Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Couch grass (Elymus repens, formerly Agropyron repens) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. It has been primarily valued as a mild diuretic and for its soothing effects on the urinary tract, being used in conditions such as cystitis, urethritis, and kidney stones. When it comes to the gall bladder—specifically sluggish function or after removal—its use is based more on general traditional support for the liver and biliary system rather than on targeted effects.

Historical herbal texts sometimes included couch grass as part of mixtures intended to "cleanse" or "stimulate" the liver and gall bladder, but these claims were not strongly differentiated from its urinary tract uses. There is little direct traditional documentation specifically linking couch grass to gall bladder function, especially after cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). Modern herbalists may occasionally include it in formulas for general detoxification or support of the hepatobiliary system, but this is more extrapolative than rooted in a strong historical precedent.

Scientific evidence supporting couch grass for gall bladder health is lacking. No clinical trials or pharmacological studies have specifically investigated its effects on bile flow, gall bladder motility, or post-cholecystectomy symptoms. Therefore, while its use for this purpose is grounded in tradition, the rationale is weak and evidence supporting efficacy is minimal.

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