What is grass and what is it used for?

The grass (Cynodon dactylon) is very appreciated in gardening for its rapid growth and resistancehigher than that of grass. It is widely used to create green tapestries in parks and gardens. However, it is very common also in natureon roadsides and fields, meadows and pastures frequented by livestock.

Has creeping stems and deep rhizomeswhich spread rapidly underground and to which it owes its great capacity to sprout. It is barely 40 cm high and blooms in summer and autumn. The spikes of 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-, fructosans -inositol-, starch and mucilage, anti-inflammatory effect in urinary tract.

Properties of 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 high blood pressure.
• The grass has been indicated in liver and biliary disorders, combined with plants that reinforce its action: lesser centaury, fumaria, barberry, milk thistle…
• Joins mixes for liver inflammation and non-acute cholecystitis, stones in the gallbladder, food poisoning and nausea.

How do you take grass?

We found it in dried plant for decoction, tincture and liquid extract.

The rhizome It has a pungent and strong flavor. When preparing it as an infusion, it is advisable to subject it alone to a first cookingand then once crushed, Boil it again with the rest of the plants.

This way you can prepare various herbal formulas and home remedies:

Grass infusion to facilitate the elimination of urea

It combines with lespedeza, corn beard, harpagofito 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. For this, rhizome of ponytail grass, stone breaker (Silene saxifraga), red sandwort (Arenaria 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 it throughout the day.

Refreshing and invigorating infusion

Adding a sweet tasting plantgrass tisane can also become a refreshing and invigorating drink, replacing 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 rest for 10 more and filter.

Can store in the refrigerator andif desired, add a few drops of lemon juice.

Precautions and contraindications of grass

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

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