Botanical Index No. 310

Couchgrass, Quackgrass

elytrigia repens

Medicinal Actions

Anthelminthic, Antibacterial, Antiedemic, Antiinflammatory, Antiseptic, Decongestant, Diuretic, Herbicide, Litholytic, Sedative

Primary Conditions Treated

Demulcent Arthrosis Bacteria Bladder Stone BPH Bronchosis Calculus Cancer liver pylorus tonsil Cold Congestion Constipation Cough Cystosis Dermatosis Diabetes Dysuria Enuresis Fever Gout Gravel Incontinence Infection Inflammation Insomnia Kidney Stone Lithuria Mucososis Nephrosis Nervousness Pain Pharyngosis Prostatosis Rheumatism Sclerosis Stomatosis Stone Swelling Tonsilosis Urethrosis UTI Water Retention Worm

General Dosage

2–3 tsp chopped rhizome/cup water to 4 ×/day; 4–8 g rhizome as tea 3 ×/day; 5–15 ml rhizome tincture 3 ×/day; 4–8 ml liquid rhizome extract; 4–8 ml liquid extract 3 ×/day.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 1, 2b, 2c. “In view of its reputed diuretic action, excessive or prolonged use of couchgrass should be avoided since this may result in hypokalemia. The use of couchgrass during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.”. Irrigation therapy contraindicated in edema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency. Varro Tyler cautioned against self-medication for BPH. Whenever treating BPH, a practitioner should be involved. Base-line levels of PSA should be established before considering an herbal treatment.

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