Nagarmotha Oil | Cyperus scariosus
Nagarmotha, scientifically known as Cyperus rotundus, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent; moreover, it has played an integral role in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest documented herbal remedies in history. Consequently, the oil extracted from its roots remains a highly prized possession.
The Extraction Process
The process of extracting Nagarmotha oil is meticulous and time-honored. The roots of the Cyperus rotundus plant are harvested, thoroughly cleaned, and then subjected to a steam distillation process. This method ensures that the essential oil retains its purest form, preserving its therapeutic qualities.
Nagarmotha Essential Oil
Farmers in India grow the Nagarmotha plant as a shrub about two and a half feet tall, with a sleek green stem and flowers measuring two to eight inches. Many countries consider it a weed, even though its stem emits a distinct aroma and contains a pure white core.
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India, cultivate Cyperiol on a large scale, and it delivers an earthy, woody aroma that perfumers across the country use as a premium ingredient in many fragrances.
The essential oil comes from the plant's root through the steam distillation method; consequently, this process yields 0.075 to 0.080% cyperine, which serves as its primary constituent. Moreover, this oil displays a remarkable characteristic, as it can change both its color and fragrance. As it gradually shifts from a deep brown hue to a clear, transparent green, its scent simultaneously evolves from earthy to woody.
The Science Behind Nagarmotha Oil
Nagarmotha oil's therapeutic efficacy can be attributed to its rich chemical composition. It contains compounds such as cyperene, cyperotundone, and patchoulenone, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Botanical Name: Cyperus scariosus
- Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
- Plant Part Used: Roots of nagarmotha
- Country of Origin: India
- Integrants: sesquiterpene alcohols, sesquiterpenes, and sesquiterpene ketones
- Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils, insoluble in water
- Odor: Fresh, medicinal, and slightly woody with a strong herbal scent
- Refractive Index: 1.450–1.530
- Flash Point: 105.45°C