Musta (मुस्त), also known as Nut Grass or Cyperus rotundus, is a powerful Pitta-balancing, digestive, and detoxifying herb widely used in Ayurveda for its effects on skin, digestion, liver, and hormones. Classified as a Raktashodhaka (blood purifier) and Deepana-Pachana dravya (digestive stimulant), Musta is especially beneficial for skin conditions arising from liver dysfunction, poor digestion, or hormonal imbalance.
With its Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) tastes, Musta clears ama (toxins), reduces Pitta heat, and pacifies inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, pigmentation, and rashes. It also plays a key role in supporting women’s skin health by regulating hormonal cycles and menstrual-related breakouts.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Cyperus rotundus
- Common Names: Musta, Motha, Nut Grass, Purple Nutsedge
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Part Used: Rhizome (tuberous root)
- Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)
- Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
- Doshic Action: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha, can slightly increase Vata in excess
Skin Benefits of Musta
1. Purifies Blood & Detoxifies the Liver
Musta clears toxins from Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and supports liver function, which is crucial in addressing acne, eczema, pigmentation, and skin sensitivity.
2. Balances Hormones & Menstrual Skin Issues
By regulating Apana Vata and supporting the female reproductive system, Musta helps reduce hormonal acne, PMS-related breakouts, and skin changes around menstruation.
3. Cools Pitta & Reduces Inflammation
It’s Sheeta virya (cooling potency) pacifies excess Pitta, helping with redness, rosacea, inflammatory acne, and burning skin sensations.
4. Minimizes Oiliness & Tightens Skin
With its astringent rasa, Musta tightens tissues, reduces oil secretion, and helps shrink open pores, especially for Pitta-Kapha skin types.
5. Prevents Skin Infections & Fungal Outbreaks
Musta possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for skin infections, especially in humid or tropical environments.
Classical References
- Charaka Samhita: Describes Musta as Deepana, Pachana, useful in fevers, digestive disturbances, and skin conditions linked to toxins
- Ashtanga Hridaya: Highlights its use in skin rashes, diarrhea, and gynecological disorders
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Classifies it as Tridoshahara, mainly reducing Pitta and Kapha, and beneficial in Raktdushti (impure blood) and yoni vyapad (female disorders)
External Applications in Skincare
Although more commonly used internally, Musta can also be applied topically:
- Musta Face Mask: Musta powder + manjishtha + rose water for oil control and detox
- Anti-Acne Pack: Musta + neem + turmeric to reduce pustules and inflammation
- Menstrual Skin Soother: Musta + aloe + shatavari paste during PMS-related acne
- Cooling Body Ubtan: Musta + sandalwood + vetiver in summer or tropical weather
- Wound Healing Wash: Musta decoction used as a skin cleanser or bath rinse
Internal Use in Ayurveda
- Musta Churna: 1–3 g with warm water or honey, especially post-meal, for liver, digestion, and skin clarity
- Musta Kashaya (decoction): Taken in fever, acne flares, and Pitta aggravation
- Ayurvedic Formulas: Found in Mustadi Kashaya, Panchatikta Guggulu, and Chandraprabha Vati
- For Women’s Skin: Combined with Lodhra, Shatavari, and Ashoka to balance skin + hormones
Ayurvedic Remedies Using Musta
| Skin Concern | Home Remedy Idea |
|---|---|
| Hormonal Acne | Musta + lodhra + shatavari churna taken daily |
| Liver-Linked Pigmentation | Musta + manjishtha + turmeric decoction (internal) |
| Summer Rashes | Musta + chandan + rose mask |
| Excess Oil & Open Pores | Musta + multani mitti + tulsi + lemon water |
| PMS Skin Flare-ups | Musta + aloe + rose taken as herbal tea or paste |
Related Terms
- Rakta Dhatu
- Lodhra
- Shatavari
- Hormonal Acne
- Pitta-Kapha Skin
- Deepana-Pachana Herbs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Musta good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Musta purifies blood, reduces oiliness, and supports liver detox—making it excellent for acne and inflammation.
Q2: Can Musta be used for hormonal skin imbalances?
Absolutely. It regulates menstrual hormones, reduces Pitta heat, and is used in Ayurvedic gynecological and dermatological care.
Q3: Is Musta safe for daily use?
Yes, in moderate doses (1–3 g/day), Musta is safe for most constitutions. However, Vata types should combine it with moistening herbs.
Q4: How long before I see results on the skin with Musta?
Results may appear within 2–4 weeks of consistent use, especially when paired with diet and lifestyle for Pitta detox.