Botanical Overview
Cyperus rotundus, commonly known as Nut grass or Purple nutsedge, belongs to the Cyperaceae family. The rhizome and root parts of this plant are predominantly used in herbal medicine. It is native to Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and grows widely in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Energetics
This herb is considered warm and drying in temperature and moisture energetics, with bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes. It exhibits a descending directionality and is tonifying in nature, primarily affecting the qi aspect of energetic function.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Digestive tonic
- Astringent
Indications
Western
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Indigestion
- Fever
- Wound infections
Syndromes
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Menstrual disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
- Skin infections
TCM
- Painful menstruation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal distension
Syndromes
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Dampness accumulation
- Blood stasis
Ayurveda
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Fever
- Menstrual irregularities
- Digestive disturbances
Syndromes
- Vata disorders
- Pitta disorders
- Ama (toxicity/undigested material) accumulation
Unani
- Digestive ailments
- Menstrual pain
- Fever
- Skin diseases
Syndromes
- Imbalance of humors
- Excess bile
- Phlegm
Constituents & Mechanisms
Cyperus rotundus contains flavonoids, essential oils (notably cyperene), alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and digestive effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol extract, 2-5 mL taken 1-3 times daily
- Decoction of 2-4 g dried rhizome once or twice daily
- Powdered rhizome 1-3 g taken 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when used in traditional doses. Caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. Potential interactions exist with anticoagulants and antidiabetic medications, necessitating careful monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers could be confidently assigned from authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future – Cyperus rotundus
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (2007)
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Cyperus rotundus (Singh et al., 2012)
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2001)
- EMA/HMPC Community Herbal Monograph (2010)