MOTHA

MOTHA

Motha aka Cyperus Rotundus is a plant from the Cyperaceae family. It is basically grown in parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. In India, it is found all through the temperate, tropical regions.

Cyperus is a perennial plant which grows up to the height of 140 cm. It has flower stems with triangular cross section. Its flower consists of three stamens and a three-stigma carpel and its fruit is more like an achene.

Motha is popular as nutgrass as it resembles grass in appearance and has tuberous roots which look like nuts. In Sanskrit it is called Musta, Jalada, Ambhoda, Ghana or Mustak.

In Ayurveda, it is featured as a medicinal herb due to its long-lasting effects on several body problems especially female disorders. It is bitter and astringent. It has cold potency and works on balancing Pitta and Kapha dosha in the human body. Traditionally, the dried roots of this herb have been known for the astringent, diaphoretic, analgesic and desiccant properties.

The leaves and roots are mostly used due to their edible nature and nutritional value. Rhizomes play the role of an important constituent of many drugs and medicines. The essential oil extracted from the rhizomes is widely used in preparing medicines due to the anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits of Motha

  • Helpful in diabetes: Nutgrass is essentially helpful in reducing diabetes. It has amazing power to treat obesity which is one of the prominent causes of diabetes. This plant has served as a traditional remedy for diabetes since ages. The hypoglycaemic properties make it useful for the treatment of diabetic patients.
     
  • Analgesic effect: This herb has been the topic for many medical researchers and has been in the picture for its analgesic effect. It is known for reducing abdominal contractions and pain.
     
  • Reduces inflammation: Motha plant is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in treating many inflammatory body issues. It even helps in reducing pain caused by inflammation.
     
  • Anti-diarrhoeal effect: Diarrhoea can be well treated with the use of motha roots. Traditionally, the roots of this herb were boiled in milk and provided to the patients suffering from mucous and pain during diarrhoea. This herb is used in preparing medicines for preventing and stopping diarrhoea, dysentery and other stomach disorders. Its anti-microbial activity works on the bad bacteria and controls the harmful effects.
     
  • Heals wounds: Wounds tend to damage skin tissues which need proper healing process. Motha plant has great healing properties that help in clotting of blood and improves the healing process.
     
  • Diuretic properties: Problems in passing urine is a big trouble that people face due to renal infections and renal calculi. Nutgrass contains diuretic properties that help in easy passage of urine and breaking down of renal calculi. It finds a place in many compositions for renal infections.
     
  • Acts as an antidepressant: Depression is a disorder characterised by mood swings, low self-esteem and lack of interest. Motha plant has anti-depressant qualities that make it an appropriate herb for patients suffering from depression and mood fluctuations.
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