Last verified: April 2026

Nagarmotha (Musta)

नागरमोथा -- Musta -- "that which remains; persistent -- named for its hard, persistent tubers"

Musta (Nagarmotha / Cyperus rotundus -- nutgrass) is documented across more disease chapters in Charaka Samhita than perhaps any other single herb. Its combination of Deepana (Agni-kindling), Pachana (Ama-digesting), Jwaraharana (fever-reducing), Stambhana (astringent), and Grahi (absorbent) actions makes it applicable to a remarkable range of conditions. It is simultaneously one of the most commonly prescribed herbs and one of the least known outside classical Ayurvedic practice.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Full disclaimer

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 3.256

Musta... sarva jwara prayojyam -- Musta is applicable to all types of fever. Among the single herbs, Musta is the most broadly useful Jwaraghna (fever-reducing herb), applicable across all Dosha types and combinations.

Classical documentation -- breadth of application

The reason Musta appears in so many disease chapters: its three-way action of Deepana + Pachana + Sheeta Virya addresses the most common pathological combination in classical Ayurveda -- Agni impairment + Ama accumulation + Pitta/heat component. This combination underlies fever, digestive disorders, metabolic conditions (Meda reduction), and skin conditions with internal heat. Charaka Samhita documents Musta in: Jwara (fever), Atisara (diarrhoea), Grahani (malabsorption), Arsha (haemorrhoids), Kustha (skin conditions), Prameha (metabolic conditions -- for its Medohara property), and Stanya (lactation purification -- for its ability to digest Ama in breast milk channels).

Sesquiterpenes and anti-fever research

Cyperus rotundus rhizome contains sesquiterpene compounds including cyperene, alpha-cyperone, and cyperrotundan. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documents antipyretic (fever-reducing), anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties consistent with the classical Jwaraghna and Shoolahara documentation.