Evidence supporting the use of: Cyperus rotundus
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cyperus rotundus (commonly known as nutgrass or purple nutsedge) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and various folk medicines. In these systems, it is often prescribed for gynecological issues, including menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). In TCM, Cyperus rotundus is referred to as "Xiang Fu" and is used to "regulate Qi" and alleviate pain associated with menstruation. Similarly, in Ayurveda, it is used for its purported antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties, believed to help with abdominal and menstrual pain.
However, scientific validation of its efficacy for menstrual cramps is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified possible antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models or in vitro, which may provide a rationale for its traditional use. Despite this, high-quality clinical trials in humans specifically addressing menstrual cramps are lacking. Thus, while there is a strong traditional basis for the use of Cyperus rotundus in menstrual pain, scientific support remains preliminary and limited. Most references to its use for menstrual cramps rely on ethnobotanical and historical sources rather than robust clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Cyperus rotundus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis