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Nutgrass Rhizome (Cyperus)

향부자 (莎草根) · Cyperus rotundus L.
Qi-regulating herb Slightly cold Sweet Not specified in the source text
NatureSlightly cold
TasteSweet
MeridiansNot specified in the source text
Part usedTuber-like rhizome (jujube-pit-shaped knob on the root)
FamilyCyperaceae
CategoryQi-regulating herb
Find by concern: Menstrual painBloatingPremenstrual syndromeStress and tension

Overview

Hyangbuja is the knob-like tuber at the base of a sedge, said to resemble a jujube pit and also called "sparrow-head fragrance." The Donguibogam builds a whole theory around it: fragrance makes it move, bitterness makes it descend, so it "pushes out the old and brings in the new," and it governs diseases of qi. Quoting a later physician, it calls it the "immortal herb of women" — because women are prone to stagnation (鬱), and this herb disperses stagnation and clears stasis. The entry is also a small manual of processing: raw, wine, ginger juice, salt water, vinegar, each aimed at a different problem.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性微寒, 味甘, 無毒. 大下氣, 除胸中熱. 久服令人益氣, 能快氣開鬱, 止痛調經, 更消宿食.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is slightly cold, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It strongly brings qi downward and removes heat from the chest. Taken long-term, it helps a person gain qi; it can quicken qi and open stagnation, stop pain and regulate menstruation, and further dissolve old food stagnation.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Moves qi and opens stagnation
  • Relieves pain
  • Regulates menstruation
  • Dissolves old food stagnation

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Distension and stagnation from stressed qi
  • Menstrual pain and irregular cycles
  • Food stagnation and fullness

Traditional preparation

Harvested in the 2nd or 8th lunar month; singe off the bristles over straw fire and pound clean. Lightly fry for qi disorders, wine-simmer for blood disorders, ginger-juice simmer for phlegm, salt-water simmer for lower deficiency, vinegar-soak then fry for accumulated cold.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam records no toxicity. Its processing matters: the classics fry it raw, in wine, ginger juice, salt water, or vinegar depending on the problem, so material should be prepared appropriately. Painful or irregular menstruation should be evaluated rather than self-treated. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the "immortal herb of women"?

A cited physician explains that women’s dispositions tend toward stagnation (鬱), and this herb disperses stagnation and clears stasis — a classical explanation of why it is so often paired with menstrual formulas.

Why so many different ways of processing it?

Because the text matches processing to the problem: lightly fried for qi disorders, wine for blood disorders, ginger juice for phlegm, salt water for lower deficiency, vinegar for accumulated cold.

What does "pushes out the old and brings in the new" mean?

It is the cited explanation of its action: fragrant enough to move through stagnation and bitter enough to bring qi down, it clears what has settled and lets fresh circulation return.

Sources