Couch Grass
OTHER NAME(S): Ackerqueckeu003Cndbu003E,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, , u003Cndbu003EDog-grass, Doggrass, Durfa Grass, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, Elymus repens, Agropyron firmum, Agropyron repens, Elytrigia repens, Triticum firmum, Triticum repens, Hierba Rastrera, Chiendent
Overview
Couch grass is a grass that is an invasive weed. The leaves and roots are sometimes used to make medicine.
Couch grass is used for constipation, cough, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Extracts of couch grass might contain chemicals that reduce swelling (inflammation).
Extracts of couch grass might contain chemicals that reduce swelling (inflammation).
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Constipation.
- Cough.
- Bladder swelling (inflammation).
- Fever.
- High blood pressure.
- Kidney stones.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of couch grass for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if couch grass is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if couch grass is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if couch grass is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if couch grass is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if couch grass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Couch Grass overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of couch grass depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for couch grass. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Mascolo N, Autore G, Capassa F, et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory activity. Phytother Res 1987:28-31.
- Hagin RD. Isolation and identification of 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophan, major allelopathic aglycons in quackgrass (Agropyron repens L. Beauv.). J Agric Food Chem 1989;37(4):1143-1149.
- Viegi L, Pieroni A, Guarrera PM, Vangelisti R. A review of plants used in folk veterinary medicine in Italy as basis for a databank. J Ethnopharm 2003;89(2-3):221-244.
- Petrova AP, Krasnov EA, Saprykina EV, Subbotina YA, Ermilova EV. Chemical composition of couch grass and studies of its antioxidant activity in allergic contact dermatitis. Pharma Chem J 2009;43(1):48-50.
- Mason-Gamer RJ. Allohexaploidy, introgression, and the complex phylogenetic history of Elymus repens (Poaceae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2008;47(2):598-611.
- Ringselle B, Bergkvist G, Aronsson H, Andersson L. Under-sown cover crops and post-harvest mowing as measures to control Elymus repens. Weed Res 2014;55:309-319.
- Al-Douri NA, Al-Essa LY. A survey of plants used in Iraqi Traditional Medicine. Jordan J Pharm Sci 2010;3(2):100-108.
- Ballabh B, Chaurasia OP, Ahmed Z, Singh SB. Traditional medicinal plants of cold desert Ladakh-used against kidney and urinary disorders. J Ethnopharmacol 2008 Jul 23;118(2):331-9.
- European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv., rhizome. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2012/01/WC500120706.pdf