Nagarmotha

What Does It Smell Like?

Nagarmotha smells like walking through an ancient temple after incense has burned down to ash—earthy, warm, and deeply grounding. Imagine wet soil after monsoon rain mixed with subtle spice and a whisper of something resinous. There's a faint sweetness underneath, almost like dried grass warmed by sun. It's not floral or fresh; it's the smell of deep earth, aged wood, and quiet meditation. Slightly bitter, never sharp—more like the scent clinging to your hands after handling sandalwood beads.

Origin & History

Nagarmotha comes from the rhizomes (underground stems) of Cyperus scariosus, a sedge plant native to India and other tropical regions. The rhizomes are sun-dried, releasing their essential oils naturally. Traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine have used it for centuries—it was valued as much for its fragrance as its purported cooling properties. The name itself reflects its status in ancient Sanskrit texts. Today, the essential oil is steam-distilled from these dried rhizomes, primarily harvested in India, and is occasionally synthesised to meet modern fragrance demand.

In Perfumery

Nagarmotha functions as a grounding base note and woody anchor, rarely the star but essential for depth. Perfumers use it to add earthiness without heaviness, to warm oriental compositions, or to amplify incense accords. It bridges between spice and wood beautifully, often appearing in niche fragrances exploring Indian heritage or meditative moods.

Pairs Beautifully With

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