Grass: properties. benefits and contraindications

What is grass and what is it used for?

The grass (Cynodon dactylon) is very prized in gardening for its rapid growth and resistance, superior to that of the grass. It is widely used to create green carpets in parks and gardens. However, it is very common also in natureon the margins of roads and crops, meadows and pastures frequented by cattle.

Has creeping stems and deep rhizomeswhich spread rapidly underground and to which it owes its great ability to regrow. It is only 40 cm tall and It blooms in summer and fall. The spikes of small purple flowers They are arranged in a fan, like extended fingers.

For medicinal purposes it is harvested the rhizome. This is very rich in potassium and contains carbohydrates -such as starch-, fructosanas -inositol-, starch and mucilage, of anti-inflammatory effect on urinary tract.

Properties of the grass and medicinal uses

It is indicated in genitourinary conditionssuch as urinary infections, oliguria or difficulty urinating, to improve fluid retention and edema, and as support to prevent kidney stones and promote their expulsion.It is also used in high levels of uric acid or urea, and against arterial hypertension. The grass has been indicated in hepatic and biliary disorders, combined with Plants that reinforce its action: knapweed, fumitory, barberry, milk thistle…Incorporates into mixes for liver inflammation and non-acute cholecystitis, stones in the gallbladder, food poisoning and intoxication.

How do you take the grass?

we found it in dry plant for decoction, tincture and liquid extract.

rhizome it has a pungent and strong taste. When preparing it as an infusion, it is advisable to submit it alone to a first cookingand then once shredded, boil it again with the rest of the plants.

So you can prepare various herbal formulas and home remedies:

Grass infusion to facilitate the elimination of urea

is combined with lespedeza, corn silk, devil’s claw and star anisein equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil four tablespoons per liter of water for 1 minute, rest for 10 and strain. It is drunk throughout the day.

grass tea for kidney stones

this infusion reduces kidney inflammation. To do this, mix equal parts of rhizome of ponytail grass, stonebreaker (Silene Saxifraga), red sandpiper (arena rubra) and star anise.

How to prepare it: Boil 4 tablespoons of the mixture per liter of water for 1 minute, let it rest for 10 and strain.

You can drink throughout the day.

Refreshing and invigorating infusion

Adding a sweet-tasting plant, the grass herbal tea can also become a refreshing and invigorating drink, instead of a sugary soft drink. It is advisable to combine it, for example, with oats and green anise or fennelin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil 2 tablespoons of the mixture per 3/4 liter of water for just 1 minute, let it stand for 10 more and filter.

Can store in the fridge andIf desired, add a few drops of lemon juice.

Grass Precautions and Contraindications

The grass is a potent diuretic. In case of hypertension, If you are taking diuretic drugs, you should consult your doctor in order to avoid interactions.The aerial part of the plant should be avoided, as it contains cyanogenic heterosides and has caused numerous cattle poisoning.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”