Herb: Shortawn
Foxtail
Latin
name: Alopecurus aequalis
Synonyms: Alopecurus
fulvus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Shortawn Foxtail:
The whole plant is antiphlogistic,
depurative and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of oedema, chickenpox and
snakebites.
Herb: Big
Bluestem
Latin
name: Andropogon gerardii
Synonyms: Andropogon
furcatus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family
Medicinal
use of Big Bluestem:
The plant is analgesic, carminative
and diuretic. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of
stomach-aches and flatulence. A tea made from the leaves is used as
a wash to relieve fevers and general debility.
Herb: Broomsedge
Bluestem
Latin
name: Andropogon virginicus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Broomsedge Bluestem:
A decoction of the roots is used in
the treatment of backaches. A tea made from the leaves is used in the
treatment of diarrhoea. Externally, it is used as a wash for frostbite,
sores, itching, piles and poison ivy rash.
Herb: Sweet
Vernal Grass
Latin
name: Anthoxanthu odoratum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Sweet Vernal Grass:
The whole plant, and especially the
flowering stems, is anticoagulant, antispasmodic and stimulant. It is normally
only applied externally, where it is used in the treatment of rheumatic pain,
chilblains, nervous insomnia etc. It is said that a tincture made from
this grass with spirit of wine is an effective and immediate cure for hay
fever.
Herb: Cane
Reed
Latin
name: Arundinaria gigantea
Synonyms: Arundinaria
macrosperma, Arundinaria tecta, Arundo gigantea
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Cane Reed:
The root is cathartic.
A decoction has been used to stimulate the kidneys and "renew
strength".
Herb: Giant
Reed
Latin
name: Arundo donax
Synonyms: Arundo
maxima
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Giant Reed:
The root is diaphoretic, diuretic,
emollient and galactofuge. An infusion is said to stimulate menstrual discharge
and diminish milk flow. A paste of the root is applied to the forehead to
treat headaches. Isolated alkaloids have been experimentally shown to raise the
blood pressure and contract the intestine and uterus. The rhizome or rootstock
is used in the treatment of dropsy. Boiled in wine with honey, the root or
rhizome has been used for treating cancer. The plant contains the alkaloid
gramine. This is said to be a vasopressor, raising the blood pressure in
dogs after small doses, causing a fall in larger doses. The stems have
been used as splints for broken limbs.
Herb: Wild
Oats
Latin
name: Avena fatua
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Wild Oats:
The seeds are diuretic, emollient and
refrigerant.
Herb: Hungarian
Oat
Latin
name: Avena orientalis
Synonyms: Avena
sativa orientalis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Hungarian Oat:
The seed is diuretic, emollient and
refrigerant.
Herb: Oats
Latin
name: Avena sativa
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Oats:
Whilst used mainly as a food, oat
grain does also have medicinal properties. In particular oats are
a nutritious food that gently restores vigour after debilitating
illnesses, helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood and also increases
stamina. The seed is a mealy nutritive herb that is antispasmodic,
cardiac, diuretic, emollient, nervine and stimulant. The seed contains the
antitumor compound b-sitosterol and has been used as a folk remedy for
tumours. A gruel made from the ground seed is used as a mild
nutritious aliment in inflammatory cases, fevers and after parturition. It
should be avoided in cases of dyspepsia accompanied with acidity of the
stomach. A tincture of the ground seed in alcohol is useful as
a nervine and uterine tonic. A decoction strained into a bath
will help to soothe itchiness and eczema. A poultice made from the ground
seeds is used in the treatment of eczema and dry skin. When consumed regularly,
oat germ reduces blood cholesterol levels. Oat straw and the grain are
prescribed to treat general debility and a wide range of nervous
conditions. They are of particular value in helping a person to cope with
the exhaustion that results from multiple sclerosis, chronic neurological pain
and insomnia. Oats are thought to stimulate sufficient nervous energy to help
relieve insomnia. An alcoholic extraction of oats has been reported to be
a deterrent for smoking, though reports that oat extract helped correct
the tobacco habit have been disproven. A tincture of the plant has been
used as a nerve stimulant and to treat opium addiction. In an article
riddled with errors, the Globe (February 28, 1984) reports that oat straw,
usually taken as a tea, is a sexual nerve tonic.
Herb: Water
WhirlGrass
Latin
name: Catabrosa aquatica
Synonyms: Glyceria
aquatica
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Water WhirlGrass:
A decoction of the plant has been used
as a stimulant and tonic.
