Medicinal Weeds In Ayurveda

Coco grass, Cyperus rotundus, is a medicinal weed that belongs to Cyperaceae family. It is the tuber of this plant that finds medicinal use in Ayurveda. Coco grass is effective in treating malabsorption syndromes as well as diarrhea, stomach pain and indigestion in children.

The tuber of coco grass after thorough cleansing is boiled in buttermilk and is given to serve this purpose. Alternatively, it can be cleansed, dried and powdered and can be administered along with honey.

Coco grass decoction is used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite and diarrhea in children.  15 – 20 gm of tuber is boiled in one glass each of milk and water to prepare this decoction.

Coco grass tuber made to a fine paste if applied on the breasts can increase  breast milk naturally. Dried and powdered tuber of coco grass if taken along with honey can treat diarrhea due to intestinal parasites. The tuber made to a fine paste along with buttermilk is used in the treatment for fungal infection of skin. This paste has to be applied twice daily for three months for complete cure.

As per ayurvedic texts, coco grass can be used to prevent ageing of skin . Hence it finds wide use in herbal anti-ageing creams and face packs.

Cuban Jute, Sida rhombifolia, belongs to Malvaceae family. The tuber of this medicinal weed is an excellent medicine to treat excess vata and all ailments related to it. It is also used to treat various heart problems and muscle cramps. Sida is used in all marma treatments also. The decoction of this herb has to be consumed twice daily for this purpose.

Cuban Jute is also used to treat burning feet and head ache. The decoction prepared by boiling its root in water has to be poured continuously for sometime on the affected area (dhara treatment). This should be repeated twice daily for one week to achieve better results.

The tuber of Cuban Jute is also used to treat white discharge, a common condition in women. 75mL of its decoction taken twice a day for two weeks can prevent white discharge. Dried and powdered roots if taken with honey and ghee can treat tuberculosis naturally.

The leaves of Cuban Jute are used in hair care also. The juice from its leaves is used as an herbal shampoo. This is also effective in treating dandruff and excess hair fall.

Cuban Jute and Coco Grass, though weeds, are used as powerful traditional medicines. They are used as active ingredients in many ayurvedic medicinal preparations.