Nagarmotha

Nagarmotha, scientifically known as Cyperus rotundus, is commonly called nutgrass or purple nutsedge. It belongs to the sedge family and is native to Africa, southern Europe and South Asia, and is now found across much of the tropical and subtropical world.

In India, Nagarmotha is commonly grown in states including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, alongside China and other parts of Southeast Asia. While valued in Ayurveda for its traditional medicinal use, Cyperus rotundus is also recognised internationally as a persistent agricultural weed due to its rapid growth and difficulty to control.

Nagarmotha is known by a range of names across languages and regions, reflecting its wide traditional use:

• English: Nutgrass, purple nutsedge, coco grass
• Urdu: Kaphur
• Hindi: Motha, Nagarmotha
• Sanskrit: Musta, Mustaka, Bhadramusta, Nagarmustaka
• Tamil: Korai kizhangu, Muthakach
• Telugu: Tunga mustalu
• Malayalam: Muthanga
• Kannada: Tunge gadde
• Marathi: Motha, Nagarmoth, Bimbal
• Gujarati: Moth, Nagarmoth
• Bengali: Mutha, Musta
• Punjabi: Mutha, Motha

Nagarmotha's traditional actions are linked to several compounds found in its tubers and essential oil, including:

• Cyperene and rotundone (sesquiterpenes)
• Caryophyllene oxide
• α-pinene and β-pinene
• Patchoulenone

Nagarmotha's traditional actions in the body are understood in Ayurveda to include:

• Deepana-Pachana (digestive and carminative): traditionally supports digestion and eases bloating (Kamala et al., 2018)
•  Anti-inflammatory: traditionally used to support relief from minor inflammation (Rocha et al., 2020)
•  Antimicrobial: traditionally supports wound and skin care (Kamala et al., 2018)
•  Antispasmodic: traditionally used to ease cramping
•  Antioxidant: associated with antioxidant activity in preliminary research (Dechakhamphu et al., 2023)

These properties describe traditional Ayurvedic understanding of Nagarmotha's actions and some preliminary phytochemical and preclinical research, rather than clinically confirmed effects in humans.

Nagarmotha is not manufactured but harvested and processed from the wild or cultivated plant:

• Cleaning: The underground medicinal material is collected, authenticated, and cleaned to remove soil and debris.
• Separation: The underground tubers, the part used medicinally, are separated from the rest of the plant.
• Washing: The tubers are washed thoroughly to remove any remaining soil.
• Drying: The cleaned tubers are sun-dried or dried at a controlled temperature.
• Processing: The dried tubers are ground into powder, or processed further to extract essential oil.
• Packaging: The finished powder or oil is packaged for use in herbal products, perfumery and aromatherapy.

Nagarmotha is traditionally used mainly to support digestion and ease digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas. It is also associated with traditional uses for inflammation, skin health and menstrual discomfort, while its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects are mainly supported by preliminary research. Evidence for weight management and calming effects in humans remains limited.

1. Digestive Aid

Nagarmotha is mainly well known for its ability to improve digestion. It also assists in conditions such as indigestion, bloating, and gassiness. It has carminative effects that help ease the tract and, therefore, can be used to treat stomach aches.

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

The plant has compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. This makes Nagarmotha beneficial in controlling inflammation in different illnesses and remedying pain and inflammation, particularly in arthritis and other related diseases.

3. Skin Treatment

Nagarmotha is beneficial in skin diseases like acne, eczema, and rashes. It has applications in skin infections, inflammation, and general skin care.

4. Weight Management

This herb is said to help lose weight since it helps to increase the metabolic rate. It also helps control blood sugar levels, which helps control hunger and thus helps correct eating.

5. Menstrual Relief

Nagarmotha helps treat stomach aches related to menstrual cramps and can also be used to control cycles. It has an antispasmodic effect, which helps to relax the muscles of the pelvic area and gives a woman a certain amount of comfort during menstruation.

6. Calming Effect

Nagarmotha essential oil is used in aromatherapy and has calming and balancing properties on the body. It helps manage stress and anxiety and aids in relaxation and concentration.

7. Antioxidant Properties

It contains antioxidant substances that help the body avoid being a victim of oxidation and forming free radicals. This property allows the body's overall well-being and possibly reduces the number of people affected by chronic diseases.

