Twitch. Triticum repens. Agropyron repens (Beauvais). German: Quecke. French: Chiendent. Spanish: Grama. Italian: Caprinella. Dried or fresh rhizome.
Constituents: volatile oil, Vitamin A.
Keynote: bladder and kidneys. This is the grass to which a dog is said to go instinctively when sick, hence its name – dog grass.
Action: Soothing demulcent diuretic for simple inflammation of the urinary tract. Uric acid solvent. Laxative. Urinary antiseptic. Nutritive, emollient. Anti-cholesterol.
Uses: Cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, painful and incontinent urination, liver disorder, renal colic, kidney stone, gravel, gout, rheumatism, backache. Reduction of blood cholesterol. Chronic skin disorders.
Combines with Hydrangea (equal parts) for prostatitis.
Herbal tea for kidneys and bladder: Couchgrass 15 per cent; Buchu 15 per cent; Wild Carrot 15 per cent; Bearsfoot 15 per cent; Alfalfa 45 per cent. 2 teaspoons to each cup water, gently simmer 5 minutes. Half-2 cups thrice daily.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Decoction. 2-3 teaspoons to each cup water, gently simmer 5 minutes. 1-2 cups.
Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose: 4-8ml.
Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 40 per cent alcohol. Dose: 5-15ml (1-3 teaspoons).
Powder. 250mg in capsules; 3 capsules thrice daily. (Arkocaps)
Kasbah remedy. Alpine herb teabags.
Antitis tablets (Potter’s) ... couch grass