Herb: Scurvy
Grass
Latin
name: Cochlearia officinalis
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal
use of Scurvy Grass:
The herb is antiscorbutic, aperient,
disinfectant, diuretic and stimulant. This plant was highly valued by sailors
of the past and was taken in the diet daily as a preventative for scurvy
on long sea trips. Applied externally, the bruised leaves are used to heal
ulcers. It is best used when fresh though it can also be harvested in late
spring or early summer and dried for later use.
Herb: Job's
Tears
Latin
name: Coix lacryma-jobi
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Job's Tears:
The fruits are anodyne,
anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hypoglycaemic,
hypotensive, sedative and vermifuge. The fruits are used in folk remedies for
abdominal tumours, oesophageal, gastrointestinal, and lung cancers, various tumours,
as well as excrescences, warts, and whitlows. This folk reputation is all the
more interesting when reading that one of the active constituents of the plant,
coixenolide, has antitumor activity. The seed, with the husk removed, is
antirheumatic, diuretic, pectoral, refrigerant and tonic. A tea from the
boiled seeds is drunk as part of a treatment to cure warts. It is also
used in the treatment of lung abscess, lobar pneumonia, appendicitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, beriberi, diarrhoea, oedema and difficult urination. The
plant has been used in the treatment of cancer. The roots have been used in the
treatment of menstrual disorders. A decoction of the root has been used as
an anthelmintic. The fruit is harvested when ripe in the autumn and the husks
are removed before using fresh, roasted or fermented.
Herb: Bermuda
Grass
Latin
name: Cynodon dactylon
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Bermuda Grass:
Bermudagrass is reported to be
alterative, anabolic, antiseptic, aperient, astringent, cyanogenetic,
demulcent, depurative, diuretic, emollient, sudorific, and vulnerary.
A decoction of the root is used as a diuretic in the treatment of
dropsy and secondary syphilis. An infusion of the root is used to stop bleeding
from piles. The juice of the plant is astringent and is applied externally to
fresh cuts and wounds. When mixed with the powder of a clove (Syzygium
aromaticum), it is used as an anthelmintic. Internally, it is used in the
treatment of chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also useful in the
treatment of catarrhal ophthalmia. The juice is also diuretic and is used in
the treatment of dropsy and anasarca. The leaf juice has also been used in the
treatment of hysteria, epilepsy and insanity. The plant is a folk remedy
for anasarca, calculus, cancer, carbuncles, convulsions, cough, cramps,
cystitis, diarrhoea, dropsy, dysentery, epilepsy, headache, haemorrhage,
hypertension, hysteria, insanity, kidneys, laxative, measles, rubella,
snakebite, sores, stones, tumours, uro-genital disorders, warts, and wounds.
Herb: Nut
Grass
Latin
name: Cyperus rotundus
Synonyms: Cyperus
hexastachyos, Pycreus rotundus
Family: Cyperaceae
(Sedge Family)
Medicinal
use of Nut Grass:
Nut grass is a pungent
bitter-sweet herb that relieves spasms and pain, acting mainly on the digestive
system and uterus. The roots and tubers are analgesic, antibacterial,
antispasmodic, antitussive, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic,
diuretic, emmenagogue, litholytic, sedative, skin, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
and vermifuge. They are used internally in the treatment of digestive problems
and menstrual complaints. They are commonly combined with black pepper (Piper
nigrum) in the treatment of stomachaches. The roots are harvested in the summer
or winter and are dried for later use. An essential oil in the tubers has
antibiotic activity and has been shown to arrest the growth of Micrococcus
pyrogenes. The plant is rated 8th amongst 250 potential antifertility plants in
China. The plant is used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Herb: Cock's
Foot
Latin
name: Dactylis glomerata
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Cock's Foot:
Reported to be oestrogenic. the plant
is a folk remedy for treating tumours, kidney and bladder ailments
Herb: Crab
Grass
Latin
name: Digitaria sanguinalis
Synonyms: Panicum
sanguinale
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Crab Grass:
A decoction of the plant is used in
the treatment of gonorrhoea. A folk remedy for cataracts and debility, it
is also said to be emetic.
