Couch grass (Agropyron repens), also known as Dog Grass, is made of a constituent called triticin (a polysaccharide related to inulin). However, when water reacts to the breakdown of the herb, it also releases other elements. These elements include fructose, essential oils with polyacetylenes or carvone, saponins, mucilage, vanilloside, vanillin, phenolcarboxylic acids, sugar alcohols (mannitol and inositol), silicic acid, as well as silicates.
Although there is a general perception that grass is only beneficial for animals, human beings also find it useful. In fact, modern researchers have conducted studies that suggest that all grass contain rhizome which is used in many medicinal preparations. Researchers are, however, carrying out more researches on couch grass and more impressive health benefits are being revealed.
In traditional medicine, couch grass has been used as a diuretic, especially as cough medicine to relieve bronchial irritation. Lately, the antibiotic and demulcent abilities of couch grass have also become popular.
Some reports indicate that the herb was first used in Eastern Europe but currently, it is imported from Hungary, Albania, Romania, Hungary, and the Yugoslavian region.
Health Benefits of Couch Grass
Now, let’s take a closer look at the amazing things couch grass can do for your health.
Functions as an Energy Booster
The hustle and bustle of daily living can take a heavy toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Many people often find themselves feeling tired, anxious, stressed out, or overwhelmed. This can mean that they struggle to concentrate and have difficulty switching off. In many cases, some people resort to energy drinks for increased energy levels.
However, couch grass extract is an excellent alternative that can keep up a person’s energy levels naturally. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and suffer unexplained fatigue, the herb can also boost your energy levels. Simply extract the juice from 200 grams of couch grass. Mix the juice with Ragi flour and Suji Flour and serve with hot sauce. This actually serves as a powerful energy booster.
Combats Poisonous Toxins
Toxins are simply poisons produced by animals, plants, and organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They enter into the body via poisonous chemical, insect bite or sting. When these toxins are absorbed by body tissues and interact with the enzymes in the body, they can cause diseases. Toxins are known to frequently affect body organs like the lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines.
Thankfully, couch grass extract can act as a detoxification agent. Simply extract the juice of 100 grams each of couch grass and Paidi Patti leaves. Mix juice of both herbs with an equal amount of buttermilk. You can take it twice on a daily basis to eliminate toxins from the body.
Treats Skin Diseases
There is a range of skin conditions that affect humans and they vary in symptoms and severity. Some skin conditions are temporary while others last a long time. The most common skin conditions include acne, atopic eczema, impetigo, scabies, warts, psoriasis, hives, itching, cold sores, ringworm, and vitiligo.
To treat skin diseases, simply mix 10 grams of turmeric with some cow urine and 50 grams of couch grass extract. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, leave it for 30 minutes, and then take a bath with neem leaves steeped in hot water. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a qualified dermatologist or a medical doctor.
Alleviates Respiratory Issues
Respiratory diseases include conditions like common cold, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer. For people who are suffering from severe Laryngitis, couch grass can help clear the throat, eliminating phlegm.
Simply add 2 tsp of dried grass and 10 grams of pepper to 2 cups of water. Boil it in low flame for about 20 minutes. For best results, this herbal tea should be taken three times daily.
Treats Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in the ureters, kidneys, urethra, and bladder. However, most UTIs only affect the lower tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. Some of the symptoms of UTIs are bloody urine, rectal pain in men, pelvic pain in women, burning with urination, cloudy urine, and urine with a strong smell. In most cases, the infections are caused by bacteria and often treated with antibiotics.
Alternatively, you can try a herbal remedy like couch grass. The herb contains anti-diuretic properties that act as a clearing agent in the urinary tract. Simply soak 10 grams of couch grass and 10 grams of Amla in curd overnight. It should be eaten in the mornings for 2 weeks.
Treats Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or piles are inflammations that contain enlarged blood vessels in or around the rectum and anus. Sometimes, hemorrhoids do not present symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, they may include an itchy bottom, soreness and swelling around the anus, bleeding, a mucus discharge after passing stool, and a lump hanging outside the anus.
There are various treatment options for hemorrhoids and couch grass extract is one of them. Mix couch grass extract with a glass of milk. Taking this mixture for 2 weeks might reduce the pain around the anus.
Treats Women-Related Health Problems
While both men and women suffer from various health conditions, some health issues are more common with women. These health issues include menopause, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, menstrual issues, and pregnancy-related health conditions.
Herbs like couch grass can provide some relief for health problems linked to menopause, menstruation, and foul discharge from the vagina. Extract the juice of both couch grass and pomegranate leaves. Boil in 2 glasses of water in low heat. Drink this soup 2 to 3 times daily.
How to Make Couch Grass Tea
To prepare couch grass herbal tea for any health condition, add 2 teaspoons of the herb’s dried and cut root to a cup of water. Boil the herb slowly and let it simmer. To ensure that it works, the tea should be taken three times daily. The tea can soothe inflammations in the urinary tract, mucosal linings of the throat, and the stomach. It may also treat kidney-related infections. Couch grass can also be used in combination with other diuretic herbs.
Dosing
To appropriate dose of couch grass is dependent on a number of factors like the user’s health, age, and other health conditions. Currently, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to establish an appropriate range of doses for couch grass. So it is important to keep in mind that herbal remedies are not necessarily safe for everyone and dosages can be vital. Users of herbal products should ensure that they adhere strictly to relevant directions on product labels. Before using couch grass, it is also advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Side Effects of Couch Grass
Generally, there are no known side effects linked to using couch grass. However, couch grass may lower potassium levels and reduce blood sugar levels in some people. Since there is a limited amount of toxicological data on couch grass, pregnant women are advised to use the herb with caution and should consult their primary care provider before use.
Bottom Line
The leaves and roots of couch grass are used to treat an impressive range of health conditions, including hemorrhoids, bladder infections, UTIs, kidney diseases, respiratory disorders, menopausal symptoms, and skin conditions. The herb has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
Couch grass can be found at your local herbal or supplement store in extract, tablet, or capsule forms.
