Couch Grass (Elymus repens)



Family

  • Poaceae

Components

  • Potassium salts
  • Mucilages
  • Saponins
  • Tannins
  • Polysaccharides (fructans: fructose, inulin, triticin)
  • Polyols (mannitol, inositol)
  • Silicic acid, vanillic acid, malic acid
  • Traces of essential oils (agropyrene, thymol, carvacrol)

Parts used

  • The parts of the plant used are the rhizomes (harvested throughout the year) and the shoots.

Properties

  • Diuretic
  • Draining
  • Purifying
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiseptic
  • Anti-itching
  • Emollient
  • Hypoglycaemic
  • Antitussive

Excessive consumption may cause

  • Loss of potassium (due to the diuretic effect)
  • Stomach pain, cramps and diarrhoea

Contraindications

Not recommended for:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children due to lack of scientific evidence.
  • Allergy to plants of the Poaceae and Gramineae families.

Interactions

Use cautiously in people with:

  • Oedema associated with heart or kidney failure (always seek medical advice)
  • Hypoglycaemic treatment to avoid additive effect
  • Treatment with diuretics to avoid additive effects

How to use

  • Decoction: 20 to 30 grams of dried rhizome per litre of water, 2 to 3 cups per day.
  • Herbal tea/infusion: the equivalent of 1 tablespoon of the plant per cup of hot water, 2 to 3 cups a day.
  • Mother tincture: dilute 10 to 20 drops in a glass of water, 2 to 3 times a day (avoid at night)
  • Capsule: see product recommendations according to the dosage of the powder: 1 to 2 grams of powder in a large glass of water, 3 times a day (avoid at night)
  • Raw juice: You can add the buds and leaves to your homemade raw juice with an extractor.
  • Liquid extract: 10 to 30 drops, 2 to 4 times a day

It is advisable not to exceed a curing time of 4 weeks.