Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Cyperene, Cyperol, Cyperotundone, Sesquiterpenes, alpha-cyperone
- Also Known As
- English: Nut Grass, Nagarmotha
Sanskrit: भद्रमुस्ता, मुस्ता, मुस्तक
Hindi: नागरमोथा, मोथा
What is Nagarmotha (Musta / मुस्ता)?
Musta (Nagarmotha) is the rhizome/tuber of Cyperus rotundus, a common grass found throughout India. It is one of the most important digestive drugs in Ayurveda, considered the best among Dipana-Pachana (appetizer-digestive) drugs. The tubers are aromatic and bitter. It is widely used in diarrhea, fever, digestive disorders, and as a lactation purifier. It pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Dipana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Grahi (absorbent/anti-diarrheal)
- Jvarahara (antipyretic)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Stanyashodhana (purifies breast milk)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
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.