[20].
What is the source of Nagarmotha?
Plant Based
Benefits of Nagarmotha
FAQs about Nagarmotha benefits
1. Abdominal pain
Nagarmotha gives to relief from abdominal pain due to gas or flatulence. Flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta Dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha result in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to abdominal pain. Taking Nagarmotha helps to improve digestive fire and correct the digestion because of its Deepan (Appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage abdominal pain.
2. Indigestion
Nagarmotha helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Nagarmotha helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage indigestion.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Nagarmotha helps to control diarrhea. This is because it improves digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) Pachan (digestive) properties. It also makes the stool thick and reduces the frequency of motion.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
4 Obesity
In Ayurveda, obesity or unwanted fat accumulation is due to an excess Ama in the body. Nagarmotha helps to reduce Ama by improving digestion, absorption of food and by reducing excess fat in the body.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage obesity.
5. Worms
Nagarmotha is useful to control worm infections. This is due to its Krimighna (anti-worm) property.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control worm infection.
c. Repeat this till you do not get complete relief from worm infection.
6. Fever
Nagarmotha might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Nagarmotha boiled water helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (powder).
b. Boil it in 1-2 cup of water till the volume reduces to half.
c. Drink 2-3 times a day to manage fever.
Nagarmotha gives to relief from abdominal pain due to gas or flatulence. Flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta Dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha result in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to abdominal pain. Taking Nagarmotha helps to improve digestive fire and correct the digestion because of its Deepan (Appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage abdominal pain.
2. Indigestion
Nagarmotha helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Nagarmotha helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage indigestion.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Nagarmotha helps to control diarrhea. This is because it improves digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) Pachan (digestive) properties. It also makes the stool thick and reduces the frequency of motion.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
4 Obesity
In Ayurveda, obesity or unwanted fat accumulation is due to an excess Ama in the body. Nagarmotha helps to reduce Ama by improving digestion, absorption of food and by reducing excess fat in the body.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to manage obesity.
5. Worms
Nagarmotha is useful to control worm infections. This is due to its Krimighna (anti-worm) property.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (Powder).
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice a day after taking food to control worm infection.
c. Repeat this till you do not get complete relief from worm infection.
6. Fever
Nagarmotha might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Nagarmotha boiled water helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (powder).
b. Boil it in 1-2 cup of water till the volume reduces to half.
c. Drink 2-3 times a day to manage fever.
Precautions when using Nagarmotha
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Avoid the consumption of Nagarmotha if you have constipation.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Nagarmotha during Breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Nagarmotha during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Nagarmotha
- Nagarmotha Churna - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Nagarmotha Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Nagarmotha
1. Nagarmotha Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (powder).
b. Add some honey to it or swallow it with water twice a day after taking food.
2. Nagarmotha Capsule
a. Take 1- 2 capsules of Nagarmotha.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna (powder).
b. Add some honey to it or swallow it with water twice a day after taking food.
2. Nagarmotha Capsule
a. Take 1- 2 capsules of Nagarmotha.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Nagarmotha
1. Skin disease
Nagarmotha helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected part. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, swelling, itchiness and even bleeding. Applying Nagarmotha reduces swelling and stops bleeding because of its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Leave it for 2-4 hours and wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this to manage the symptoms of skin disease.
2. Hair loss associated with dandruff
Nagarmotha controls hair fall associated with dandruff. Dandruff generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta or Kapha dosha. Nagarmotha or its oil has Pitta-Kapha balancing properties which controls dandruff and removes excessive dryness. This helps to control hair loss associated with dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply evenly on hair and scalp
d. Leave it for 4-5 hours.
e. Wash with an herbal shampoo.
f. You can Repeat it twice or thrice a week to prevent dandruff and hair loss.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Nagarmotha essential oil helps to manage stress and anxiety when used externally. It gives a calming and balancing effect on the body. A massage with Nagarmotha essential oil helps to reduce pain in the body because of its Vata balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take Nagarmotha oil 2-5 drops as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Olive or Almond oil as per your requirement.
c. Massage your body before sleeping to relieve stress and to feel relaxed.
Nagarmotha helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected part. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, swelling, itchiness and even bleeding. Applying Nagarmotha reduces swelling and stops bleeding because of its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Leave it for 2-4 hours and wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this to manage the symptoms of skin disease.
