- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa, Asia, Europe (south), Oceania (warm regions worldwide)
- Sanskrit
- Mustaka
- Other names
- Xiang fu, Nootgras
Africa · Herb · № 337
Cyperus rotundus
Herb · Africa
Nut grass
Cyperus rotundus
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, pain-relieving, antispasmodic for the uterus, promotes the flow of qi.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Chinese materia medica: Not with yin or qi deficiency with heat.
Preparation
The dried tuber as a decoction or powder, in Chinese prescriptions often roasted with vinegar. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In Chinese medicine the tuber is called xiang fu and is a principal remedy for moving the liver qi, especially for menstrual complaints. In Ayurveda (mustaka) it is used for digestive complaints and fever, in Unani medicine as su'd. The fragrant tubers were an ingredient of kyphi incense in ancient Egypt. Sanskrit name: Mustaka.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Carminative, pain-relieving, antispasmodic for the uterus, promotes the flow of qi.
Preparation and amount
Tuber.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Stimulating, tonic, soothing, diuretic and sudorific, expels worms, stomachic, carminative, astringent, promotes menstruation, anti-inflammatory; for fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion, vomiting, cholera; promotes milk flow.
Preparation and amount
Powder of the tubers 1–3 g; decoction 56–112 ml; tea; paste of fresh tubers on the breast or on scorpion stings.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, sweet, neutral
- Meridians
- liver, triple burner, stomach
Attributed effects
Xiang fu moves stagnant liver energy in pain in the stomach area, balances liver and spleen in a bloated abdomen and belching, and regulates menstruation in pain, absence or irregularity and tense breasts.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 4–12 g a day, usually in a decoction. The root tubers were eaten roasted by indigenous peoples in California.
Combinations
- With chai hu and curcuma (yu jin) for liver qi stagnation
- With cardamom for a distended abdomen
- With huang lian for dysentery
Caution: Not with yin or qi deficiency with heat.