{"id":253237,"date":"2025-12-04T12:35:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T12:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=253237"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:14:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:14:39","slug":"couch-grass","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/couch-grass\/","title":{"rendered":"Couch grass"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":253252,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"e225736a-9c88-48df-9391-ab2bf14f923a","beyondwords_preview_token":"69d4bc26-3ac2-4509-83b9-18d8ca866c93","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[2031],"conditions":[685,701,699,695,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[786,28,527,1821,27],"western_action":[992,993,994,996,1005,1007,1008,1010],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1488,1495,1496,1494,1492],"writer":[1910],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-253237","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-antilithic","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","sense-salty","sense-sour","sense-sweet","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-demulcent","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-diuretic","western_action-expectorant","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-salty","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","writer-anneliese-lambeth-mansell","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20251101","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Couch grass soothes the urinary system","latin_name":"Elymus repens <\/span><\/i>syn. <\/span>Agropyron repens<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Poaceae","herb_summary":"Couch grass soothes irritation in the urinary tracts, promotes gentle diuresis, and supports kidney and bladder health. It can be used for UTIs, kidney gravel and stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).","key_benefits":"Diuretic\r\nAnti-inflammatory\r\nAnti-microbial\r\nDemulcent\r\nCystitis\r\nUrinary gravel and stones\r\nProstate enlargement ","how_does_it_feel":"Couch grass decoction is a dark golden brown colour. It smells sweet, rich, slightly salty, sour, citrusy and tangy, with an aroma that resembles a cake being baked or pasta boiling. The taste matches the smell, as it is slightly sweet but also salty and vaguely earthy. Initially, it feels really moist and hydrating in the mouth, as a result of polysaccharides, but leaves a dry, tacky sensation on the tongue, from the volatile oils. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThere is a slightly sour and acrid aftertaste in the throat, indicating the presence of some saponins. It feels heavy and nourishing as it moves down through the body, giving a sensation of grounding into the earth. It feels opening and relaxing, with a sense of slowing down. There is an opening of the lungs and a clearing of secretions, suggesting an expectorant action. Overall, couch grass is a pleasant decoction, which feels nourishing, grounding, expansive, clearing and soothing. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":253256,"hdif_image_2":253258,"hdif_image_3":253255,"hdif_video":"","sense":[786,28,527,1821,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_253256\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Couch Couch grass (Elymus repens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCouch grass is \u201cone of the most valuable of our indigenous remedies\u201d for urinary complaints (1). It is primarily <\/span>diuretic,<\/span><\/a> demulcent<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>antimicrobial<\/span><\/a>, soothing inflammation and irritation, and treating <\/span>urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a> (UTI's) such as cystitis and urethritis (2). It can also be used to both prevent and treat kidney gravel and <\/span>stones<\/span><\/a>, by supporting the breakdown and removal of metabolites (2). It is a useful addition to a spring tonic to help eliminate toxins via the kidneys (3). Couch grass is a valuable herb for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate (2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe mucilage content makes it soothing for the mucous membranes particularly those that it comes in contact with throughout the intestinal tract (4). This helps to clear heat and inflammation from the stomach, intestines, liver and gall bladder, soothing irritation throughout the digestive system (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDue to both the diuretic action, which eliminates metabolites and prevents build up in the joints; and the anti-inflammatory properties, couch grass can be used to support rheumatic conditions and gout (2,5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCouch grass is a mild <\/span>expectorant<\/span><\/a> and antimicrobial herb which can be used to treat ailments of the respiratory system. The anti-inflammatory actions help to soothe irritation in the lungs and calm irritating <\/span>coughs<\/span><\/a> (4). The expectorant action, which can be felt shortly after drinking, can help to clear mucus congestion from the lungs and throat (3).