Nut grass (cyperus rotundus)

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Other names for nut grass

Nut Grass
Purple Nutsedge
Mustaka (Ayurvedic)

Synopsis of nut grass

Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) is a perennial sedge with global distribution, often regarded as an aggressive weed but historically treasured in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani, and Siddha systems for its wide-ranging medicinal benefits. The plant grows low to the ground with dark green grass-like leaves and produces small, underground tuber-like rhizomes, which are the main part used medicinally.

These rhizomes, often called "nuts," are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenes (especially cyperene), and phenolic compounds. Nut grass is especially valued for its carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and estrogen-modulating effects. In both ancient and modern herbal medicine, it is used to treat a wide range of conditions related to the digestive system, reproductive system, nervous system, and skin.

In Ayurveda, where it is known as musta, it is classified as cooling, bitter, and pungent, and is used to balance pitta and kapha doshas. It is a key ingredient in formulations for fever, diarrhea, indigestion, dysentery, menstrual irregularities, and skin disorders. It is also used as a detoxifying agent and liver tonic, often included in post-illness recovery plans and pediatric formulas.

In TCM, Cyperus rotundus is known as xiang fu and is used to regulate liver qi, especially in cases of emotional stagnation, menstrual pain, and digestive upset. It is often prescribed for stress-related gastrointestinal issues and PMS, and is regarded as a harmonizer in many formulas.

Modern herbalists use nut grass to support gastrointestinal health, relieve menstrual pain and hormonal imbalances, reduce inflammation, and manage bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion. Some studies have shown potential antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, and the essential oil is sometimes used in natural skincare products for its antiseptic and soothing qualities.

Historical Use
Nut grass has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional medicine systems across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In Ayurvedic texts, such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, it is praised as a digestive and fever-reducing herb, used in formulations like Musta Churna and Panchakola to treat bloating, colic, and diarrhea. It was also used externally in poultices for inflammation, wounds, and skin eruptions.

In Unani medicine, it is called saad kufi and used for liver congestion, bile imbalances, and reproductive issues, often included in bitters and tonics to promote detoxification and appetite.

Historically, nut grass also held value as a fragrance and ceremonial herb. The essential oil extracted from its rhizomes has been used in incense, perfumes, and sacred rituals in India and Southeast Asia.

Today, nut grass is available as powder, capsules, tinctures, and essential oil, and continues to be used in natural therapies for digestion, menstruation, skin, and stress-related conditions—a transformation from invasive weed to global herbal remedy.

Nut grass is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abrasions (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)

nut grass is used to support these body systems

Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)