Nagarmotha Essential Oil, India

Nagamotha

Cyperus scariosus

Cyperaceae family

Grown and steam distilled in India, from the rootlets and rhizomes of the grass.

Also known as Cypriol

A beautiful base note--alternative or addition to patchouli and vetiver. Sublime smooth earthiness with a grassy overtone. Nagamotha has been used for many decades (at least) in much the same way as vetiver, to scent hair and clothes (saris).

Arctander says

Oil of Cyperus scariosis is an amber-colored or light brown viscous liquid of woody-earthy and very tenacious odor. The very first impression of the odor of this oil bears great resemblance to the odor-impression of the “oriental” cinnamon-frankincense complex; diffusive, dry, woody, slightly spicy. The overall body-note resembles that of Virginia cedarwood and vetiver oils, but towards the dry-out there is a strong similarity to vetiver in sweet-woody and rich undertones. Apart from an excitingly fresh top-note, this oil is distinguished by a firm uniformity in its odor throughout all stages of evaporation.

Blends well with bergamot, labdanum, patchouli, clary sage etc. Nagamotha is useful in perfumes or bases of the woody, oriental or dry-amber types, in heavy fougères, in hyacinth (with galbanum resinoid), in forest notes and in general as a fixative. In higher concentrations it will display its peculiar, soft-woody note and intriguing topnotes.

Battaglia doesn’t mention this oil as its traditional medicinal uses are as an herb or taken