Mustaka has been present in Indian culture since ancient times. It is also known as Cyperus rotundus and is commonly known as nut grass (musta botanical name). Its description can often be found in old Indian manuscripts like Astanga Hridaya. This herb is used for treating fevers of all kinds. It is also a dipaniya (an appetizer) and pacaniya (a digestant).
It originated in India but is currently widespread in temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates. In India, it is referred to as Krodeshta, Hima, Raja Kaseruka, Abda, Varida, Megha, and Ambhoda. Its English name is as follows. Purple Nutsedge, Javagrass, Cocograss, and Sweet Cyperus.
As a Pitta pacifier, it detoxifies the liver and blood while also strengthening the critical organs and promoting cellular growth and tissue regeneration. Because of its dry and light qualities, the herb helps to cut through the thick rheum matter created by elevated kapha doshas. It also decreases pitta and kapha doshas in the head and chest, helping to maintain a normal body temperature.
Mustaka Benefits :
Promotes Digestion:
- Mustaka acts as a carminative and has digestive qualities that minimize gas, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension.
- It helps in indigestion, ulcers, and gastritis are all treated, and nutrient absorption is improved.
Weight Loss:
- It helps in helping shedding excess weight, control hunger, prevent overeating, and improve metabolism.
- Reduces LDL (bad cholesterol).
Improves Lactation:
- Increases prolactin and corticoids production, enhancing breast milk production and quality.
Respiratory Issues:
- It is an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-asthmatic properties that treat colds, sore throats, coughs, and flu symptoms.
- It eases breathing and treats bronchitis and asthma.
Increased Immunity:
- It has strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties that combat germs and shield against infections.
- Reduces general debility, weakness, and fatigue, boosting vitality.
Regulates Diabetes:
- Mustaka has hypoglycemic properties helps manage blood sugar levels and improves insulin production.
Relieves Pain And Inflammation:
- It acts as an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory properties offer relief from arthritis, joint pain, muscle spasms, and sore muscles.
Reduces Anxiety:
- It is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance cognitive abilities.
- It normalizes serotonin levels..
Hair Problems:
- Mustaka has essential nutrients that improve blood circulation in hair follicles, treat dandruff, and enhance hair texture and growth.
- It also reduces stress, preventing hair fall and premature greying.
Nut Grass Uses
- Acts as an analgesic, astringent, antispasmodic (relieve spasm), antibacterial, carminative (relieves flatulence.), emollient (softens the skin.), anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant, with effects on a variety of conditions.
- It promotes weight loss. It also increases breast size and normalizes menstrual irregularities.
- It improves digestion, eliminates toxins and worms from the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the blood, and heals ulcers.
- It works as a nerve relaxant for psychosis, epilepsy, and mental health issues, as well as for vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, asthma, cough, and body temperature regulation.
- Treats skin diseases such as eczema, scabies, and itching, as well as eye disorders such as pain, redness, conjunctivitis, and ocular discharge.
Dosage:
3 to 6 gram, twice a day infused in equal quantities of water preferably after meals or as suggested by your health care provider.
Side Effects:
- There have been no reported side effects when used in the proper proportion.
- Effective at normalizing aggravated Sama Pitta and Kapha doshas.
- Excessive amounts can aggravate Vata doshas and result in constipation.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using without medical supervision.
Take Away
In conclusion, Mustaka is a multipurpose herb with multiple health advantages, ranging from boosting digestion and weight loss to improving lactation and respiratory difficulties. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities help manage pain, promote immunity, and regulate diabetes. Furthermore, Mustaka promotes mental health, hair maintenance, and overall vitality, making it an important supplement to holistic health practices.