2. Hair loss associated with dandruff
Nagarmotha controls hair fall associated with dandruff. Dandruff generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta or Kapha dosha. Nagarmotha or its oil has Pitta-Kapha balancing properties which controls dandruff and removes excessive dryness. This helps to control hair loss associated with dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil.
b. Mix with Coconut oil.
c. Apply evenly on hair and scalp
d. Leave it for 4-5 hours.
e. Wash with an herbal shampoo.
f. You can Repeat it twice or thrice a week to prevent dandruff and hair loss.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Nagarmotha essential oil helps to manage stress and anxiety when used externally. It gives a calming and balancing effect on the body. A massage with Nagarmotha essential oil helps to reduce pain in the body because of its Vata balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take Nagarmotha oil 2-5 drops as per your requirement.
b. Mix with Olive or Almond oil as per your requirement.
c. Massage your body before sleeping to relieve stress and to feel relaxed.
Precautions when using Nagarmotha
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Nagarmotha oil or powder with coconut oil or rose water if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Nagarmotha
- Nagarmotha Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Nagarmotha Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Nagarmotha
1. Nagarmotha Oil
Use 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil with any skin cream or Coconut oil.
2. Nagarmotha Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for fairer and even skin tone.
Use 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil with any skin cream or Coconut oil.
2. Nagarmotha Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the skin.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for fairer and even skin tone.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The constituents present in Nagarmotha makes it a potent sedative and anti-stress agent. Essential oils present in the herb possess antimicrobial activity against various bacterias and fungi. Flavanoids present in the herb are responsible for its anti-diarrheal effect[5-7].
Modern Science View
Nagarmotha is available in the market in the following forms:
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Oil
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Oil
Modern Science View
Nagarmotha oil is very beneficial for health as it helps to manage stomach disorders, boils, blisters and wounds. The antioxidants present in Nagarmotha oil help control inflammation, pain and cell damage by fighting against the free radicals. It also help control high blood sugar level[10].
Ayurvedic View
Nagarmotha oil, prepared from Nagarmotha roots has multiple health benefits. It helps to manage conditions like indigestion, loss of appetite and diarrhea due to its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Grahi (absorbent) properties.
It is also beneficial for skin conditions like wounds, infections or inflammations due to its quick healing of the affected area and gives a cooling effect.
It is also beneficial for skin conditions like wounds, infections or inflammations due to its quick healing of the affected area and gives a cooling effect.
Ayurvedic View
No, Nagarmotha helps to improve digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties if it is taken in the recommended dosage.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagarmotha may be useful in managing diabetes. It has antioxidant activity due to which it may lower blood glucose levels[1][4].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagarmotha might help to manage high blood sugar level because of its Tikta (bitter) taste. It corrects the metabolism by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also improves the function of insulin receptor and manages normal blood sugar level.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagarmotha may be useful in managing seizures/epileptic attacks. Nagarmotha contains certain compounds that have antioxidant property. Due to its ability to destroy free radicals, Nagarmotha may be useful in reducing the intensity and duration of seizures/epileptic attacks[1][3].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Nagarmotha may be useful in managing stomach disorders. This is due to its antispasmodic (relieve spasms) and carminative properties[1][2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagarmotha helps to improve lactation. Various scientific studies suggests that consumption of Nagarmotha root extract helps the body to produce prolactin hormone which further helps to improve the production and flow of milk in nursing mothers[11][12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagarmotha helps in the management of urinary disorders. This is due to the antibacterial activity of certain constituents present in Nagarmotha roots[13].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagarmotha might help manage the symptoms of urinary disorders like burning sensation while urinating or any infection due to its Mutral (diuretic) property. It helps to increase urine production and provide relief from urinary problems.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna.
2. Add some honey to it or swallow it with water twice a day after taking food.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha Churna.
2. Add some honey to it or swallow it with water twice a day after taking food.
Modern Science View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to support the role of Nagarmotha in cough due to tuberculosis. However, it might manage cough due to its expectorant activity which helps to expel mucus from the airway[14][15].
Ayurvedic View
Cough due to tuberculosis is mainly due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Nagarmotha might help give relief from this condition due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tip:
1. Take 1- 2 Nagarmotha capsules.
2. Swallow it with water twice a day after lunch and dinner.
Tip:
1. Take 1- 2 Nagarmotha capsules.
2. Swallow it with water twice a day after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
Nagarmotha powder is used to manage weight due to its anti-obesity property. This reduces the accumulation of fat in the adipose tissues and thus helps reduce obesity. Taking Nagarmotha powder also helps manage diarrhea, dysentery and worm infestation[18][19].
Ayurvedic View
Nagarmotha powder is useful to manage various health issues like obesity, indigestion and worm infestation. The Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties of Nagarmotha helps to reduce Ama ( toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which is a prime cause of obesity and other digestive disorders.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagarmotha can cause dryness and itching if your skin is hypersensitive. So it advisable to use Nagarmotha oil or powder by mixing with Coconut oil.
