Essential Facts about Nut Grass
Names
- Botanical: Cyperus rotundus
- Sanskrit: Mustaka, Krodeshta, Hima, Varida, Megha, Raja Kaseruka, Abda, Ambhoda
- Hindi: Motha, nagarmotha
- Other names: Nutgrass, Purple Nutsedge, Java-grass, Coco-grass, Sweet Cyperus
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Guna (qualities): Laghu (light), Rooksha (dry)
- Virya (action): Sheeta (cooling)
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Katu (converts to pungent after digestion)
- Dosha (constitution): Balances Kapha and Pitta doshas
Habitat
Nut grass is distributed fairly widely, as it’s native to southern and central regions of Europe, as well as Africa and southern Asia.
Description
Nut grass is a perennial. Its height can reach 140 cm. Typically, three leaves sprout together from the plant’s base. Although it’s considered to be an invasive species of plant, its role in Ayurvedic medicine is still quite beneficial.
Parts Used
Multiple parts of the nut grass plant can be used in a variety of ways. The tubers may actually be consumed, whether they’re raw or cooked, or ground into a powder. The roots may be ground into a powder for certain remedies as well.
Nutrients
The tubers of the nut grass plant are particularly high in key nutrients, including sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, of which it contains 27 different components.
Medicinal Uses of Nut Grass
Traditionally, Ayurvedic healers have used nut grass for weight loss, as it’s believed the herb removes excess Kapha. That said, you don’t have to rely merely on anecdotal evidence to believe it’s effective in this capacity. Studies have actually confirmed nut grass aids in weight management. When obese rats were treated with the plant’s extract, they had a significant reduction in weight gain. This occurred despite their diets not being adjusted at all. Researchers believe nut grass has this effect because it triggers the breakdown of fats in tissues.
That said, weight control isn’t the only benefit it offers. Nut grass can also be used in the following key ways:
Improving Digestion
Nut grass and its components have commonly been used to treat conditions such as abdominal worms and related digestive issues. Additionally, when made into a powder, its roots offer relief to people experiencing abdominal gurgling.
Reducing Sweating
The fine powder made from nut grass may also be applied to the body in areas that sweat excessively. This is partially because it has a regulating effect on body temperature.
Promoting Relaxation
Nut grass is also considered to be a nerve relaxant. Thus, it may be helpful in the treatment of some mental health issues.
Usage and Dosage of Nut Grass
If your goal is to lose weight with nut grass, you would consume it in the form of a powder made from the tubers. This powder can be added to capsules for easier consumption. Studies show that taking 450 mg twice a day (over the course of several months) effectively promotes weight loss in human subjects.
You can also consume it by taking Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash contains nut grass as well as a number of other potent ingredients that boost your health and improve your overall wellbeing.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
