Couchgrass (Dog Grass, Triticum)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Agropyrum repens
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Dextrose (simple sugar)
Gum (See Glossary)
Inosite
Lactic acid
Levulose (simple sugar)
Mannite
Silica
Vannilin

KNOWN EFFECTS

Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. If contaminated with ergot, causes constriction of blood vessels and muscular spasm of uterus.

Miscellaneous information:
Frequently contaminated with a poisonous fungus containing ergot. Discard ANY grass that has a black coating.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Protects scraped tissues. Is used as a nutrient. Treats bladder infections. Treats arthritis.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have liver disease. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS