Agropyron repens/Elymus repens
Poaceae
Common name: couchgrass
Habitat:
Indigenous to the temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere. Introduced to Greenland, S. America, Australia, and
New Zealand.
Botanical Description:
Parts Used: Rhizome
Energetics:i A bit sweet and bland, cold, moist
Constituents: ii
 Saponins
 Carbohydrates (3-8% triticin polysaccharide, 2-3% inositol and mannitol, 10% mucilage)
 Volatile oil (agroyprene), fixed oil
  carotene
 Minerals (silica, iron, potassium)
 Vanilloside
 Silicic acid and silicates.
Pharmacology:
 Agropyron is considered a saponin-based diuretic. iii
 Mannitol is used as a diuretic intravenously in acute oliguric renal failure. However, it is unlikely that
mannitol by itself plays a significant role in diuretic action of Agropyron, since its absorption from the gut is
poor, but similar sugar molecules may account for duiresis.iv
Medicinal actions:
 Diuretic, expectorant (Alschuler)
 Diuretic, demulcent, anti-microbial v, vi
Traditional medicinal uses: vii
 Genitourinary Conditions: Agropyren exerts a soothing, diuretic influence on the urinary system, greatly
increasing the flow of urine without stimulating actual renal secretion. It is used whenever urine has a high
specific gravity and irritation of the mucosa of the bladder or kidneys. Such conditions include pyelitis, hematuria
and catarrhal and purulent cystitis. Agropyron will soothe the irritation caused by gravel. As for functional
complaints, it is indicated in tenesmus and strangury (dysuria with interrupted urination in drops produced by
spasmodic musculature contraction of the urethra and bladder). Although not urinary complaints, gout, chronic
rheumatism and jaundice can be affected if any of the above conditions are concurrently present. Also, it has
been applied to reduce a fever through diuresis.
Current medicinal uses:
 Genitorinary Conditions: Couchgrass is most indicated in irritation of the urinary system manifested by frequent
urination and urgency with the passage of mucus and even blood. It is specifically indicated for intense burning
sensation and constant desire to urinate. Agropyron is also indicated in incontinence due to the following
conditions:
o Urinary infections such as cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis, particularly in combination with Agathosma,
Arctostaphylos or Achillea. viii
o Enlarged prostate due to its demulcent properties to soothe irritation and inflammation. ix Can be
combined with Hydrangea.x
o Gravel and kidney stonesxi
 PulmonaryConditions: It is a soothing expectorant and will reduce the irritation of dry, non-productive coughs. It
is best used as a tea or cold infusion and has a pleasant taste.
 Other uses: As a tonic diuretic, couchgrass has been used with other herbs in the treatment of rheumatism. xii
Current Reseach Review
 Search of Medline revealed no human trials as of 1/15/03
Pharmacy:
 Decoction:
o 2 tsp/cup water. Bring to boil, simmer x 10 min. Drink TID. xiii
o 5-20 g/day [1 tsp. =1.5g]
 1:5 tincture: 3-6 ml tid
Drug interactions:
Contraindications:
Toxicity: Agropyrens is well tolerated and no side effects have been reported.xiv
iHolmes,
P. The Energetics of Western Herbs. 1st Edition. Artemis press, Colorade, 1989. p 148
Wren, R.C., Potter’s New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preperations, Potter’s limited, England. 1988
iii Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. Verlag GmbH, Stuttgart, 1996. p. 255
iv Mills, S., Bone, K. Prinicples and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Churchill-Livingstone 1999 p 221
v Hoffman, D. The Wholistic Herbal, 2nd ed. Dotesios Printers, Ltd. 1986. p.187
vi Ellingwood, F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutic and Pharmacognosy. Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Chicago. 1919 p. 430
vii Ibid, p.430
viii Hoffman, D. The Wholistic Herbal, 2nd ed. Dotesios Printers, Ltd. 1986. p.187
ix Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. Verlag GmbH, Stuttgart, 1996. p. 255
x Hoffman, D. The Wholistic Herbal, 2nd ed. Dotesios Printers, Ltd. 1986. p.187
xi Ibid, p.187
xii Ibid, p.187
xiii Ibid, p.187
xiv Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. Verlag GmbH, Stuttgart, 1996. p. 255
ii