Herb: Barnyard
Millet
Latin
name: Echinochloa crus-galli
Synonyms: Panicum
crus-galli
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Barnyard Millet:
Reported to be preventative and tonic,
barnyard grass is a folk remedy for treating carbuncles, haemorrhages,
sores, spleen trouble, cancer and wounds. The shoots and/or the roots are
applied as a styptic to wounds. The plant is a tonic, acting on the
spleen.
Herb: Japanese
Millet
Latin
name: Echinochloa frumentacea
Synonyms: Echinochloa
crus-galli frumentacea, Panicum frumentaceum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Japanese Millet:
The plant is useful in the treatment
of biliousness and constipation.
Finger
Millet
Latin
name: Eleusine coracana
Synonyms: Cynosurus
coracanus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Finger Millet:
The seed is astringent, tonic and
cooling. It is used in the treatment of fevers, biliousness and hepatitis. The
leaf juice has been given to women in childbirth, and the plant is reported to
be diaphoretic, diuretic, and vermifuge. The plant is a folk remedy for
treating leprosy, liver disease, measles, pleurisy, pneumonia, and small pox.
Wire
Grass
Latin
name: Eleusine indica
Synonyms: Cynosurus
indicus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Wire Grass:
The whole plant, but especially the root,
is sudorific and febrifuge. It is also used in the treatment of liver
complaints.
Herb: Couch
Grass
Latin
name: Elytrigia repens
Synonyms: Agropyron
repens, Elymus repens, Triticum repens
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Couch Grass:
Couch grass is of considerable value
as a herbal medicine, the roots being very useful in the treatment of
a wide range of kidney, liver and urinary disorders. They have
a gentle remedial effect which is well-tolerated by the body and has no
side-effects. This plant is also a favourite medicine of domestic cats and
dogs, who will often eat quite large quantities of the leaves. The roots are
antiphlogistic, aperient, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, lithontripic and
tonic. They are harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use.
A tea made from the roots is used in cases of urinary incompetence and as
a worm expellent. It is also an effective treatment for urinary tract
infections such as cystitis and urethritis. It both protects the urinary tubules
against infections and irritants, and increases the volume of urine thereby
diluting it. Externally it is applied as a wash to swollen limbs.
Herb: Cotton
Grass
Latin
name: Eriophorum angustifolium
Synonyms: Eriophorum
polystachyon
Family: Cyperaceae
(Sedge Family)
Medicinal
use of Cotton Grass:
The leaves and roots are considerably
astringent and have been used in the past as a treatment for diarrhoea.
Some native North American Indian tribes would eat the stems raw in order to
restore good health to people in generally poor health.
Whitlow
Grass
Latin
name: Erophila verna
Synonyms: Draba
verna
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal
use of Whitlow Grass:
The plant is astringent and vulnerary.
It is used as a treatment for whitlows.
Herb: Goosegrass
Latin
name: Galium aparine
Family: Rubiaceae
(Madder Family)
Medicinal
use of Goosegrass:
Goosegrass has a long history of
domestic medicinal use and is also used widely by modern herbalists.
A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as
seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in
serious illnesses such as cancer. The whole plant, excluding the root, is
alterative, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic,
febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary. It is harvested in May and June as it comes
into flower and can be used fresh or dried for later use. It is used both
internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments,
including as a poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin problems,
and as a decoction for insomnia and cases where a strong diuretic is
beneficial. It has been shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever,
ME, tonsillitis, hepatitis, cystitis etc. The plant is often used as part of
a spring tonic drink with other herbs. A tea made from the plant has
traditionally been used internally and externally in the treatment of cancer.
One report says that it is better to use a juice of the plant rather than
a tea. The effectiveness of this treatment has never been proved or
disproved. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside,
a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as
the plant dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like
compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus
of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry. A homeopathic remedy has
been made from the plant.
Herb: Grassleaf
Day Lily
Latin
name: Hemerocallis minor
Synonyms: Hemerocallis
graminifolia
Family: Hemerocallidaceae
Medicinal
use of Grassleaf Day Lily:
Anodyne, antidote, diuretic,
febrifuge. The juice of the roots is an effective antidote in cases of arsenic
poisoning. The root also has a folk history of use in the treatment of
cancer - extracts from the roots have shown antitumour activity. A tea
made from the boiled roots is used as a diuretic.
Herb: Holy
Grass
Latin
name: Hierochloe odorata
Synonyms: Hierochloe
borealis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Holy Grass:
A tea made from the leaves is used in
the treatment of fevers, coughs, sore throats, chafing and venereal infections.
