Nagarmotha Essential Oil

Posted on November 7, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

How can the ‘world’s worst weed’ embrace innumerable health benefits to mankind!!? That’s the magnitude and immaculate love of ‘Mother Nature’. Besides being regarded as the most invasive weed in the world, Nagarmotha has its name etched in the Ayurvedic encyclopedia, Charaka Samhita (ca. 100 CE) as an excellent natural remedy for treating digestive disorders, fevers, dysmennorhea and certain other health conditions. This herb has also been an incredible part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) where it is highly regarded as the primary qi (prana or life force) regulating herbal medicine.

The essential oil steam distilled from the rhizomes of this plant has been documented for treating numerous health conditions ranging from Hepatitis B to stress related degenerative diseases. Nagarmotha is the Hindi name of the plant and it is also known as ‘Nut Grass and Cypriol in English, Musta or Mustak in Sanskrit, Shacao in Chinese and Motha in Gujarati.

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Historical importance Nagarmotha: Indigenous to India, it has been said that Nagarmotha essential oil is extracted from the roots of Cyperus scariosus or Cyperus rotundus plant. Nagarmotha is given 8^th rank among 250 potential anti-fertility plants in China. It is also said that this herb has been recorded in the ancient Chinese medicinal book around 500 A.D.

Popularly known as a qi-in-blood medicine in China, Nagarmotha is trusted to penetrate the blood stream and treat irregular menstruation, dysmennorhea or menstrual pain, overdue periods and depression in women mainly during menstruation. Numerous Islamic and Western herbalists like Avicenna, Serapion, Dioscorides, Rhazes, Galen, Charles Alston and Paulus Aegineta have denoted Nagarmotha as deobstruent, stomachic and emmenagogue.

The decoction extracted from the tuber of this plant is used in India for washing hair mainly for its hair strengthening and scalp rejuvenating properties. The ethnic communities of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, India use the rhizome of this herb as an antidote to venomous snake bites. It was also used as a home remedy in treating gastroenteritis and fever.

Nagarmotha essential oil is a part of the ancient art of Vashikarana, where it is trusted that the person who applies this oil on their forehead is certain to enjoy the privilege of a long-lasting string of thriving love affairs. This oil is famous even today in many parts of India as a renowned perfume for scenting saris and other traditional outfits. It has been in use in the production of perfumes, attars, incense sticks, soaps, compounds, hair treatments and in flavoring tobacco products.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties: Nagarmotha essential oil contains about 27 chemical constituents that make it extremely effective in treating numerous health disorders. The major chemical constituents are cyperine, pinene, cyperol, cyperone and isocyperol and sesquiterpenes like patchouleneone, rotundene, cyperotundene, kobusone, a-cyperone, isokobusone, sugeonol and b-selinene. The remedial properties of this oil are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antipyretic, diuretic, astringent, decongestant, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, antimicrobial, stimulant, tonic, stomachic, hypotensive, diaphoretic and cordial.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Nagarmotha essential oil: The essential oil of Nagarmotha is illustrated in Ayurveda as a natural enhancer of the biological fire and is an effective digestive aid. This ancient natural healing system trusts that every human being is unique and their illnesses should also be treated in a unique manner according to their individual constitution. According to Ayurveda, every individual is made up of three energy elements known as vata, pitta and kapha. Predominance of any one of these doshas determines the personality, traits and characteristic features of a person and dosha imbalances cause sickness.

Ayurvedic therapies mainly focus on treating the pathogenesis or the root cause of the illness rather than just treating the disease for the time being like the contemporary medical practices. The root cause for many illnesses including autoimmune disorders according to Ayurvedic texts is the invasion or the deposits of the toxic substances in the body known as ‘ama’. Ayurveda illustrates Nagarmotha as a detoxifying herb and as the best ama-pachaka (eliminator of endo-toxins).

Nagarmotha essential oil is known to pacify pitta and kapha energies. Let’s take a look at the prominent Ayurvedic health benefits of Nagarmotha oil in accordance to their usage.

1. As an Ayurvedic massage oil: Abhyanga or the art of Ayurvedic massaging grants numerous benefits to the mind, body and the spirit. Massaging is known as the best technique to transform the energies of the essential oils extracted from the herbs to the human body and soul. This is because the therapeutic properties of the oil deeply penetrate through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Maneuvering the affected parts of the body with 3 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil blended with coconut oil assist in treating numerous health disorders.

