It's Just Grass, Man..... (The Legal Kind!)

First off, my apologies for being late on this article... Summer here seems to throw everything off a bit, and quite honestly, I've been spending so much time in the herb garden I've lost track of anything happening indoors!

As we roll into June, time of plantings, first fruits and...of course...mowing the lawn, I was struck by the sheer variety of grasses that could be found in one tiny suburban yard. Now, you all know my stance on 'weeds are only misplaced plants', and I started wondering... How many of these grasses were actually beneficial herbs as well? So this month, I'm going to share a small taste of just a few of the many beneficial herbs in the grass family. Hopefully this will instill a bit of curiosity regarding this often overlooked, yet potential member of your herbal medicine cabinet, and you'll investigate even more.

Cautions! As with all herbs/natural medicines, please understand that these *are medicines* and should never be used without the consultation of a qualified Doctor or Homeopathic Practitioner. If you choose to gather your own grasses, be *certain* that you are familiar with the area from which you are taking the plant. Do NOT use grasses that have been exposed to chemicals, weed killers, fertilizers, or any other toxic substance!

Couch Grass (Elymus repens): Also known as Cutch, Dog grass, Quack grass, Quick Grass and Witch Grass.

Couch Grass has been used for centuries as a remedy for Bronchitis, Coughs, Colds, Fever, Sore throat, Urinary tract infections, Bladder infections, stones, Skin problems and Constipation. Acting as a diuretic by drawing water from the body, Couch Grass flushes the body while acting as an antimicrobial agent. As with any diuretic, make sure to drink plenty of water while undergoing treatment with Couch Grass.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Also known as Mare's Tail, Shave Grass, Bottlebrush, Pewterwort.

Horsetail has been used to treat Urinary Infections, Kidney Stones and Enlarged Prostate, as well as Lung/Bronchial problems and arteriosclerosis. The high content of silica in the plant made it a common treatment for lungs damaged by Tuberculosis, while its astringent properties offer benefits to treating stomach ulcers. Horsetail is also very high in vitamins and minerals; with the potential to be beneficial to those suffering anemia is taken as an infusion or tea. The herb also assists the body in the absorption of calcium and protect against fatty deposits in arteries. Today, most herbal uses for Horsetail are found in the cosmetic treatments for hair and nails.