Alternative Medicine to Treat Cystitis and Urethritis
Elymus repens may be used as an alternative treatment to relieve disorders disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract such as Cystitis and Urethritis.
Elymus repens, synonym Agropyron repens, also known as Couch grass, Dogs Grass, Quack grass or Twitch, is widely distributed in North America, Europe, North Africa and North Asia. It is found growing wild in gardens and fields, particularly those with a clay soil. The fleshy white roots are spearlike with regular nodes of small rootlets every few centimeters. The roots can spread underground many tens of centimeters, and the bright green leaves may reach up to a meter in height.
It is not easy to find an Elymus repens enthusiast amongst gardeners as it has a bad reputation as an invasive and persistent perennial weed; in the past, however, Elymus repens was widely used as an herbal remedy to treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract such as cystitis and urethritis (infection and inflammation of the urethra).
Clinical studies
Scientific studies have shown that Elymus repens has diuretic and sedative effects in rats and mice, but there is a lack of clinical research assessing the medical effects of Elymus repens in humans. The Council of Europe classifies it as suitable for addition to foodstuffs in small quantities; indeed the French still do regularly make a tisane of Elymus repens root. In the past the dried, ground roots of Elymus repens have been added to bread dough, and it is still used today as fodder for livestock.
How to prepare Elymus repens herbal remedy yourself
To collect and prepare Elymus repens yourself, dig up the long roots in spring or early fall and wash them well. Cut out the thick sections of root between the nodes of rootlets. Dry these sections of root and store in an airtight container.
The easiest way to use Elymus repens as a herbal remedy is to prepare a decoction of the herb; gently simmer the dried root in water (do not boil hard) for thirty minutes, strain and discard the boiled roots. Take 4-8 grams of the dried root prepared in this way three times daily.
This pale straw colored fluid has a rather bland, but not unpleasant, taste.
Given the lack of scientific studies in humans, avoid using Elymus repens during pregnancy and lactation.
Elymus repens in commercial herbal preparations Elymus repens is included in many herbal preparations, such as “Femmeherb Cystaid” treatment for cystitis and “Napiers Uva Ursi Tea” for urinary tract infections or an irritable bladder. These are blends of several herbs including Elymus repens so be sure to read any warnings on these commercial treatments that include Elymus repens.
Although the scientific evidence today is inconclusive, Culpeper was in no doubt over the virtues of Elymus repens:
