Couch Grass

Agropyron repens or Elytrigia repens

Couch grass is also know as Cutch, Scutch, Dog grass, Durfa grass, Witch grass, Twitch Grass, and Quack grass.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

It is a long creeping invasive weed that is found in the Americas, northern Asia, Australia, and Europe. It is a vigorous perennial that grow to about 3 feet in height and somewhat resembles rye or beardless wheat.

The grass has long creeping leaves that are flat and are rough on the upper surface. Its flowers are green and aligned in two rows in spiked form and appear in July and August. It can be harvested year around.

Couchgrass is one herb that you do not want to plant in your garden. It robs the soil of its nutrients and will taken over quickly and get out of control. Grow couch grass and containers and do not allow it to seed.

The grass is often eaten by dogs and cats when they don't feel.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* bronchitis

* laryngitis

* cough

* cystitis

* arthritis

* prostatitis

* jaundice

* rheumatism

* eczema

* prostate problems

PREPARATIONS:

The grass is available in tincture, liquid extract, and bulk herb.

Couchgrass can be used as a tea, decoction, and infusion.

Parts used: Rhizome, root, seeds

Collection: Rhizome is gathered in early spring or late summer/early autumn.

Constituents: Triticin, mucilage, silicic acid, essential oil, mannitol, potassium, saponins, glycoside, agropyrene

Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, anti-microbial, anti-lithic, tonic

Combinations: Couchgrass can be combined with Buchu, Bearberry or Yarrow to treat cystitis, arthritis and prostatitis.

It can be combined with Hydrangea for prostate problems.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Couchgrass is regarded as safe and as of yet no side effects reported.