As an effective carminative and stomachic oil, Nagarmotha when massaged on to the abdomen aids in promoting the process of digestion by augmenting digestive fire, kills intestinal worms, binds stool, controls nausea, treats dysurea, irritation of the bowel and soothes upset stomach. The diuretic properties of this oil also help in eliminating the toxic substances from the body through sweat and urine, making it useful in reducing inflammation as well. Gently massaging the painful areas can help in treating dysmennorhea and rheumatoid arthritis.

The decoction of the rhizomes has been in use for hundreds of years as a natural hair wash. Massaging your scalp with this nourishing blend aids in opening the small capillaries on the scalp, work efficaciously on the sebaceous glands and fortify the hair from the roots by stimulating its strength naturally.

2. In vaporizers and burners: The spicy, earthy, woody, lingering, smoky and camphoraceous aroma of Nagarmotha oil acts as a tonic for the nervous system and influences the regular functioning of the body. Adding 2 drops of this oil in steaming water and inhaling this medicated steam helps in reducing respiratory congestion, cough, bronco-pulmonary congestion, bronchitis, loosening the mucus and phlegm deposits and comforts the digestive system.

The magical aroma of this oil aids in alleviating stress, relieve tension, tone the system and regain your lost energy especially after a long day in the sun. Inhaling the aroma of this oil by adding 2 drops to your burners or diffusers will assist in building up the nervous system and treating digestive disorders like stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

3. In baths and compress: Using 4 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil in warm bathing water helps in calming down a nervous stomach, check weight gain, discard toxins from the body, relieves menstrual pain and discomfort, reduces rheumatic pain and treats inflammation and anorexia.

A 2007 research on ‘Administration of Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prevents weight gain in obese Zucker rats’ state “Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prove to be a new herbal supplement for controlling body weight preferentially in beta3-AR sensitive species”. This oil can also be used in hot or cold compresses for treating stomach pain, fibromyalgia, muscular aches, kidney stones, abdominal pain, fever and colitis.

4. In cream and lotions: Nagarmotha essential has natural tonifying properties that make its use inevitable in many skin care formulations. 2 to 3 drops of this oil added to your mild skin care cream or lotion can help in curtailing the growth of harmful microbes that affect the skin health. Gently applying this blend on the inflamed parts will help in reducing inflammation and augment blood circulation. Add 4 to 5 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil to unscented cream to lessen skin irritability and other discomforts due to heat.

The research on ‘In Vitro Antioxidant activity and Total Polyphenolic Content of Cyperus rotundus Rhizomes’ by the Department of Siddha Medicine, Tamil University, India have proved that the rhizome extracts of “Cyperus rotundus show free radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity” with its polyphenolic content and other phytochemicals constituents contributing to its antioxidant properties, which aid in preventing age related oxidative stress associated degenerative diseases.

A 2006 study on ‘Natural composition for curing hepatitis-B, methods for making the same and pharmaceutical formulations thereof’ have proved that a natural antiviral composition with extracts of Cyperus rotundus or Cyperus scariosus and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier aids in treating disorders related to chronic and acute hepatitis B and certain other viral diseases of the liver. This is mainly due to the herb’s positive effect on the liver, easing its detoxification and healing.

Other benefits: Nagarmotha essential oil is said to add a distinguishing and appealing aroma to masculine perfumes. Tom For Men is known as the first perfume to use this herbal formula, followed by other perfumes like Eau d’Issey pour Homme, Xeryus and numerous other popular brands in the market for men. It is also used in making soaps, potpourri, air fresheners, scented candles and certain other aromatherapy products.

Disclaimer: Do not take essential oils internally. Always remember to dilute essential oils in suitable carrier oils before using it topically as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Avoid using Nagarmotha essential oil on children, epileptics, pregnant or nursing women. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using any essential oil to check whether it would suit your present health condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. -John Burroughs

Suggested Reading:

The Natural Remedy Bible by John Lust, Michael Tierra
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless
Greco-Arab and Islamic Herbal Medicine: Traditional System, Ethics, Safety, Efficacy, and Regulatory Issues by Bashar Saad, Omar Said

Reference Links:

Niaouli Essential Oil

Posted on November 6, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Yet another natural feather in the Australian cap along with Tea Tree and Cajeput, Niaouli belongs to the same species Melaleuca and is native to Australia. Along with these 3 trees, Melaleuca contains more than 200 species and these are the most popular ones used for extracting essential oils. Niaouli essential oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of this tree through steam distillation.

