Also known as the nutgrass, cyperus is a small plant found throughout China. It usually consists of a single stem, with smaller, extremely long, thin green leaves that taper to a point. The rhizome of the plant is used in herbal remedies. It is harvested in the fall; after dirt and other fibrous matter has been removed, it is dried in the sun or steamed, then either smashed into pieces or cut into slices.
Cyperus has a slightly bitter taste. In traditional Chinese medicine, it serves two functions:
The recommended dosage of cyperus is 6-9 grams, used in a decoction. Some herbalists recommend slightly higher doses (up to 12 grams) depending on the severity of the condition being treated.
Cyperus is available either as a decoction or extract. Raw herb is also available in some Asian markets; it is often pan-fried with vinegar.
As of this writing, there are no known interactions or adverse effects associated with cyperus. The American Herbal Products Association has given it a class one rating, meaning that it is safe when used appropriately. However, you should always consult with a licensed health care provider before taking cyperus or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
A research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides early findings from the most recent (2022) survey on the use of complementary health approaches (CHA). The findings include data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which conducts interviews both by phone and in-person. The CHA results have been published in 2002, 2012 and again in 2022.
When learning traditional East Asian medicine, we are taught the four pillars of diagnosis: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. When it comes to palpation, there is often a quick mention of feeling the acupuncture channels, and then the focus moves on to pulse diagnosis. Little to no time is spent palpating the channels – or the skin for that matter.
Topical analgesics (TAs) are effective. In fact, the American Geriatric Society recommends the use of topical agents for localized neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain as a front-line measure. The benefit of TAs is their high compliance, ease of use, direct application to the painful site, and limited systemic cross-reactions. The real challenge is choosing the appropriate topical for each patient given the myriad choices available.
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