Cyperus rotundus: Benefits, Uses and Toxicity, Plus a Detailed Guide to Selecting and Storing It

Cyperus rotundus is a traditional Chinese medicine, also known as nutgrass, xiangfuzi, and leigongtou. It is the dried rhizome of the sedge plant Cyperus rotundus, mainly produced in Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan and other places, and is generally harvested in autumn. So, what are the benefits and uses of the traditional Chinese medicine Cyperus rotundus? Is it toxic? How should it be selected and stored?

1. What are the benefits and uses of Cyperus rotundus?

1. Promoting qi flow and relieving depression: Cyperus rotundus has been a good medicine for promoting qi flow and relieving depression since ancient times. It can treat liver qi stagnation and relieve distending pain in the chest, hypochondrium, and epigastrium and abdomen.

2. Regulating menstruation and relieving pain: Cyperus rotundus is an essential medicine for regulating menstruation in gynecology. It can treat irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and lower abdominal distending pain, and it also has a certain effect on the uterus.

3. Antibacterial: Cyperus rotundus has an antibacterial effect. The volatile oil it contains has a certain inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sonnei.

4. Lowering blood pressure and strengthening the heart: Cyperus rotundus contains alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols and others, which can make blood pressure drop slowly, slow the heart rate, and strengthen the heart.

5. Aiding digestion and stopping vomiting: Cyperus rotundus has a relieving effect on people with indigestion and nausea and vomiting.

6. Cyperus rotundus also has effects such as anesthesia, reducing fever, lowering temperature, anti-inflammation, protecting the bronchi, and calming the mind.

2. Is Cyperus rotundus toxic?

Cyperus rotundus is generally not toxic, but note that, as a traditional Chinese medicine, every medicine has some degree of toxicity. Do not take it in excess or for a long time, otherwise it will consume qi and damage blood; in addition, people with qi deficiency and no stagnation, yin deficiency, or blood heat should not take Cyperus rotundus, and pregnant women should not take it either, otherwise there will be a risk of miscarriage.

3. How is Cyperus rotundus consumed?

Cyperus rotundus is generally taken internally as a decoction made by boiling it in water or as a powder made into pills. It can also be soaked in wine or water, brewed as tea, or cooked into porridge. Among these, Cyperus rotundus and mugwort leaf tea can treat heart qi pain, abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea; Cyperus rotundus and Chuanxiong tea can treat headaches caused by long-term qi stagnation; angelica and Cyperus rotundus soaked in yellow wine has the effect of soothing the liver and regulating menstruation; a decoction of Cyperus rotundus, Chuanxiong and brown sugar can stop bleeding and regulate menstruation; a honey drink of Cyperus rotundus and angelica is suitable for people with dysmenorrhea of the qi stagnation and blood stasis type; Cyperus rotundus and gardenia porridge can soothe the liver and regulate qi, clear heat and purge fire, relieve thirst, and stop diarrhea and dysentery; steamed squab with tangerine peel and Cyperus rotundus is suitable for patients with acute viral hepatitis with liver qi stagnation.

4. How should Cyperus rotundus be selected?

Cyperus rotundus is a traditional Chinese medicinal material with high medicinal value. When selecting it, first look at its appearance. Good Cyperus rotundus is mostly spindle-shaped, sometimes slightly curved, with a brownish or blackish-brown surface, longitudinal wrinkles, and slightly raised nodes; then look at its texture. Good Cyperus rotundus is relatively hard in texture; then taste it. Good Cyperus rotundus has a fragrant aroma and a slightly bitter taste. In short, when selecting Cyperus rotundus, those that are large, solid and firm in texture, brownish in color, and strong in fragrance are the best.

5. How should Cyperus rotundus be stored?

Cyperus rotundus is mostly dried in the sun for storage. It is generally kept in a dry container and placed in a dry, cool place. During storage, it should be aired and sun-dried regularly, and attention should be paid to preventing moisture and insects and removing mold and pests. If stored properly, it can be kept for two to three years, but storing it for too long will reduce its medicinal efficacy.