The Detoxifying Herb Nagarmotha: Uses, Benefits, Side-Effects

Some have nicknamed it as the “world’s worst weed” but its multi-purpose, integrated benefits will leave you astounded. Whether you call it Nagarmotha (Hindi name), Cyperus Scariosus (Scientific name), or Nutgrass (English name), this power-house of a herb finds its roots (pun not intended) in ancient Ayurvedic text – Charaka Samhita (which is more than 2,000 years old). In this text, it has been described as the best ama-pachaka – loosely translated as the “corrective and remover of endo-toxins.” Elaborating on Charak Samhita a little – it is essentially a spiritual scientific encyclopedia of sorts that focuses on prevention and holistic healing of illnesses. That’s not all. Nagarmotha finds wide-spread application in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well where it is used extensively and effectively.

A plant of the Cyperaceae family, Nagarmotha is typically a highly invasive species (hence the name “world’s worst weed!) and can be found in all tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of the world today. In India, it grows wild across Madhya Pradesh and along with pockets with watercourses in the country. Taking a closer look at its physical properties, it is bitter, pungent, and astringent in taste while being light, dry, and cold in effect. In terms of its medicinal properties, it possesses proteins, carbohydrates, starch, and aromatic characteristics.

 

Nagarmotha Uses: Nutritional Information & Dosage

 

Nagarmotha is available in three forms: oil, tablet, and powder. The Nagarmotha oil is an essential oil that is distilled from the roots of the Nagarmotha plant. One of the most endearing factors about this herb is its deep, spicy woody-earthy smell. Naturally, it has come to be regarded as one of the most highly-prized oils in India and is being used extensively in perfumery, scenting tobacco products, aromatherapy, and soap- and incense stick-making.

Plus, it comes with numerous health benefits such as curing Hepatitis B and treating stress-related degenerative diseases which we will elaborate on below. In ethnic communities of Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), Nagarmotha doubles up as an antidote to treat venomous snake bites.

Fun facts about Nagarmotha:

• Nagarmotha has been ranked 8th rank among 250 potential anti-fertility plants in China!
• Nagarmotha essential oil is an integral part of Vashikarana, where it is claimed that the person who applies this oil on their forehead will be able to enjoy the privilege of a long-lasting string of thriving love affairs!

Recommended Dosage:

The recommended dose of Nagarmotha powder is three to five grams twice or thrice a day, for the tablet form is 1-2 tablets a day, and for the decoction form is 50-100 ml daily (in divided doses of course).

How to Consume Nagarmotha Churna?

Step 1: Take a ¼-½ teaspoon of Nagarmotha churna (powder).
Step 2: Add honey (as required) or consume with water twice a day – preferably after eating.

How to Consume Nagarmotha Capsule?

Step 1: Take 1- 2 capsules of Nagarmotha.
Step 2: Swallow with water twice a day (after lunch and dinner).

 

Ayurvedic Preparations with Nagarmotha as the Primary Ingredient

• Musta Karanjadi Kashayam: This Ayurvedic liquid medicine is useful for treating indigestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.
• Mustarishtam: This liquid form of Ayurvedic medicine treats digestive disorders such as diarrhoea, indigestion, gastroenteritis etc.
• Ashokarishta: It is known to strengthen the uterus, improve ovarian functions, and normalize heavy flow during menstruation.
• Navaka Guggulu: This tablet form of Ayurvedic medicine helps in weight loss treatment and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Panchatiktarishta: This liquid Ayurvedic medicine is most helpful in treating different kinds of fevers.

 

Nagarmotha’s Universal Benefits

Cyperus Rotundus’s holistic benefits are no secret to the Ayurvedic experts. Here, we will look at this wonder herb that promotes all-round wellness for women and offers a host of other health advantages, such as treating Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and cancer. Let’s look at its benefits in greater details below:

 

Hair Related Issues

If you’re looking for Nagarmotha’s benefits for hair growth, you’ve come to the right place. Cyperus Rotundus oil – which is extracted from the tuber of the plant – is known for its hair strengthening and scalp rejuvenating properties. All you have to do is simply massage this oil (2-5 drops) into your scalp along with coconut oil. Leave it for 4-5 hours if possible and wash with a herbal shampoo. Try to repeat it twice or thrice a week to control hair fall and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of hair that’s fortified from the roots – naturally.

 

Memory Enhancer

Nagarmotha for memory is a God-send. It boosts the memory and acts as a brilliant brain tonic.

Suggested remedy: You can try this 3-ingredient decoction by combining honey (with anti-biotic priorities), Kesar (with anti-poisonous, anticancer, antitumor, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, stimulant, lactagogue, livo tonic, nervine tonic, sedative properties), and Nagarmotha and enjoy the benefits of an enhanced memory.

 

Cough And Tuberculosis

For people suffering from excessive cough and tuberculosis, take Nagarmotha, peepli, and munakka raw fruits in equal quantity and grind it. Then, take 1 teaspoon of this paste and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix and consume twice a day for immediate relief. Alternatively, you can add 2 drops of the oil in steaming water and inhale it to leverage its all-round benefits such as reduced respiratory congestion, cough, bronco-pulmonary congestion, bronchitis, loosened mucous and phlegm deposits, etc.

