On my clear skin journey, I am focused on my gut and the role it plays in my skin’s overall health. I am also working on discovering which foods trigger inflammation and contribute to breakouts. In Ayurvedic medicine nagarmotha oil is used to improve your gut due to its Deepan and Pachan properties. Nagarmotha benefits for skin include reducing the signs of aging, hydrating skin, preventing breakouts, and clarifying your skin.1
Nagarmotha (cyperus rotundus) is commonly known as “ Nut grass ”. This ayurvedic herb has been commonly used for abdominal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and fungal infections. Its medicinal properties come from the presence of essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins.2
Related: This Inflammation-Fighting Root Is Like a ‘Support System’ for Your Skin
The essential oils present in Nagarmotha help to improve gut motility. This is important for those with digestive issues or constipation. The flavonoids present in Nagarmotha have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. The coumarins present in Nagarmotha have antiseptic properties and can help to prevent breakouts by keeping the skin clean.3
Nagarmotha can be used in many different forms including:
- Nagarmotha oil: This can be used to massage the gut or applied to the skin.
- Nagarmotha powder: This can be added to food or used as a face mask.
- Nagarmotha extract: This can be added to water or used in skincare products.
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that the digestive system is the root of all health. This is because the gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxins. When the gut is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems, skin infections, and skin diseases.4
A low digestive fire (or digestive problems) can create undigested residues (ama) that form toxins. These toxins can accumulate in the body and lead to inflammation. Inflammation is a root cause of many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.5
Depending on your dosha or body type, nagarmotha can be extremely helpful with skin care. For pitta dosha, in particular, digestive and stomach disorders can manifest as skin problems, heart problems, and inflammation. Nagarmotha benefits for skin can help to reduce the inflammation that is caused by digestive problems.
Related: Learn Your Ayurvedic Body Type
Nagarmotha Benefits for Skin
1. Relieves Skin Irritations
If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, rashes, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, there’s a good chance that your gut flora is altered to some extent. Nagarmotha benefits for skin can help relieve inflammation of some stubborn skin conditions.
2. Moisturizes Skin
Nagarmotha oil is often used as a carrier oil for other essential oils. This powerful blend can help to soothe and moisturize the skin. When used topically, nagarmotha oil can help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dry skin.
3. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The flavonoids present in nagarmotha have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Related: Beauty Hack: A Frozen Cucumber To Reduce Puffy Skin
4. Fades Dark Spots
Nagarmotha oil can help to lighten dark spots and even out the skin tone. This is due to the presence of coumarins in nagarmotha, which have antiseptic properties. These properties can help to fade dark spots and promote an even skin tone.
5. Prevents Breakouts
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of nagarmotha can help to prevent breakouts. The essential oils present in nagarmotha help to keep the skin clean and free of toxins. This can help to reduce the occurrence of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Combined with the digestive benefits of nagarmotha, this ayurvedic herb can be an effective acne treatment.
6. Treat Skin Infections
The anti-bacterial benefits of nagarmotha can help to treat skin infections. The essential oils present in nagarmotha have antiseptic properties that can kill bacteria and fungi. The antifungal properties can help to treat conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and candida overgrowth.
7. Improve Scalp Health
Your scalp is skin too and hair problems often start from the scalp. Scalp conditions such as dandruff, dryness, and itchiness can be improved with nagarmotha oil. The essential oils present in nagarmotha can help to soothe the scalp and improve circulation. This can help to promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.
8. Soothes Sunburns
The anti-inflammatory benefits of nagarmotha can help to soothe sunburns. The essential oils present in nagarmotha can help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with sunburns. This can help to make the sunburn more bearable and prevent blistering.
9. Cleansing
The antibacterial properties of nagarmotha can help to cleanse the skin. This ayurvedic herb can help to remove dirt, toxins, and impurities from the skin. This can help to improve the complexion and texture of the skin.
10. Reduce Skin Damage
Oxidative stress can cause cell damage and lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants present in nagarmotha can help to reduce oxidative stress and cell damage. This can help to keep the skin looking young and healthy.
11. Brightens Skin
The antioxidant property of nagarmotha can help to brighten the skin. This ayurvedic herb can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The essential oils present in nagarmotha can help to make the skin look radiant and glowing.
Related: 21 Surprising Strawberry Seed Oil Skin Benefits
12. Protects Skin
The flavonoids present in nagarmotha have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
13. Treats Skin Allergies
Nagarmotha oil can be used to treat skin allergies. The essential oils present in nagarmotha have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with allergies. This can help to make the allergy more bearable and prevent blistering.
How To Use Nagarmotha Benefits For Skin
In traditional medicine and also home remedies, nagarmotha is used for various skin and hair care products. Here are a few of our favorites:
Below are some ways how you can use this ayurvedic herb for your skin:
1. Nagarmotha Oil
You can buy nagarmotha oil from any Ayurvedic store or make it at home. To make the oil, dry nagarmotha roots in the sun for a few days. Once dry, grind the roots into a fine powder. Add this powder to a base oil and heat it until the powder is dissolved. Store the oil in a dark glass bottle and use it as needed. Additional oils that mix well with it are:
- cypriol oil
- coconut oil
- castor oil
2. Nagarmotha Paste
You can make a paste out of nagarmotha powder and water. Apply this paste to the skin and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off the paste of nagarmotha powder with lukewarm water. The ayurvedic powder is also used as an herbal shampoo.
3. Nagarmotha Powder
You can use nagarmotha powder as a face pack. To make the face pack, mix nagarmotha powder with rosewater or milk. Apply this mixture to the face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
4. Nagarmotha Tea
You can also drink nagarmotha tea to reap its benefits. To make the tea, add 1 teaspoon of nagarmotha powder to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day.
5. Nagarmotha Soap
You can also buy nagarmotha soap from any Ayurvedic store or make it at home. To make the soap, mix nagarmotha powder with glycerin and water. Pour this mixture into a mold and leave it to harden. Use this soap twice a day for the best results.
Precautions
Nagarmotha is generally safe for most people when used in small amounts. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you experience these side effects, stop using nagarmotha and consult your doctor.
It is advisable to do a patch test before using nagarmotha or any other product containing this herb. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a small area of skin. If you experience any irritation, swelling, or redness, stop using the product.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using nagarmotha. There is not enough research to determine if it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
If you are suffering from any medical condition, consult your doctor before using nagarmotha.
Nagarmotha is an ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. This herb has a wide range of benefits for the skin, hair, and overall health. Nagarmotha can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also help to reduce the appearance of scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. Furthermore, nagarmotha has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to treat skin allergies.
If you are interested in using nagarmotha for its benefits, you can purchase it from any Ayurvedic store or make it at home. I hope this article on nagarmotha was helpful. Do let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.