Description
Very common, vivacious plant, 20-120 cm high; variable aspect; segmented, long, branched white rhizome. Glabrous and erect stems. Alternate, flat, thin, greyish-green leaves. Flowers are small and purple and show long spikes, formed by several spikes on both sides.
Couch grass is a perennial herb spread lengthwise Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. It invades very often cultivated land and spreads quickly harming the crops.
It is been known since ancient Greece where it was used to treat different diseases.
Part used
Rhizome.
Indications
- Kidney and urinary stones. Gout.
- Genitourinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis.
- Edema, oliguria.
- High blood pressure.
- It is also used in rheumatism, skin disorders, anemia, bone fracture recovery, unproductive cough, bronchitis or constipation.
- As a diuretic, it is normally used with horsetail. For kidney inflammations, with goldenrod and hawkweed.
Bibliography
- Real Farmacopea Española. Suplemento 1999.
- Jean Bruneton. Farmacognosia. 2ª Edición. 2001. Ed Acribia. S.A. Medicinales
