Cyperus

The blackish-red, somewhat top-shaped tubers are 3/4 to 1 inch long, 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, sometimes in a series of two or three, connected by an underground stem 1/8 inch in diameter and 1 to 2 inches long. Internally, the tubers are pale in colour, a transverse section showing a central column with darker points indicating vascular bundles. The dried tubers often bear the bristly remains of former leaves on their upper ends. The drug has a bitterish, aromatic taste, recalling that of Lavender. The odour of the fresh tubers has been likened to that of the Sweet Sedge, Calamus aromaticus.


Common Name:
Cyperus
Genus
Cyperaceae
Botanical Name:
Cyperus articulatus
Other Names:
Adrue, Guinea Rush
History
Some 500 - 600 species of rhizomatous, grass-like annuals and perennials belong to this genus, which occurs worldwide. It includes such plants as C. esculentus (Chufa or tiger nut), C. involucratus (umbrella grass), a popular house plant; and C. papyrus, the Egyptian paper rush. Many sedges contain volatile oils and astringent substances, used in perfumery and as remedies for digestive problems. The black tuber of C. articulatus (adrue) have a lavender aroma and are useful in treating nausea and dyspepsia. Cyperus longus (sweet galingale) was once used as a spice and made into aan aromatic tonic, but its uses are now limited to perfumery. Cyperus rotundus is a cosmopolitan plant of damp places, and is among the world's most invasive weeds. It is important in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Cultivation
Damp soil in sun. Subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation
By seed sown in wet soil in spring at 18 - 21°C (64 - 70°F); by division in spring.
Harvest
Rootstocks are lifted in summer or winter and dried for use in decoctions.
Hardiness
Z3 - 10;
Properties
A pungeant bitter-sweet herb that relieves spasms and pain, acting mainly on the digestive system and uterus. Tubers have a strong camphoraceous aroma when fresh, less when dried.
Tarot:
VII The Chariot
Habitat:
Wetlands marshes, swamps,
Medicinal Uses:
Carminative, sedative, very useful in vomiting of pregnancy
Preparation and Dosage:
A fluid extract is made from the tubers. Dose, 10 to 30 minims
Parts Used:
Tubers
Location:
North America, South America, and any marsh areas
Classification:
Reed and sedge
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Medicinal herbs Joseph Kadans, N.D., Ph.D.copyright © 1970 by Parker Publishing Company, Inc. pp. 22-23
Golden Book of American Wildflowers H. W. Rickett Copyright © 1964 by Western Publishing Company, Inc. pg. 36
Botanical.org, A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve
Encyclopedia or Herbs ~ Deni Brown ~ copyright ©2005 Dorling Kimbersley Limited. ~ pg 189.
The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra, Herbalist and Candis Cantin, Artist Copyright©1988 U.S. Games Systems Inc. Card VII