Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Elymus repens

Plant Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Botanical Description:
Couch grass, scientifically known as Elymus repens, is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is also commonly known as quackgrass, dog grass, or witchgrass. Native to Europe and Asia, couch grass is now widely distributed across temperate regions of the world. It is characterized by its tough, creeping rhizomes that spread horizontally underground, producing erect stems and flowering spikes above the ground. The stems can reach heights of up to 1 meter and bear linear leaves with rough edges. Couch grass produces spikelets of flowers arranged in dense, cylindrical inflorescences. The plant is known for its tenacious growth habit and ability to thrive in various soil types, including poor or disturbed soils.

Introduction:
Couch grass has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Native American herbalism.

Couch Grass Tea: Prepare couch grass tea by steeping dried couch grass rhizomes or leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea and drink as needed. Couch grass tea can be consumed hot or cold and may be sweetened with honey or lemon, if desired.
Couch Grass Decoction: Prepare a couch grass decoction by simmering dried couch grass rhizomes or leaves in water for 20-30 minutes. Strain the decoction and drink as needed. Couch grass decoction can also be used topically as a compress.
Couch Grass Tincture: Couch grass tincture is made by macerating dried couch grass rhizomes or leaves in alcohol or glycerin to extract their medicinal properties. The tincture is then strained and diluted with water before consumption. Couch grass tincture can be taken orally.