Modern Science View
Yes, Nagarmotha oil is effective in controlling dandruff. This is because dandruff is a fungal disease and oil extracted from Nagarmotha root is effective against dandruff causing fungus[2][16].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Nagarmotha is effective against dandruff which is due to an imbalance of Pitta or Kapha dosha. Nagarmotha has Pitta - Kapha balancing properties. It helps prevent dandruff and removes dirt or dry skin from the scalp.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil.
2. Mix with Coconut oil.
3. Apply evenly on hair and scalp
4. Leave it for 4-5 hours.
5. Wash with herbal shampoo.
Tip:
1. Take 2-5 drops of Nagarmotha oil.
2. Mix with Coconut oil.
3. Apply evenly on hair and scalp
4. Leave it for 4-5 hours.
5. Wash with herbal shampoo.
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Nagarmotha for removing axillary hair. However, topical application of Nagarmotha oil is considered to be an effective method to decrease the growth of hair on the body. The antioxidants (flavonoids) present in Nagarmotha possess anti-androgenic activity that suppresses the production of androgens and helps manage excessive hair growth[17].
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific information is available to support the role of Nagarmotha for skin whitening. However, Nagarmotha is good to use in lotions and creams due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that help lighten skin[20].
Ayurvedic View
Nagarmotha helps improve skin whitening. Applying Nagarmotha to the skin helps prevent excessive oil production due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It also helps maintain skin glow.
References
- Kirtikar KR, Basu BD. Indian Medicinal Plants. (2nd ed.), Vol. IV. Dehradun: International Book Distributors;2007:580-878.
- Imam K, Zarnigar, Sofi G.The incredible benefits of Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus).International Journal of nutrition, pharmacology and neurological diseases.2014;4(1):23-27.
- Kumar A, Lehri A, Srivastava A.Effect of geographical climatic conditions on yield, chemical composition and carbon isotope composition of Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus R. Br.) Essential Oil.Journal of essential oil-bearing plants.2016.19(2);368-373.
- Kempraj V, Bhat SK. Ovicidal and larvicidal activities of Cyperus giganteus Vahl and Cyperus rotundus Linn. essential oils against Aedes albopictus (Skuse).Nat Prod Radiance 2008;7:416-9.
- Bisht A, Bisht GR, Singh M.et.al. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of tubers of Cyperus rotundus Linn. collected from Dehradun (Uttarakhand).Int J Res Pharm Biomed Sci 2011;2:661-5.
- Singh SP, Raghavendra K, Dash AP. Evaluation of hexane extract of tuber of root of Cyperus rotundus Linn (Cyperaceae) for repellency against mosquito vectors.J Parasitol Res 2009;1:1-5.
- Seo EJ, Lee DU, Kwak JH,et al. Antiplatelet effects of Cyperus rotundus and its component (+)-nootkatone.J Ethnopharmacol 2011;135:48-54.
- Chandratre RS, Chandarana S, Mengi SA.Lipid lowering activity of alcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus.Int J Res Pharm Chem.2011;1:1042-5.
- Trew S, Gould ZB.The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Beauty Products.Penguin.2010.
- Tiwari R, Kumar S. Chemical Constituents of the Essential oil of Cyperus rotundus Linn. Int. J. Drug Dev. & Res.2014; 6(2):57-60.
- Ostrom KM. A review of the hormone prolactin during lactation. Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1990;14(1):1-43.
- Badgujar SB, Bandivdekar AH. Evaluation of a lactogenic activity of an aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus Linn. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Apr 2;163:39-42.
- Sharma A, Verma R, Ramteke P. Cyperus rotundus: A potential novel source of therapeutic compound against urinary tract pathogens.Journal of Herbal medicine. 2014;4(2).
- Singh V, Ali M, Negi A, Sultana S. Analysis and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Cyperus rotundus L. rhizomes. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2018; 6(5): 101-105.
- Kumar RP, Rajesh K, Yogender M, et al. Standardization and preliminary phytochemical investigation on Cyperus rotundus L. rhizome.IJRAP.2010;1(2):536-542.
- Ranganathan S, Mukhopadhyay T. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian J Dermatol. 2010;55(2):130-4.
- Mohammed GF.Topical Cyperus rotundus oil:a new therapeutic modality with comparable efficacy to Alexandrite laser photo-epilation. Aesthet Surg J.2014;34(2):298-305.
- Sofia N, Walter TM, Merish S, et al. An overview of Nut Grass (Cyperus Rotundus) with special reference to Ayush. World journal of Pharmaceutical research.2014;3(6):1459-1471.
- Sivapalan SR. Medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus Linn. - A review. International journal of Scientific and Research publications.2013;3(5):1-8.
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.