Herbal Healer: What is nutgrass?

Simple in appearance, this plant hides its multifunctional prowess as a skin and hair enhancer, a perfume ingredient, a highly acclaimed medicine and an emergency food source. Better known as "musta" in its native India, nutgrass has been a valuable element in that country's Ayurvedic healing system for several thousand years.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Nutgrass has a lengthy record of success for facilitating healthy, regular menstrual cycles. It extends its healing light across other vital areas of the body, giving support to the liver — one of our most important organs with over 500 functions — and strengthening the digestive processes as a proven stomachic. Tubers store starch when young and provide emergency food during difficult times — famine-stricken parts of Africa were aided by conveniently handy nearby stands of nutgrass.

ABOUT THE HERB

Its homeland located in the Indian subcontinent, this slender, perennial member of the sedge family has spread throughout the world where it currently thrives in over 90 countries. Considered an invasive species in many places, nutgrass nevertheless offers potent medicine where its proliferation is controlled. The plant is small, growing a mere 2 1/2 feet. Purple spikelets give this herb another common name — purple nutsedge — as it is one of the most notable members of the extensive sedge family.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

Nutgrass is available as a dried powder. This product is used in a variety of ways, including a popular skin massage to reduce subcutaneous fat deposits in cases of obesity.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. NOTE: Visit herbalastrology.com to read Ted PanDeva Zagar's other articles and columns that discuss the benefits of herbs and natural foods. DISCLAIMER: The author's comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health.