Couchgrass Root C/S (Agropyrum repens) 1 lb: C
This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Couch grass for 'Irrigation therapy for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and for the prevention of kidney gravel.' 'Daily dosage: 6 - 9 g of drug; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb decoctions and other galenical preparations for internal use. Note: For irrigation therapy, observe copious fluid intake. Action: The essential oil has an antimicrobial activity.' Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Diuretic demulcent. Much used in cystitis and the treatment of catarrhal diseases of the bladder. It palliates irritation of the urinary passages and gives relief in cases of gravel.' 'It is also recommended in gout and rheumatism. It is supposed to owe its diuretic effect to its sugar, and is best given in the form of an infusion, made from 1 oz. to a pint of boiling water, which may be freely used taken in wineglassful doses. A decoction is also made by putting 2 to 4 oz. in a quart of water and reducing down to a pint by boiling. Of the liquid extract ½ to 2 teaspoonsful are given in water.' 'Couch-grass is official in the Indian and Colonial Addendum of the British Pharmacopoeia for use in the Australasian, Eastern and North American Colonies, where it is much employed.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Couch-grass is diuretic and slightly aperient. It is an excellent agent in cases of excessive irritability of the bladder from any cause, lessening the frequency and pain of urination.' 'It is a very efficient agent in cystitis, and those forms of dysuria due to chronic cystic irritability. It is highly praised as a remedy for incipient nephritis, allaying irritation, congestion and inflammation.' 'Triticum is valued in pyelitis and other catarrhal and purulent urinary affections. It has been advised in gonorrhoea, chronic prostatitis with enlarged prostate, hematuria, and strangury. It is also recommended for its effects upon the renal secretion in gout, rheumatism, and jaundice. Infusion of triticum has long been used as a fever drink, and it has the well-merited reputation of preventing gravelly conditions. As a 'spring medicine,' for which it has been used by some, it is undoubtedly effectual in removing the broken-down material by way of the kidneys.' 'The infusion is the best form of administration. To prepare the infusion: 1 ounce of the underground stem (or so-called root) is infused for 1 hour in a pint of boiling water. When strained, and cool, it may be given in wineglassful doses several times a day. It may likewise be used in the form of syrup. Specific triticum is a reliable alcoholic preparation, the dose being from 1 to 20 drops, in water.' American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'It is a useful agent in pyelitis and in catarrhal and purulent cystitis. It