Couchgrass Root
Agropyron repens
Also known as Witchgrass, Dog Grass, and Quack Grass
History: Today many gardeners find Coachgrass to be a noxious weed. However, the grass, originally a transplant from Europe, has a long history as a medicinal herb in North America. Both the Native Americans and the Pioneers who settled the American and Canadian west, used Couchgrass Root as a substitute for coffee and even grain, making a kind of bread from its flour.
Uses: cystitis, bladder desiease, urinary tract disorders, kidney stones, gall stones, gout, rheumatism.
Warning: Couchgrass Roots high have levels of soluble fiber, and can interfere with the body's ability to absorb oral medications.
Active Ingredients: Triticin, Sugar, Inosite, Mucilage, silicic acid, potassium, inositol, mannitol, glycosides
Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, anti-microbial, anti-lithic
Complementary herbs: Bearberry, Yarrow