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_253258\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"517\"]\"Couch Couch grass (Elymus repens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCouch grass contains triticin, mannitol, inositol, glucose, silicic acid and silicates, and volatile oils (6,7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTriticin is a water soluble carbohydrate molecule with a similar structure to inulin (8). Triticin forms a mucilaginous layer when hydrated, which has a directly soothing effect on the gastrointestinal lining and urinary tract (2,7). Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, decreasing the water reabsorption from the kidney tubules and increasing urine output (9). Mannitol is absorbed whole from the gut and excreted largely by the kidney tubules (10). It is freely filtered into the kidneys, and is not reabsorbed into the blood, travelling the length of the tubules (11). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIts presence in the tubules means that extra water has to be retained in order to maintain osmotic pressure, increasing the fluid for excretion as urine (10,11). The diuretic action greatly increases the flow of the water portion of the urine, without, to the same extent, increasing the solid particle renal secretion (12). This makes couch grass effective when the urine is highly concentrated, with a high specific gravity, which is causing irritation of the mucus surfaces of the kidneys or bladder (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe saponins and vanillin are also diuretic, further supporting the elimination of waste, excess sodium and uric acid via the kidneys\u00a0 (3,10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAgropyrene is the main volatile compound present in the volatile oils of couch grass (8). It is one of the main active principles, which has been demonstrated to have broad antibiotic activity in laboratory studies (2,8). Other constituents in couch grass have antiadhesive activity against urinary pathogens, inhibiting bacterial attachment to human bladder cells by interacting with the bacterial outer membrane (13). It should be noted that this antiadhesive activity has only been demonstrated in isolated human bladder epithelial cells <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i>, and more clinical research is needed.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEnergetically, couch grass is considered cooling and moistening, aligning with the mucilage content and its demulcent action, respectively (1,5). It is a remedy for heat and irritation, suited to dry and atrophic tissue states (14). It is the mild stimulation of the liver and kidneys that assists in the elimination of heat and waste products (12). From an emotional perspective, couch grass can be helpful to smooth the way to make life changes more skilfully (15).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_253254\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Couch Couch grass (Elymus repens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn 1653, Culpeper credited Galen and Dioscorides for the information about couch grass in his <\/span>Complete Herbal<\/span><\/i> (16). This suggests couch grass has been used to support the urinary system, in a similar manner as it is in modern herbal medicine, since as early as 40AD. He wrote that \"it gallantly provokes urine, and easeth the kidneys oppressed with gravel, griping\u2019s of the belly, and difficulty of urine\" (16). The recommended mode of administration was to take \"for their morning\u2019s drink a draught of white wine, wherein these roots (being bruised) have been boiled\" (16). <\/span>\r\n\r\nDioscorides and Galen directly referenced its use in ancient Greek medicine, particularly for bladder and kidney afflictions (1). Dioscorides asserted that the root, taken in the form of decoction, was a useful remedy for suppression of urine and stones in the bladder (1). The same statements were made by Pliny, and are found in the writings of Marcellus Empiricus in the fourth century (1). The Cherokee people used it to treat bed-wetting, incontinence and urinary stones (4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAlthough couch grass was known to be an invasive, troublesome weed by farmers and gardeners, it was a highly valued herbal remedy of the time, with Culpeper concluding \"although a gardener be of another opinion, yet a physician holds half an acre of them to be worth five acres of carrots twice told over\" (16). Formerly known as <\/span>Agropyron repens<\/span><\/i>, and <\/span>Triticum repens<\/span><\/i> prior to that, couch grass appeared in the British Pharmaceutical Codex 1911 as a \"demulcent diuretic, employed in the treatment of catarrhal diseases of the genito-urinary tract, given in the form of a decoction and a liquid extract\" (17).