Nutgrass Flatsedge Rhizome
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Qi Regulators
Nutgrass Flatsedge Rhizome
Latin:
Rhizoma Cyperi
Origin:
The rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperus hexastachyos, or Pycreus rotundus, a perennial herb, of the family Cyperaceae. Grown in tropical areas and along roadsides, sandy fields and cultivated ground in such countries as the Bahamas, Java, Samoa, China, Japan, Egypt, Sudan, Turkey, Iran, India, France and Venezuela.
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The plant grows to about 0.6 m by 1 m. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). The plant cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist or wet soil.
In China, it is produced in most areas but mainly in the provinces Guangdong, Henan, Zhejiang, Shandong, etc. Harvested in autumn, the hair and tassels are first removed from the rhizome, then the rhizome is dried in the sun for use when raw or after being fried with vinegar. Grind the rhizome into pieces for use.
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Also called Nut Grass Rhizome.
Properties:
Pungent, slightly bitter and slightly sweet in flavor, mild in nature, it is related to the liver, spleen and sanjiao (Three Warmers) channels.
Functions:
Soothes the liver, regulates qi, regulates menstruation and relieves pain.
Applications:
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1. To treat hypochondriac pain or abdominal pain due to stagnation of qi:
a) Distending pain in the chest and hypochondria due to stagnation of the liver-qi:
This herb is mostly used together with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), citron or trifoliate orange (Fructus Aurantii), etc., e.g., Chaihu Shugan San.
b) Epigastric pain due to retention of cold, stagnation of qi and attack of the stomach by liver-qi:
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This herb can be used together with lesser galangal (Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum), e.g., Liang Fu Wan.
c) Abdominal pain with cold hernia:
This herb is mostly used together with fennel (Fructus Foeniculi), three-nerved spicebush root (Radix Linderae), evodia fruit, etc.
2. To treat irregular menstruation due to stagnation of liver-qi, dysmenorrhea and distending pain in the breasts:
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a) Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation):
This herb is mostly used together with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), Chinese angelica, etc.
b) Distending pain in the breasts:
This herb is mostly used together with Chinese thorowax root (Radix Bupleuri), dried green orange peel, Mongolian snakegourd peel (Pericarpium Trichosanthis), etc.
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Dosage and Administration:
6-12 g.
Decoct this herb for oral administration. Its analgesic (pain relieving) power is enhanced if fried with vinegar.
Cautions on Use:
Nutgrass flatsedge is listed as noxious for California, Oregon and South Australia.
Reference Materials:
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'The Compendium of Materia Medica' :
"Distention and sensation of fullness due to fluid retention, abdominal distention with edema of insteps, beriberi, various pains in the chest and abdomen, limbs, head and eyes, teeth and ears, women's metrorrhagia, metrostaxis and leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, various ailments before and after delivery."
"Normalizing the functioning of the sanjiao (Three Warmers) and eliminating various types of stagnation. It is said that this herb is the general commander of qi troubles and the commander-in-chief of gynecological diseases."
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Toxic or Side Effects:
Modern Researches:
This herb contains a volatile oil with b-pinene, cyperene, a-cyperone b-cyperone and a-cyperol as its main ingredients. It also contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, etc.
The 5% nutgrass flatsedge extract can inhibit the isolated uteri of experimental animals by reducing their contractility and tension. Its volatile oil has a mild estrogen-like action. Its water decoction can reduce the tonicity of the intestinal canal and counter acetylcholine. The water solutions of its total alkaloid, glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic compounds have cardiotonic and hypotensive effects.
Nutgrass flatsedge oil can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and its extract can inhibit some fungi.
The plant is rated 8th amongst 250 potentential antifertility plants in China.
The plant is used in the treatment of cervical cancer., 百拇医药