Description:
Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus) called Cypriol or Nutgrass, is an herbaceous plant having erect, angular stems, brilliant green leaves, aromatic rhizomes. It is native to India, especially in Madhya Pradesh state. It is one of the strong invasive weeds known, having spread out across the tropical and temperate regions of the world.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
The species of Cyperus plants, Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus are grown in different soil conditions but Cyperus scariosus often treated as synonymous of Cyperus rotundus and both are called in Hindi Nagarmotha. These two plants hold similar therapeutic potential but are morphologically different.

Nagarmotha essential oil is extracted from the roots of Cyperus scariosus or Cyperus rotundus plant. The roots and rhizomes are harvested from April to June. The rhizome of the plant after grinding subjected to extraction of essential oil.

The yield of essential oil from 0.5 to 0.9%. The main constituents in the essential oil are cyperene, humulen, Selinene. Other constituent compounds are alpha-copaene and caryophyllene oxide. The essential oil from the tuber has a deep, spicy woody-earthy smell,

Odor profile:
Woody-earthy smell with a spicy note

Major Constituents:
Pinene, cyperene, α-Cyperone carene, sabinene, α-selinene, cadinol, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, Camphene, Terpinolene, Cymene, myrtenol and Sabinol, caryophyllene oxide.

Application:
~ Nagarmotha essential oil is used in making skin creams and lotions, Fragrance, Insect repellant, etc.

~ This oil has Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antioxidant, and lipid-lowering activity.

Aromatherapy:
Nagarmotha oil is effectively used in Ayurvedic massage oil, In vaporizers and burners, Bath oil, etc.