© Jan Kops, Flora Batava, Volume 7 (Deel 7), 1846 · Public domain (PD-old-expired) · Commons
Couch grass
Kriechende Quecke · (Elymus repens)
Grass family (Poaceae)
Description
Couch grass (also called twitch or quackgrass; synonyms Agropyron repens and Elytrigia repens) is a perennial grass reaching 50 to 150 centimetres in height. With the help of long, white, underground runners (rhizomes) it rapidly forms dense stands; the sharp-tipped runners can even penetrate wood and asphalt. This vigorous growth makes it a notorious garden and field weed, since a new plant grows from every severed rhizome fragment. The medicinal part is exclusively the washed, dried rhizome (Graminis rhizoma), used as a mild, traditional remedy for flushing the urinary tract. The commercial material consists of shiny, yellowish-brown, hollow, longitudinally furrowed rhizome and stem pieces with a bland, slightly sweet taste.
- TeaRhizomeInternalTraditional use
Traditional herbal medicine for flushing the urinary tract as supportive treatment of minor urinary complaints and to help prevent kidney gravel. Its use is based exclusively on long-standing experience; the rhizome is attributed a diuretic (urine-increasing) and mildly antimicrobial action.
Preparation & dosage
Pour about 250 ml of boiling water over 3 to 6 g of comminuted couch grass rhizome, steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink as an infusion or decoction two to four times daily (daily dose 6 to 24 g). Drink plenty of fluid during use so that the flushing effect can occur. If symptoms persist for more than one week, consult a doctor.
- Dry amount
- 3–6 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — For use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. There are insufficient data for children under 12 years; use is not recommended.
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