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. Nagarmotha possesses antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic (gives relief from spasm), aromatic, antiflatulence and sedative properties. It helps to manage diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, stomach pain, worm infection and fever[1].
What are the synonyms of Nagarmotha?
Cyprus rotundus, Nut Grass, Mustak, Motha, Nagaramattea, Nagaretho, Chakranksha, Charukesara, Saad kufi[1].
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
Nagarmotha controls hair fall by providing nourishment to the scalp in the right amount. It prevents dryness of the scalp and also gives strength to weak and damaged hair that leads to hair fall. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
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 a herbal shampoo.
f. Repeat it twice or thrice a week to control hair fall.
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
Nagarmotha controls hair fall by providing nourishment to the scalp in the right amount. It prevents dryness of the scalp and also gives strength to weak and damaged hair that leads to hair fall. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
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 a herbal shampoo.
f. Repeat it twice or thrice a week to control hair fall.
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
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].
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.
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.
- Puratchikody A, Devi CN, Nagalakshmi G.Wound healing activity of Cyperus rotundus linn. Indian J Pharm Sci.2006;68:97-101.
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.