Here's some tea we can all grow in abundance !!! Obviously useful for people who wizz on their compost heaps, although not kind to worms. And if you happen to fall into a bed of nettles laughing at this blog, then cold couch grass tea is just the job to slap on yer legs. Brew and enjoy, Jean
Medicinal Uses
Antiphlogistic; Aperient; Demulcent; Diuretic; Emollient; Lithontripic; Tonic.
Couch grass is of considerable value as a herbal medicine, the roots being very useful in the treatment of a wide range of kidney, liver and urinary disorders[4]. They have a gentle remedial effect which is well-tolerated by the body and has no side-effects[238]. This plant is also a favourite medicine of domestic cats and dogs, who will often eat quite large quantities of the leaves[4]. The roots are antiphlogistic, aperient, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, lithontripic and tonic[4, 7]. They are harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use[4].A tea made from the roots is used in cases of urinary incompetence and as a worm expellent [222]. It is also an effective treatment for urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis[254]. It both protects the urinary tubules against infections and irritants, and increases the volume of urine thereby diluting it[254]. Externally it is applied as a wash to swollen limbs[222].