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the early twentieth century more detailed accounts recorded couch grass as a useful remedy for pyelitis\u00a0(kidney infection), purulent cystitis, lithemia (high uric acid in the blood), dysuria (painful urination), strangury\u00a0(slow, painful urination), tenesmus (urge to urinate) and\u00a0haematuria (blood in urine) (12). It was also used in the treatment of both sub-acute and chronic\u00a0prostatitis\u00a0with enlargement, and because of its soothing properties it was valuable in\u00a0gonorrhoea (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was also taken to relieve obstructions of the liver and gallbladder, and considered a cure for jaundice (18,19). This action on the liver, combined with the diaphoretic action to reduce heat, accounts for the cooling energetics (1). It was due to this cooling action that is was used in the treatment of\u00a0fever by keeping up free secretion from the kidneys, assisting the elimination of heat, and waste products, and the reduction of excessive temperature (12). <\/span>Grieve recommended making an infusion by adding <\/span>25 g to 500 ml boiling water and consuming three cups a day (1). The decoction was made by adding 50\u2013100 g to 1000 ml water and then simmering it down to 500 ml (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTopically, the bruised root of couch grass was applied to fresh \"\u2019green\u2019 wounds to accelerate healing (16). During the food shortages and times of famine the seeds and rhizomes were used to produce a nutritious flour to replace wheat and other grains to make bread (10).\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"UrinaryUrinary system<\/h3>\r\nHoffmann lists couch grass as one of the all-round tonic remedies for the urinary system, along with <\/span>cleavers<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Galium aparine<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>yarrow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Achillea millefolium<\/span><\/i>) (2). Other notable kidney tonics are goldenrod (<\/span>Solidago virgaurea<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>horsetail<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Equisetum arvense<\/span><\/i>) (20). These tonic herbs nourish the tissues, have a toning effect on the smooth muscles of the bladder, and help to support the normal functioning of the organs and tissues (2,20).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCouch grass is one of the best demulcent diuretics. The demulcent action of the mucilage due to the polysaccharides soothes the mucous membranes, acting as an <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> agent to reduce inflammation (2). The mucilage soothes the entire urinary tract and it is useful in any inflammatory condition of the urinary system (3). Dysuria (painful urination) and\u00a0tenesmus\u00a0(urgent need to urinate when the bladder is empty) commonly indicate inflammation in the bladder or urethra, which is often due to infection (2). The diuretic properties of couch grass increase the amount of fluid passing through the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder, supporting the elimination of waste, metabolites, inflammation, heat and infection (14). Due to the diuretic action, couch grass is best consumed as an infusion or decoction, however taking a tincture in addition may increase the antimicrobial properties (1,7). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is effective for use in cases of cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy and kidney stones, especially when there is irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract (8,20). The silicic acid in couch grass is healing and strengthening for the urinary tract and sphincters, which is helpful for bedwetting and urinary incontinence (3,14).<\/span>\r\n

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)<\/h4>\r\nCouch grass is commonly incorporated in treatments for UTIs due to its diuretic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and tonic actions. In addition to the demulcent and diuretic actions, the antimicrobial action of the volatile oils make couch grass a useful herb for UTIs including cystitis, urethritis, and even pyelonephritis\u00a0(kidney infection)\u00a0 (12,20). Mechanical abrasion from microcrystals of calcium phosphate in the urine is one of the causative factors of the infection and inflammation in cystitis (2).The actions of couch grass promotes the excretion of urates, oxalates, calcium and phosphates (1). Couch grass is particularly valuable in the resolution of recurrent cystitis due to the toning effect on the smooth muscle of the bladder (20). <\/span>\r\n\r\nDuring a bladder infection, bacteria can linger in the small amount of urine that remains after each urination. <\/span>Bladder tonics help minimise this residual volume, enhancing the\u00a0 ability to empty the bladder and supporting the natural elimination of infectious agents (20). Bladder tonics can be of particular benefit in interstitial cystitis, where there is inflammation of the bladder wall but no observable infection. <\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditional recommendations for couch grass are an infusion or decoction as the preferred method of administration to mitigate the diuretic effect, however this may limit the availability of some constituents. The constituents with antimicrobial and antiadhesive actions have low water solubility and may only be present in alcohol extracts (7). In cases of infection, couch grass may be better suited to a tincture blend, or used in both a tincture and tea prescription simultaneously.