Evidence supporting the use of: Couch grass
For the health condition: Blood in Urine

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Synopsis

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

Couch grass (Elymus repens, formerly Agropyron repens) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for urinary tract conditions, including hematuria (blood in urine). Historically, the rhizome of couch grass was valued as a soothing diuretic and demulcent, believed to promote urination and reduce irritation of the urinary tract. Herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries frequently recommend couch grass for ailments such as cystitis, urethritis, and kidney gravel, sometimes noting its role in alleviating blood in the urine due to its supposed soothing and cleansing effects.

Despite its historical use, modern scientific evidence to support couch grass for treating or supporting cases of hematuria is limited. There are some in vitro and animal studies suggesting mild anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, but robust clinical trials in humans for this specific indication are lacking. Most contemporary herbal monographs (e.g., European Medicines Agency, German Commission E) acknowledge its traditional use for mild urinary complaints but do not specifically endorse it for hematuria due to insufficient evidence.

In summary, while couch grass has a well-established traditional use for urinary tract issues, including blood in the urine, its efficacy for this purpose is not strongly supported by modern scientific research. The rating reflects moderate traditional support but a lack of robust clinical validation.

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