Family Name: Poaceae
Botanical Name(s): Agropyron repens
Popular Name(s): Twitchgrass, Quickgrass, Doggrass
Parts Used: The rhizome
Habitat: Couchgrass is native to Europe.
Description: Couchgrass is an invasive weed with creeping
rhizomes which enable it to grow rapidly across grassland. Its stems
grow up to 120 cm bearing linear leaves which are 15-40 cm long and 1 cm
broad at the base. Its flower spikes are 10-20 cm in length and the
spikelets are with a length of 2-3 cm and breadth of 5-7 mm.
Uses: Couchgrass is used as a diuretic, demulcent and
anti-microbial agent. Its demulcent properties soothe irritation and
inflammation. It cures urinary infections such as cystitis, urethritis
and prostatitis. Combined with other herbs, Couchgrass is used to treat
rheumatism.