The clean, camphoraceous and composed aroma of Niaouli oil heals one in a number of ways and never fails to remind you about Tea tree oil. Niaouli essential oil is used in Ayurvedic healing as an antiseptic, immune stimulant and expectorant for helping with respiratory and pulmonary infections.

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Historical importance of Niaouli essential oil:

Niaouli, scientifically known as Melaleuca quinquenervia (Melaleuca viridiflora) has been initially used by the Aborigines of Australia for rescuing Sir Francis and his crew from exhaustion and scurvy with the tea brewed from the leaves of Niaouli tree. It was used as a respiratory aid in the folklore medicine and the indigenous people used the fresh Niaouli leaves for wrapping the affected parts of their body.

Niaouli and its essential oil have been considered as a ‘cure-all’ in French Polynesia and Caledonia and have also been espoused as the national flower. The French use this oil in almost all the hospitals all over the country especially in the gynecological and obstetrics wards for its antimicrobial properties and this oil is also implemented into their pharmacopoeia. It has also been used as a water purifier in the French Pacific.

Niaouli has been used in the Middle East for preparing herbal tea to support healthy bowels. It was also used in the ancient period to keep away from malaria. Since the pre-historic period Niaouli has been a valuable additive to toothpastes, gargles, mouth sprays and cough drops. This oil is also used as a substitute for Cajeput and Eucalyptus oil in the treatment of neuralgia, cold, cough and rheumatism.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Niaouli essential oil: 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, a-phellandrene, nerolidol, linalool, piperitone and gamma terpineol. The therapeutic properties of this oil are analgesic, antiseptic, decongestant, bactericidal, cicatrisant, expectorant, balsamic, vermifuge, febrifuge, stimulant, insecticide, vulnerary and anti-rheumatic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Niaouli essential oil:

Ayurveda meaning ‘science of life’ is the oldest medicinal systems in the world. The basis of Ayurvedic philosophy revolves around the fact that perfect health can be attained only by a well-built immune system. This is because strong immunity make the body resistant and help fight against harmful organisms and infections causing illnesses. Ayurvedic perception of good health is the outcome of synchronization between a person’s physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

Ayurveda treats every individual in a unique manner trusting that no two individuals have identical individual constitution. For this identification, Ayurvedic approach recognizes human beings based on their specific metabolic principles governing the body and mind and its intelligence. They are known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).

The predominance of any one of these doshas is the primary dosha of an individual and he is identified with that dosha as his unique body type. Imbalance of any one or all these doshas ends up in illnesses. Niaouli pacifies kapha and vata doshas and aggravates pitta dosha.

Man-made medicines or menacing treatments are not a part of this holistic medicinal practice as it trusts and relies on Mother Nature for its healing system. It centers on prevention of diseases with healthy diet, Ayurvedic routine, balanced life-style changes, herbs, yoga, essential oils, meditation and other simple physical exercises.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Niaouli essential oil.

1. Heals scars and skin infections:

Niaouli essential oil has excellent bactericide, disinfectant, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that make it a wonder oil in treating skin infections, wounds and other similar disorders.

Donoyama and Ichiman study on the effectiveness of six essential oils like eucalyptus, thyme linalool, lavender, tea tree, niaouli and sage in treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was tested. This study revealed that among the six essential oils tested “niaouli oil was found to be the most effective, reducing colony count to zero at 3.125%”.

Add 1 drop of Niaouli oil in a cup of lukewarm water to make a natural cleanse for washing your wounds, skin ulcers, blemishes, cuts, acne, insect bites and burns. This cleansing solution aids in removing the harmful organisms like bacteria on your affected part of the skin and initiates its quicker healing process.

Mix 2 drops of Niaouli oil in coconut oil or your regular skin care cream or lotions and apply it gently on the infected area. The vulnerary and disinfectant properties of this oil help in healing wounds quickly, shielding your skin from microbial infections by activating platelet particles and leucocytes in the infected area and aiding in clearing your acne, marks and blemishes. With its antiseptic properties, Niaouli is also an effective oil in treating infections of the colon, uro-genital tract, kidneys, urethra, kidneys and intestines. Even today Niaouli is used as a safe vaginal douche in France.

Niaouli oil is used in an extensive range of cosmetic products in Australia. With its cicatrisant properties, Niaouli essential oil can be more forceful on your scars and marks than your expensive anti-marks and scar-removing creams. Applying 2 drops of Niaouli oil blended with jojoba oil can assist you in diminishing your scars and marks left by pimples, post-pregnancy stretches, acne or pox by influencing the faster growth of new skin cells and tissues. On prolonged use, this remedy can aid in regenerating your skin surface and replenish it with natural glow.

2. Relieves rheumatic and other pain:

The essential oil of Niaouli works effectively on sharp pain and other related discomforts. When gently massaged on to the painful area with 2 drops of Niaouli essential oil blended with coconut oil, the analgesic properties of this oil acts like a general anesthetic by numbing the nerves in the painful parts and consoles pain.

Niaouli essential oil is celebrated as a popular complementary cure for treating rheumatic pain. Massaging 2 drops of Niaouli oil added to sesame oil helps in stimulating the lymphatic system and enhancing blood circulation in the body, which controls the amassing of toxic substances and uric acid in the joints. By this way, Niaouli oil assists rheumatic patients by easing pain, inflammation and swelling in the painful areas. This oil also helps in treating toothache, joint pain, migraines, earache, headache and sprains.

3. Treats fever and respiratory problems effectively:

Niaouli essential oil has been approved in the German Commission E Monographs especially for its effective uses to the respiratory system. Niaouli oil has expectorant and decongestant properties that aid in clearing congestion and blocked respiratory passages with mucous and phlegm. It also supports in reducing the body temperature at times of fever by combating the infections responsible for fever.

Using 2 drops of Niaouli oil in steam inhalation or in vaporizer can help you fight against cold, flu, bronchitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, catarrh, pneumonia, asthma, laryngitis, sore throat, tuberculosis and cough. It helps open up clogging or obstruction of nasal passages, lungs, trachea, larynx, bronchi and pharynx by loosening phlegm, which promotes easy breathing and sound sleep. You can also add 2 drops of Niaouli oil in your rubs and massage it gently on your neck, chest and back for quicker relief.

4. Kills worms and insects:

This oil is also effective in killing intestinal worms like tape worms and round worms that interrupt the normal growth of the body and the regular process of metabolism. You can add 3 to 5 drops of Niaouli oil in warm bathing water or inhale the aroma of this oil by adding 2 drops to your diffuser for eliminating worms from your body. Niaouli essential oil can also be used along with your insect sprays and vaporizers for killing insects like ants, bugs and cockroaches.

5. Boosts immunity:

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt says “Niaouli is an excellent general immune system booster and an agent to help one with allergic reactions.” Niaouli essential oil enhances the resistant power of your body to withstand against infections and micro organisms by strengthening your immunity. This oil has been proven mild and safe for everyone so you can add 2 drops of Niaouli oil to your diffuser to facilitate the fostering aroma of this oil fortify your immune power every day.

Other health benefits:

Inhaling the aroma of Niaouli essential oil especially during meditation is said to revive your senses, improve concentration and uplift the spirit. Niaouli oil is applied to the skin of the cancer patients before every session of cobalt therapy for protecting the skin against burning due to the radiation therapy for cancer. Niaouli is also used in cough drops, rubs, mouth sprays, toothpastes, gargles and certain other cosmetic products.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Avoid using essential oils directly on the skin and always remember to dilute it in appropriate carrier oils. This information is only for educational purposes and is not meant to replace prescription drugs or expert advice of your healthcare professional. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oil for your specific constitution and health condition.

Thought for the day:

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver. – Martin Luther

Suggested Reading:

The Acne Diet: Holistic Plan to Achieve Clear, Youthful, Acne-Free Skin with Natural Nutrition, Stress Relief and Organic Skincare by Julie Gabriel
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
Tea Tree: The Genus Melaleuca (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville, Mindy Green

Reference Links:

Sugandha Bala Essential Oil

Posted on November 5, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Flowering plants are always appealing and Sugandha Bala, scientifically known as Pavonia Odorata is even more interesting with its natural healing values. It is an offspring of the mallow family, Malvaceae. Known as Sugandha Bala in native Indian sub-tropical areas, the roots and shoots of this plant are extremely aromatic. Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences has recorded the use of Sugandha Bala herb and its essential oil as a natural cooling agent with stomachic properties. The most popular Ayurvedic fever drink known as Shadanga Paniya has a major composition of Sugandha Bala in it. It has been said that this powerful herb is often used in combination with other herbs to treat hemorrhage of the internal organs, inflammation, digestive disorders and fever.

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Therapeutic properties: The antimicrobial properties of this essential oil has made its use inevitable in Ayurveda for treating dysentery, inflammation and certain other intestinal infections. Sugandha Bala essential oil has carminative, antimicrobial, demulcent, cooling, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiprotozoal, astringent and diaphoretic properties. This oil also has strong anthelmintic activity against roundworms and tapeworms.

