Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus): Traditional Uses, Preparation Methods, and Modern Medical Insights

Introduction

I often see nutgrass—also called nutsedge or Cyperus rotundus—popping up stubbornly among vegetables like spinach and cassava. Though many gardeners call it a weed, its tubers have long been valued in traditional medicine for their essential oils and diverse benefits. In practice, the leaves are rarely used; the tubers are the star.

Key Benefits and Traditional Uses

• Urinary stones (urolithiasis)

In folk remedies, crushed nutgrass tubers are steeped in hot water and consumed to support relief from urinary stones. The usual method: lightly crush the clean tubers, pour over hot water, cover for 10–15 minutes, then drink warm.

• Vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularities

Decoctions of nutgrass tubers are commonly used to address vaginal discharge and support more regular menstrual cycles. Some traditions also use it as a gentle sedative, to promote bowel movements, and to help blood clot faster on minor wounds. Preparation: simmer sliced, washed tubers in water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and drink once cooled.

• Support for breast milk production and uterine health

Crushed tubers are sometimes used post‑partum to help stimulate breast milk and to assist in reducing uterine bleeding, according to traditional practices.

• Facilitating urination (diuretic use)

For easier urination, nutgrass tubers may be combined with gotu kola leaves and cogongrass in a blended decoction.

• Mosquito repellent and skin applications

Dried tubers can be milled into a fine flour and mixed into menthol‑scented powder to deter mosquitoes. For skin concerns—such as tinea versicolor, ringworm, and slow‑healing superficial wounds—the powder is traditionally made into a paste with a little water and applied topically.

Basic Preparation Guidelines

• Select firm, healthy tubers; rinse thoroughly to remove soil.
• For infusions: lightly crush, then steep in just‑boiled water for 10–15 minutes.
• For decoctions: slice and simmer on low heat for 10–20 minutes; strain before drinking.
• For topical use: dry completely, grind to a fine powder, then mix with clean water to form a paste; apply to intact skin only.

Safety Notes

• Herbal remedies can interact with medications or underlying conditions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney stones, liver disease, or are on anticoagulants/diuretics, consult a qualified clinician before use.
• Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop rash, itching, stomach upset, or symptoms worsen.
• For suspected infections, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or non‑healing wounds, professional medical evaluation is essential.

Modern Medical Perspective

From a contemporary standpoint, nutgrass tubers contain volatile oils (such as cyperene and cyperol), flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that may contribute to antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, and mild diuretic effects. These properties offer plausible mechanisms behind some traditional uses—like easing urinary discomfort or serving as a topical adjunct for certain fungal skin issues. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. As a result, nutgrass should be considered a complementary option rather than a replacement for established treatments. When used, it’s wise to pair traditional preparation methods with modern care: confirm diagnoses, monitor for interactions, and follow evidence‑based therapies as the primary approach.