Cynodon dactylon – cut rhizomes

This rhizome has been used since ancient times in various pharmacopoeias for its gentle action on the digestive and urinary tracts. Its fibrous texture and richness in mucilage make it a renowned infusion base in traditional herbal medicines.

Description

Thick pieces of light brown, dry, woody rhizome. Herbaceous and slightly sweet flavor after a long infusion.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Couch grass, houndstooth couch grass, creeping grass
• Latin name: Cynodon dactylon
• Family: Poaceae (Grasses)
• Part used: Rhizome
• Shape: Coupe (large caliber)
• Origin: Europe, North Africa, subtropical Asia
• English name: Couch grass root
• German name: Queckenwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Rhizoma de grama
• Name in Italian: Rizoma di gramigna
• Name in Arabic: جذمور النجيل (Jadhmūr al-Najīl)

Main virtues

Often prepared as a decoction to accompany drainage phases or for digestive comfort, couch grass rhizome is also appreciated for its use in traditional spring herbal teas.

Main constituents

Polysaccharides (mucilage), triterpenes, mineral salts, silicic acid, fructans, essential oil (in small quantities).

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 tablespoons per 500 ml of water. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain before use.
• Infusion: possible, but less effective than decoction for this type of cut.
• Regular use: as a 7 to 10 day treatment, alternate with other draining plants.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• May interact with diuretic or hypotensive treatments.
• Not recommended in cases of edema linked to renal or cardiac insufficiency.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you are currently taking treatment.

History and origin

A plant of poor soils, couch grass is one of the most well-known herbs for its medicinal properties in rural medicine. Once considered a weed, its root has become a staple in spring cures and digestive maintenance.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: in kraft bags or loose in waterproof fibrous bags.
• Storage: dry, away from light and humidity.
• Appearance: thick, fibrous pieces, brown-beige in color.
• Odor: sweet, slightly herbaceous.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of rural ethnobotany
• Traditional European herbalism
• Ancient texts of popular herbal medicine

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