\u00a0 In the treatment of UTIs, couch grass combines well with <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Althaea officinalis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>corn silk<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zea mays<\/span><\/i>), horsetail (<\/span>Equisetum arvense<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>bearberry<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Berberis vulgaris<\/span><\/i>) leaf. You can read more about UTIs <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Urinary stones<\/h4>\r\nExcessive uric acid (lithaemia), calcium, oxalic acid, and other breakdown products of metabolism in the blood can lead to urolithiasis, the formation of urinary stones (2,14). The crystalline sediment (gravel) and stone-like particles (calculi) can form anywhere in the urinary system (kidney, ureters, urethra, or bladder) causing pain and inflammation (2). Couch grass promotes the flushing of these metabolites via its diuretic action and is therefore both preventative, as well as a remedy for, urinary gravel and stones\u00a0 (3,21). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe demulcent and anti-inflammatory actions ease irritation of the urinary passages and provides relief in cases of gravel and stones (1). The German Commission E supports couch grass as therapy for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for the prevention of kidney gravel (22). There is some limited clinical evidence to support the use of couch grass in cases of renal and urinary stones - see <\/span>Research<\/span><\/i> section below. You can read more about kidney stones and herbal solutions <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n

Prostate<\/h4>\r\nUrinary hesitancy, straining and dribbling all indicate that some obstruction is inhibiting the free flow of urine from the bladder along the urethra, of which <\/span>prostate problems<\/span><\/a> are the most common cause in men (2). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, age-related, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland (20). The swelling obstructs the urethra and urinary flow, creating discomfort during urination and an inability to fully empty the bladder (20). The urine remaining in the bladder leaves the patient vulnerable to infection, bladder stones and kidney damage (20). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe anti-inflammatory, diuretic, tonic and antimicrobial actions of couch grass all support use in cases of BPH. Couch grass is also beneficial in the treatment of both sub-acute and chronic\u00a0prostatitis\u00a0with strangury (slow and painful urination), by reducing the inflammation causing the obstruction (12). <\/span>\r\n\r\nBoth BPH and prostatitis can result in a hypotonic bladder due to the chronic urinary outlet obstruction, which, over time, weakens the muscles of the bladder. Bladder tonics such as couch grass can tone the muscles of the bladder and benefit the treatment both sub-acute and chronic\u00a0prostatitis and BPH (12,20).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal<\/h3>\r\nCouch grass is also recommended in gout and rheumatism due to the eliminative potential as a result of its diuretic action (1,20). Lithaemia is a state in which uric acid levels in the bloodstream exceed normal thresholds, potentially leading to gout, kidney stones, or other metabolic disturbances. Excessive uric acid in blood can form crystals in joints causing inflammation, joint pain, swelling and gout (2). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe diuretic action of couch grass clears toxins, metabolic waste and uric acid through the kidneys, which is both preventative and therapeutic for <\/span>arthritis<\/span><\/a> and gout\u00a0 (3). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory action is helpful in the treatment of a range of joint diseases\u00a0 (3).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/h3>\r\nCouch grass is an expectorant, soothing demulcent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb which can be used to treat <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a>, irritating coughs, whooping cough and laryngitis (4,15). The German Commission E has approved couch grass for the treatment of bronchitis and laryngitis (22). It will help clear mucus congestion through its soothing effect on the mucosa throughout the nose, throat and bronchi, and the silica has a healing effect on the lungs (3). It can be used for a sore throat and tonsillitis, combining well with <\/span>sage<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Salvia officinalis<\/span><\/i>) and pennyroyal (<\/span>Mentha pulegium<\/span><\/i>) (14).