Evidence supporting the use of: Couch grass
For the body system: Bladder

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Couch grass (Elymus repens, formerly known as Agropyron repens) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for supporting the urinary tract, including the bladder. Herbalists have historically used the rhizomes of couch grass as a mild diuretic and soothing demulcent, aiming to increase urine flow and reduce irritation in cases of urinary tract discomfort, cystitis, and inflammation of the bladder. The primary rationale behind its use has been its reputed ability to promote urination and flush out the urinary system, potentially reducing symptoms of infection or irritation. While couch grass is listed in several traditional pharmacopoeias and referenced in older herbal texts, clinical scientific validation for its efficacy in supporting bladder health is limited. Some phytochemical studies indicate that couch grass contains polysaccharides, saponins, and volatile oils, which may exert mild soothing and diuretic effects. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness for bladder health or to clarify its mechanism of action. Therefore, the use of couch grass for bladder support is mainly justified by tradition rather than strong modern scientific evidence, and its rating reflects the presence of historical use with limited direct scientific backing.

More about couch grass
More about Bladder