Couch Grass (Quack Grass) (Agropyron repens)
Family: Poaceae
Parts commonly used: Rhizome and root.
Properties/energetics: Diuretic, demulcent, antimicrobial. Cold, moist; sweet.
Systems predominantly affected: Genitourinary.
Uses: Couch Grass, frustrating as it can be when thriving in one’s garden, is one of our major medicinal grasses. It is a valuable agent used in the treatment of an enlarged and/or infected prostate. Its demulcent action is very soothing when treating the inflammation and irritation of urethritis, cystitis, and prostatitis. It is also helpful to soothe the pain of passing kidney stones and gravel. For best results, drink lots of pure water when using diuretics.
Combinations: For all genitourinary infections, use with Yarrow, Bearberry, Dandelion, and Buchu. Combines with Saw Palmetto, Echinacea, Hydrangea, and Corn Silk for treating prostate infection and/or an enlarged prostate. As a tonic for treating kidney stones to keep fluid flowing, use with Gravel Root.
Affects on specific body types: A reasonable tonic for chronic kidney problems in Warrior types. Also useful for Seers with acute kidney irritation.
Preparations/dosage: Decoction: 1 cup three times a day. Tincture: 40 to 60 drops in water three times a day. If this herb smells a bit like vinegar, it is probably old; don’t buy it. You can use Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) as an efficient substitute.
By James Green, Herbalist, copyright 2008
For more information please refer to James Green’s book, The Male Herbal, 2nd Edition