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_253253\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"519\"]\"Couch Couch grass (Elymus repens<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAs with so many of the traditional herbal remedies which have lost favour, there is minimal clinical evidence to support the use of couch grass. The indications are largely based on traditional use, <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> research into the plant constituents, and <\/span>in vivo<\/span><\/i> animal studies. Couch grass has demonstrated diuretic and <\/span>sedative<\/span><\/a> activities in rats and mice, and broad antibiotic activity has been documented for the constituent agropyrene <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Fluid extract of\u00a0Agropyron repens<\/i>\u00a0for the treatment of urinary tract infections or irritable bladder. Results of multicentric post-marketing surveillance<\/h3>\r\nThis post-marketing surveillance study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a fluid extract of <\/span>Agropyron repens<\/span><\/i> (Couch grass drops) in 133 patients with urinary tract infections or irritable bladder. For an average of twelve days patients were administered 50\u201360 drops (~3 ml), three times per day. Over the course of the therapy 69%\u201391% of the urological symptoms initially documented were relieved, with 32%\u201353% of the patients being completely symptom-free following treatment. The herbal treatment was tolerated very well, and there were no adverse reactions reported (23).<\/span>\r\n

Role of Agropyron repens <\/i>extract in treatment renal calculus in pediatric group<\/h3>\r\nThis prospective randomised controlled study investigated the efficacy of couch grass in decreasing the number and size of renal calculus in paediatric patients. The 50 children aged 5\u201314 years old were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (couch grass extract capsule, 5 mg\/kg) or control group. The treatment was dissolved in water, and administered every other day for 60 days. In the couch grass group, 88% of the patients experienced a significant decline in the number (P=0.001) and 92% a decrease in the size of the stones (P=0.003). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the control group only 8%, and 16% demonstrated a decrease in stone number and size, respectively. In the treatment group 78% demonstrated a reduction in renal colic, which was significantly greater than the 16% of patients in the control group (P=0.003). Haematuria and sepsis decreased in 86 % and 89% of the treatment group and only 24% and 13% of the control group (P=0.002, P=0.001). The study concluded that couch grass is an important herb for decreasing the number and size of renal calculus, and diminishes\u00a0 renal colic, haematuria and sepsis, without any side effects in paediatric patients (13).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Results of the effect of a food supplement containing Agropyron repens, <\/i>mannitol and magnesium on upper urinary tract stone volume and surface compared to placebo: the AMMOS study<\/h3>\r\nThis prospective, placebo\u2010controlled, two\u2010arm, randomised clinical study investigated the commercially available product, RENALOF\u00ae, a supplement containing couch grass extract (12 mg per capsule), mannitol and magnesium stearate. Patients with renal and\/or ureteral calcium oxalate stones were randomised to receive either RENALOF\u00ae (three times daily - at a total of 36 mg couch grass extract) or placebo, for three months. Stone volume and stone surface area was estimated from measurements on images obtained with 3 mm slice abdominal CT scans, at baseline and after the three month treatment period. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe treatment group had a statistically significant reduction in both stone surface and stone volume. The authors concluded that this first randomised controlled trial (RCT) on phytotherapy for upper tract stones provides solid evidence that RENALOF\u00ae is effective in reducing renal and urinary tract stone volume and stone surface area. It needs to be considered that the couch grass was not taken in isolation and the effect of the other constituents could be attributable to the findings (24).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The name, couch, derives from the Anglo-Saxon, <\/span>civice<\/span><\/i> (vivacious), due to its tenacity for life as the elongated, creeping underground stems proliferate rapidly (1). Even the tiniest fragment left in the soil will regenerate and spread swiftly, making the plant exceedingly difficult to eradicate once it has taken hold (1). The former name <\/span>Agropyron<\/span><\/i>, is from the Greek <\/span>agros<\/span><\/i> (field), and <\/span>puros<\/span><\/i> (wheat) (1).\u00a0<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":253262},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Couch grass is a fast growing, rhizomatous, perennial grass (28). The grass has pale, hairy sheaths on the lower leaves and flat green leaf blades, growing to around 40 cm long (29). It produces upright flower spikes which grow to 120 cm high in late summer (29,30). These densely flowered, two-rowed spikes of flowers, resemble those of rye or beardless wheat, composed of eight or more oval spikelets on alternate sides of the spike (1). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tiny flowers are yellowish-green, and are followed by golden seeds in early autumn. Each plant forms a dense network of pale yellow or straw-coloured rhizomatous roots, which spread rapidly (29). <\/span>","common_names":"