 

Dysmenorrhea

Nagarmotha has been nicknamed “qi-in-blood” medicine in China as it can enter the bloodstream and treat irregular periods effectively.

Suggested remedy: Take Nagarmotha and grind it. Add it to gur (jaggery) and form small ball-like pills. Consume twice a day (preferably morning and night).

 

Nagarmotha For Skin Benefits

Nagarmotha comes with excellent toning properties. Simply take 2-3 drops of the Nagarmotha oil and add to a mild skincare cream/lotion of your preferred choice. This can eliminate the growth of harmful microbes and reduce inflammation while augmenting blood circulation. All these factors eventually translate into healthy-looking skin. Conversely, you can also try this remedy: take ½-1 teaspoon of Nagarmotha powder. Add coconut oil to it and apply evenly on the skin. Leave it for 2-4 hours and wash thoroughly. Repeat as required.

 

Hyper Salivation

Take Nagarmotha roots and fruit. Make a kadha (decoction) out of it and consume around 50 gms for immediate effect.

 

Lactation

For mothers looking to increase breast milk production and relieve the milk duct clogs, you can make a Nagarmotha paste and apply on your breasts once a day. Conversely, you can consume Nagarmotha in the powdered form twice a day (in the proportion of 6 gm) to ensure easy and painless milk flow.

 

Excessive itching and swelling in private parts

Take Nagarmotha and make a paste. Apply in private area for immediate relief.

 

Swelling / Itching In Eye Pupils

Take Nagarmotha’s fruit and fry it properly in ghee. After that, grind it to a churna or powder. Apply this paste on the pupils and see the swelling/pain disappear!

 

Body parts that fall asleep / blood while urination

For people who suffer from body parts that fall asleep frequently or who experience blood in their urine, simply take 3-6 gm Nagarmotha with milk day and night.

 

Nervous system

The Nagarmotha oil acts as a tonic for the nervous system and ensures regular bodily functioning thanks to its magical aroma. It reduces stress, relieves tension, tones the system, and helps you regain lost energy after an exhausting day.

Suggested remedy: Inhale this oil by adding 2 drops to your diffuser and enjoy a sense of calm you’ve never felt before!

 

Fevers

Nagarmotha is used as a home remedy in the form of a hot/cold compress. This method helps speed up the treatment of stomach pain, fibromyalgia, muscular aches, kidney stones, abdominal pain, fever, and colitis.

The suggested remedy for excessive thirst: The decoction of Nagarmotha and pitapara is used for treating excessive thirst that occurs due to fever.

 

Digestive System Disorders

Nagarmotha Oil is known to pacify pitta and kapha energies. It acts as a natural enhancer of the biological fire, aids in effective digestion, and treats digestive disorders like stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, anorexia, and specific and non-specific colitis.

Suggested Remedy: Massage the Nagarmotha oil on the abdomen to promote digestion, kill intestinal worms, bind stool, control nausea, treat dysuria, soothe an upset stomach, among others. Nagarmotha oil also helps in flushing out toxic substances through sweat and urine, making it useful in reducing inflammation.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

You can gently massage the painful area with this essential oil for immediate relief. Conversely, you can use 4 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil in a warm hot water bath to calm your mind, check weight gain, discard toxins from the body, and treat inflammation. There’s a third remedy you can try: Take one gram each of Nagarmotha, harad and sonth powders along with any other anti-arthritic medicines. Its detoxifying properties will help reduce inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

 

Hepatitis B

The Nagarmotha plant is said to have a positive effect on the liver as it aids in liver detoxification and expedites healing.

 

Diarrhoea

To treat a case of chronic mucous diarrhoea, combine Nagarmotha, sonth, and the dried pulp of the bael fruit. Crush it in equal parts, and consume two grams of this powder two or three times a day for best results.

 

Ulcerative Colitis

Suggested remedy: Take two grams each of powdered Nagarmotha and bael pulp along with two tablets of Kutajghan Vati. This helps reduce the frequency of stool besides controlling abdominal cramps – both common occurrences in case of ulcerative colitis.

 

Alcoholism

A decoction of Nagarmotha helps treat alcoholism and cases of alcoholic liver disease. Its regular use is known to lower levels of serum uric acid.

 

Weight Loss / Diabetes

It enhances metabolism and helps manage weight, thereby warding off obesity. By extension, it is also useful in treating diabetes.

Suggested remedy: Take ¼-1/2 teaspoon of Nagarmotha churna (powder). Consume with lukewarm water twice a day after having food to manage obesity. This herbal liquid medicine also aids in proper digestion, treating abdominal pain, and controlling diarrhoea.

Nagarmotha Side-Effects & Precautionary Measures

• Pregnant mothers should consult a doctor before consuming it.
• It is safe to give to children and lactating mothers.
• People suffering from constipation should consume this medicine under expert guidance as it may worsen their condition.

Important: Please consult a doctor before consuming it just as a precautionary measure.

 

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