8. Antimicrobial Activity

It has been established that Nagarmotha has antibacterial activity and helps combat infections. It can be applied to minor injuries to prevent bacterial infections because of its inherent disinfecting abilities.

Nagarmotha is commonly used in Ayurvedic digestive preparations, aromatherapy, perfumery and some traditional foods and beverages. Its essential oil is also traditionally used as a natural insect repellent, although evidence for this use is limited.

1. In Ayurvedic Digestive Formulations

Nagarmotha powder is a common ingredient in traditional Ayurvedic digestive blends, often combined with other carminative herbs (Kamala et al., 2018).

2. In Aromatherapy and Perfumery

Nagarmotha's essential oil, distilled from its tubers, is valued in aromatherapy and perfumery for its distinctive woody aroma.

3. In Food and Beverages

Nagarmotha is used as a flavouring ingredient in some traditional Indian foods and drinks.

4. As a Natural Insect Repellent

Nagarmotha is traditionally used as a natural insect repellent (Nour et al., 2025), although evidence for its effectiveness in humans and real-world settings is limited.

Nagarmotha is traditionally considered safe for most adults when used as directed, but the following precautions should be reviewed first:

1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using Nagarmotha, as its safety during these periods has not been well established.

2. Allergies

Do not use Nagarmotha if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Cyperus rotundus or any ingredient in the product. Stop topical use if irritation, itching, swelling or allergic reaction occurs.

3. People on Medication

People taking blood thinners, diabetes medication, or medicines for other chronic conditions should consult a doctor before use.

4. Product Quality

Use a high-quality, reputable Nagarmotha product to reduce the risk of contamination, and follow the recommended dose rather than increasing it without professional advice.

Dosage varies by form and should be confirmed with a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner, particularly for children, elderly people, or anyone on other medication. General guidance:

1. Children

Nagarmotha is not generally recommended for young children without medical guidance. For older children, use should only be under the direction of a paediatrician or qualified practitioner.

2. Teenagers

If advised by a healthcare provider, lower adult amounts may be used, with the exact dose determined by the healthcare provider based on age and health needs.

3. Adults

• Powder: 1 to 3 grams daily, dissolved in water or honey. 
• Decoction: 1 to 2 cups daily, made from 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried tubers. 
• Essential oil: 1 to 2 drops diluted in a carrier oil, applied topically after a patch test. 
• Capsules: 250 to 500 mg, taken one to three times daily.

4. Elderly

Elderly users should generally start at the lower end of the adult amount and consult a doctor before regular use, particularly if taking other medication.

Nagarmotha is generally well tolerated, but the following side effects may occur:

1. Constipation

Excessive use of Nagarmotha may cause constipation in some people. Reducing the dose or stopping use may help resolve the symptoms.

2. Allergic Reactions

People with known plant allergies may experience skin irritation or other allergic symptoms and should stop use if these occur.

Nagarmotha may interact with certain medicines, and the following should be discussed with a doctor before combining them:

1. Antidiabetic Medication

Because Nagarmotha may affect blood sugar levels (Raut & Gaikwad, 2006), combining it with antidiabetic medication should be discussed with a doctor to reduce the potential risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

2. Blood-Thinning Medication

Nagarmotha may affect blood clotting based on preliminary research (Seo et al., 2011), so anyone taking blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor before use.

Storage of Nagarmotha

Store Nagarmotha powder, tubers or oil in an airtight container, in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Check periodically for signs of spoilage or deterioration, such as an unusual smell or change in colour, and discard if these appear.

• Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), also known as nutgrass, is a multipurpose plant traditionally used in Ayurveda, aromatherapy and food preparation.
• It is traditionally used to support digestion, skin health and general wellbeing, though robust human clinical evidence for these uses is limited.
• Nagarmotha is not a treatment for diabetes or menstrual disorders, and these should be assessed and managed by a doctor.
• It may cause constipation or allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with known plant allergies.
• It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a doctor advises otherwise, and used cautiously by anyone taking blood-thinning or diabetes medication.
• Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Nagarmotha regularly, particularly if you have a chronic condition or take other medicines.