Couch Grass

Agropyron repens, cutch, dog-grass, durfa grass, Elymus repens, Graminis rhizome, quack grass, quickgrass, quitch grass, Scotch quelch, triticum, twitch grass, wheat grass

Couch grass contains the carbohydrate triticin, mucilages, sugar alcohols, soluble silicic acid, and volatile oils. The essential oil has an antimicrobial effect. Couch grass may also have a mild diuretic effect, probably a result of its sugar content. It increases urine volume when taken with water and prevents kidney stone formation. Dietary supplements of couch grass may use the rhizome, roots, and short

stems of the plant. Couch grass is available as capsules, liquid extracts, tablets, and teas, in products such as Aqua- Rid, Arcocaps, and Diuplex.

Reported uses

German Commission E has approved couch grass to help treat urinary tract infections. Couch grass is also used to prevent kidney stones, as a diuretic, and to treat inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and constipation as well as arthritis, bronchitis, the common cold, cough, fever, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and premenstrual syndrome.

Administration

• Liquid extract (1:1): 4 to 8 ml, by mouth, three times a day
• Tincture (1:5): 5 to 15 ml, by mouth, three times a day
• Tea: 6 to 9 gm per day; prepared by adding 3 to 10 gm of herb to 1 cup boiling water.

Hazards

Electrolyte depletion and rash are associated with the use of couch grass. Herbal products prepared with alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.

Patients with edema from cardiac or renal insufficiency should avoid use. Pregnant and breast-feeding patients should also avoid use.

Clinical considerations

• Liquid extracts may contain between 12% to 14% alcohol. If patient has a history of alcohol abuse or liver disease or takes metronidazole or disulfiram, advise him to avoid using this form of couch grass.
• If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding, advise her to avoid the use of couch grass.
• Discourage use of couch grass in geriatric patients and children because its safety and efficacy in these groups is unknown.
• Patients using couch grass for urinary tract irrigation should drink plenty of fluids.
• Warn patient not to delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of couch grass and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.