Nut Grass

(Nut Grass)
Sanskrit: मुस्तक • Botanical: Cyperus rotundus Linn.

Motha (Nut Grass / Cyperus rotundus) is one of the most important digestive herbs in Ayurveda. It is a perennial sedge found throughout India, growing near water bodies and in moist areas. The rhizomes (tubers) are the medicinally used part. The text describes it as bitter, pungent, and astringent with cooling potency. Despite being cooling, it is an excellent digestive and appetizer. It is widely used for diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, thirst, and as a galactagogue purifier. The text states it pacifies Kapha and Pitta. The tubers are dark brown externally and reddish-white internally. The drug is a key ingredient in many classical formulations like Mustadi Kwatha. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and is used in menstrual disorders. The text also describes its use in skin conditions and worm infestations. The aromatic essential oil in the tubers contributes to its digestive properties.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Cyperene, Cyperol, Cyperotundone, Essential oil, Alpha-cyperone, Sesquiterpenes
Also Known As
English: Nut Grass, Cyperus
Sanskrit: मुस्तक, मुस्ता, कुराल, वारिद, मेघाह्व, गुण्डूका
Hindi: मोथा, नागरमोथा

What is Nut Grass (Motha / मोथा)?

Motha (Nut Grass / Cyperus rotundus) is one of the most important digestive herbs in Ayurveda. It is a perennial sedge found throughout India, growing near water bodies and in moist areas. The rhizomes (tubers) are the medicinally used part. The text describes it as bitter, pungent, and astringent with cooling potency. Despite being cooling, it is an excellent digestive and appetizer. It is widely used for diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, thirst, and as a galactagogue purifier. The text states it pacifies Kapha and Pitta. The tubers are dark brown externally and reddish-white internally. The drug is a key ingredient in many classical formulations like Mustadi Kwatha. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and is used in menstrual disorders. The text also describes its use in skin conditions and worm infestations. The aromatic essential oil in the tubers contributes to its digestive properties.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Grahi (absorbent/anti-diarrheal)
  • Jvarahara (antipyretic)
  • Trishnanigrahana (quenches thirst)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Stanyashodhana (purifies breast milk)
  • Mutrala (diuretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Nut Grass by Condition

Explore how Nut Grass is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Nut Grass for Inflammation
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Nut Grass for Male Sexual Health
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Nut Grass for Menstrual Health
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Nut Grass for PCOS

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.