Mustaka Nutgrass Powder (Musta)

Mustaka-Cyperus rotundus

Mustaka or Nutgrass is a grassy shrub commonly found growing along rivers in India. This cooling, astringent, bitter herb is quite effective at treating and balancing damp (kapha) conditions. The aromatic tubers are used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease symptoms of PMS, from breast tenderness and bloating to depression and irritability. Because of its cooling nature, it is especially balancing for people who tend towards a pitta (hot, driven) constitution.  It decreases liver congestion (thus supporting proper  metabolism of hormones), stimulates digestion without overheating it, and can calm inflammatory skin problems, such as eczema related to poor liver function.