--- title: "Couch Grass: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Its root (rhizome) is traditionally drunk as a tea to increase urine flow and help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/couch-grass/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Couch Grass Elymus repens T Traditional use Its root (rhizome) is traditionally drunk as a tea to increase urine flow and help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Couch grass is the creeping rhizome of Elymus repens, a common field weed. Similar to the EMA assessment of Graminis rhizoma, it is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. There is no reliable evidence that it removes kidney stones. **Parts used:** rhizome **Key constituents:** Triticin (Fructan), Mannitol, Essential Oil Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used to increase urine flow and help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. \[2\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Infuse or briefly simmer 3–5 g of cut rhizome in 150 ml of boiling water; drink plenty of fluids during the day. **Amount:** 3 times daily **Duration limit:** 2 weeks \[2\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 12 years - Do not use for swelling caused by heart or kidney failure. - See a doctor if fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in the urine occur. - See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week. - Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown; ask a doctor before use. \[2\] \[1\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Diuretic medicines, lithium | May affect fluid and salt balance; ask a doctor before combining. [1] | Moderate | ### Side effects - Rarely allergic reactions #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Couch grass is one of farmers' most stubborn weeds: it regrows from even a tiny piece of rhizome left in the soil. \[2\] ## Frequently asked questions Does couch grass dissolve kidney stones? No reliable study shows this. See a doctor if you suspect kidney stones. How is couch grass tea made? Infuse 3–5 g of rhizome in 150 ml of boiling water; drink 3 times daily with plenty of water. Does couch grass treat urinary infections? No. See a doctor for infection symptoms such as burning or fever. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products](https://escop.com/monographs/) ESCOP · 2019 ### Cite This Page Couch Grass (Elymus repens). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/couch-grass/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Corn Silk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/) T Traditional use Zea mays A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. 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[Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) T Traditional use Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Stinging Nettle](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/stinging-nettle/) T Traditional use Urtica dioica, Urtica urens Nettle leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and to relieve minor joint pain. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Birch Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/birch-leaf/) T Traditional use Betula pendula, Betula pubescens Birch leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, for 2–4 weeks. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Senna](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/senna/) A Strong clinical evidence Senna alexandrina A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.