Traditional home remedies suggest the use of 2 teaspoons of fresh juice of the leaves of this plant along with black pepper for treating dysentery of babies. These leaves also have emollient properties and the fresh juice extracted from the leaves of Sugandha Bala herb was used for soothing and softening the skin.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Sugandha Bala essential oil: Sugandha Bala is an erect glandular-pubescent annual herb that grows up to 1m tall. This herb is indigenous to India (Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Bihar), which is the birthplace of the ancient healing wisdom known as Ayurveda. The word ‘Ayurveda’ stands for knowledge of life. What makes Ayurveda the mother of all medical sciences is its simplicity and understanding about human beings and their entire constitution, which is nothing but the combination of physical, mental and emotional attributes of an individual. The main aim of Ayurveda is to grant holistic healing that not only stops with treating the illnesses but travels a step ahead in preventing it in the future also.

Ayurvedic system considers human beings as a part of nature and believes that they are made up of the five elements of nature namely fire, water, earth, air and ether. Every individual is considered unique and is believed that every one of us are made up of a specific set of energy elements or doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of the five vital elements of nature. It is for this special reason Ayurveda grants specific treatment for each individual even if they have a common illness.

This environmental art trusts on natural remedies like herbs, essential oils extracted from plants, yoga, meditation, physical exercises, and a healthy lifestyle comprising an Ayurvedic routine for a hale and hearty life assuring longevity and healthy aging. Exploring the remedial values of herbs and essential oils highly help in perceiving their ability in treating several health conditions. The major health benefits of Sugandha Bala essential oil are:

Anti-microbial: Sugandha Bala essential oil has strong anti-microbial properties that are effective against harmful bacteria, fungi and certain other microbes. A 1992 research on ‘Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Pavonia Odorata Wild’ by Doctor Hari Singh Gour University, India proved the microbes fighting ability of this essential oil. This was substantiated after testing Sugandha Bala essential oil for antifungal and antibacterial activity against thirteen fungi and ten bacteria (4 gram positive bacteria and 6 gram negative bacteria) by means of paper disc agar diffusion technique.

The results of this research highly recommended the use of Sugandha Bala essential oil for inhibiting the growth of all the test fungi and bacteria while this oil was stated ‘excellent against Gram (+ve) bacterium Diplococcus pneumonia and Gram (-ve) bacterium E.coli’. This report disclosed that “The oil was also found to inhibit the growth of keratinophilic fungi Trichophyton mentagreophytes and Chrysosporium indicum along with Aspergillus sp., Botrydiplodia sp. Fusarium solani etc”.

It also depicted the effectiveness of this oil against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which is responsible for wound and infections getting septic. This property makes Sugandha Bala essential oil as a promising antiseptic for treating cuts, sores, abrasions and certain other skin problems.

Other pharmacological actions: The intense study on the ‘Pharmacological screening of essential oil of Pavonia Odorata’ revealed that this essential oil contains a series of interesting pharmacological actions based on various parameters. When tested on a choice of living organisms, this oil caused relaxation in the rabbit’s intestine, created fall in blood pressure in anaesthetized dog, lessened the spasmogenic effect of acetylcholine and potassium and produced cardiac inhibition in the isolated heart of a frog.

Applications: With its excellent therapeutic properties, Sugandha Bala essential oil is used as an important ingredient in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, pomades, hair tonics, massage oils for rheumatism and much more. You can use this essential oil as a gentle massaging oil after blending it with mild carrier oils like olive oil for treating digestive disorders, pain, inflammation, infections, skin problems and rheumatism. Adding 2 to 3 drops of this oil to your bath tub can also grant you similar health benefits and alleviate pain. Using it in diffusers, air fresheners, burners and vaporizers can protect you from the invasion of harmful micro-organisms.

Disclaimer: This article is only for information purpose and do not use it as a substitute for prescribed medicines or Professional advice. Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not use them directly on your skin (use it after blending with carrier oils). Do not ingest essential oils and consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using essential oils for treating your health conditions.

Thought for the day:

God sleeps in the minerals, awakens in plants, walks in animals, and thinks in man. -Arthur Young

Suggested Reading:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment by Valerie Ann Worwood
Major Herbs of Ayurveda, 1e by Elizabeth M. Williamson BSc (Pharm) PhD MRPharmS FLS

Reference Links: