Cyperus rotundus

Cyperus rotundus L.

Cyperaceae

  • Cocograss
  • Nutgrass
  • Purple Nutsedge
  • sa'adeh سعدة
  • גֹּמֶא הַפְּקָעִים
  • gome ha-peqa'im

Hemicryptophyte

  • Humid habitats

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses
 
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distribution and other botanical details.

Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Cyperus rotundus L.

Medicinal Complaints / Uses
System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use		 Activity / Interpretation Traditional
Preparation/ Administration		 Parts Used Source
Oral Health

Strengthen teeth

Anti-caries

Grind tuber into powder, mix + " `afs" (Galla halepensis) + "sheba" (Artemisia arborescens) + "gir armana" (Calamina, ZnO) + " 'ud el-karh" (Anacyclus pyrethrum) (See NOTES 1); add a little water, prepare paste & rub over teeth.

 Tuber Z
Respiratory

Cough & pneumonia

Anti-Infective, Anti-tussive

Boil whole plant (especially tuber & underground parts) in water & inhale steam.

 Whole plant (aerial parts+root/ tuber) Z
Ritual /Ceremonial

Incense (for churches & mosques)

Incense

Burn dried whole plant (especially tuber & underground parts) on coals in vessel; allow steam & smoke to fill air.

 Whole plant (aerial parts +root/tuber) Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

1. In the recipe to strengthen teeth Z identifies the ingredient "gir armana" as Calamina (ZnO). This word could not be found but it may refer to the Arabic word for calamine "kharseen" ( i.e. "khar" from Al-Ghar (mine) & "seen" from China). In the same recipe Z identifies the ingredient " 'ud el-karh" as Anacylus pyrethum. This name could not be found but the species is identified in Arabic as "aud el‘attas" or "akar karha".

Cyperus rotundus may lower blood sugar, slow blood clotting, increase secretions in respiratory/urinery/ gastric tracts, & possibly increase risk of seizures & slowing of heart rate.