Many gardeners consider couchgrass an invasive and unwelcome week, but in fact, couchgrass root has long been valued as a
. Pioneers who settled the American and Canadian west also used dried couchgrass root as a substitute for coffee and even grain, making a kind of bread from its flour.
Also known as "dog grass” by the ancient Anglo-Saxon name cwice (pronounced "kwitch"), organic Elytrigia repens is approved by Germany's Commission E (which, for Germany, is similar to the U.S. Food and Drug administration) in the treatment of urinary tract infections and numerous respiratory disorders as well as laryngitis.
Clinical studies of this common, yet rather remarkable natural herb (which, as a grass, is a true "herb") indicates that intake of the kind of soluble fiber found in couchgrass root can increase the number of friendly microbes in the gastro-intestinal tract while eliminating harmful ones. As such, couchgrass root is among those organic herbs that can stimulate immune function.
Medical authorities in Germany suggest a dosage consisting of between 5 and 10 milligrams of cut Elytrigia repens or dried couchgrass root in powdered form, taken as a tea with every meal.
Although some natural and
organic dried herbs can be toxic if not used properly or taken in the wrong combinations or by certain individuals, couchgrass root is not among these. However, because of its high levels of soluble fiber, this particular
organic bulk herb can interfere with the body's ability to absorb oral medications.