It is also used to stop vaginal bleeding and to expel afterbirth. The stems can
be soaked in water and used to treat windburn and chapping and as an eyewash.
Some caution is advised when using this plant internally, see the notes above
on toxicity. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.
Smoke from the burning leaves has been inhaled in the treatment of colds.
Herb: Two-Rowed
Barley
Latin
name: Hordeum distichon
Synonyms: Hordeum
vulgare distichon
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Two-Rowed Barley:
Barley grain is an excellent food for
convalescence, either in the form of porridge or as a decoction of the
seed. It is soothing to the throat and provides easily assimilated nutrients.
It can also be taken to clear catarrh. Its demulcent properties soothes
inflammation of the gut and urinary tract. It is commonly given to children
suffering minor infections or diarrhoea and is particularly recommended as
a treatment for feverish states and in catarrhal affections of the
respiratory and urinary organs. Made into a poultice, the seed is an
effective remedy for soothing and reducing inflammation in sores and swellings.
Modern research has shown that barley may be of aid in the treatment of
hepatitis, whilst other trials have shown that it may help to control diabetes.
Barley bran may have the effect of lowering blood cholesterol levels and
preventing bowel cancer.
Herb: Barley
Latin
name: Hordeum vulgare
Synonyms: Hordeum
sativum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Barley:
The shoots are diuretic. The seed
sprouts are demulcent, expectorant, galactofuge, lenitive and stomachic. They
are sometimes abortifacient. They are used in the treatment of dyspepsia caused
by cereals, infantile lacto-dyspepsia, regurgitation of milk and breast
distension. They are best not given to a nursing mother since this can
reduce milk flow. The seed is digestive, emollient, nutritive, febrifuge and
stomachic. It is taken internally as a nutritious food or as barley water
(an infusion of the germinated seed in water) and is of special use for babies
and invalids. Its use is said to reduce excessive lactation. Barley is also
used as a poultice for burns and wounds. The plant has a folk history
of antitumour activity. The germinating seed has a hypoglycaemic effect
preceded by a hyperglycaemic action. Modern research has shown that barley
may be of aid in the treatment of hepatitis, whilst other trials have shown
that it may help to control diabetes. Barley bran may have the effect of
lowering blood cholesterol levels and preventing bowel cancer.
Herb: Hydrilla
Latin
name: Hydrilla verticillata
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
(Tape-grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Hydrilla:
Used in the treatment of abscesses,
boils and wounds, especially if there is debris in the wound. A dried
powder of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds to help accelerate healing.
Herb: Cogongrass
Latin
name: Imperata cylindrica
Synonyms: Imperata
arundinacea, Miscanthus arundinacea
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Cogongrass:
The flowers and the roots are
antibacterial, diuretic, febrifuge, sialagogue, styptic and tonic. The flowers
are used in the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. They are decocted and
used to treat urinary tract infections, fevers, thirst etc. The root is
astringent, antifebrile, antivinous, diuretic, emollient, haemostatic,
restorative and tonic. It is used in the treatment of nose bleeds, haematuria,
haematemesis, oedema and jaundice. The root has antibacterial action against
Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae etc. A decoction of the root
is used as an anthelmintic and also to treat digestive disorders such as
indigestion, diarrhoea and dysentery. The root bark is febrifuge, restorative
and tonic. Extracts of the plant have shown viricidal and anticancer activity.
Herb: Narrow
Leaved Peppergrass
Latin
name: Lepidium ruderale
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal
use of Narrow Leaved Peppergrass:
The plant is used in the treatment of impetigo.
An aqueous extract of the herb causes a drop in blood pressure and
depresses respiration.
Herb: Wild
Pepper Grass
Latin
name: Lepidium virginicum
Family: Cruciferae
Medicinal
use of Wild Pepper Grass:
The leaves of wild pepper-grass are
nutritious and generally detoxifying, they have been used to treat vitamin C
deficiency and diabetes, and to expel intestinal worms. The herb is also
diuretic and of benefit in easing rheumatic pain. North American Indians used
the bruised fresh plant, or a tea made from the leaves to treat poison ivy
rash and scurvy. A poultice of the leaves was applied to the chest in the
treatment of croup. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, cardiotonic and
diuretic. It is used in the treatment of coughs and asthma with excessive
phlegm, oedema, oliguria and liquid accumulation in the thoraco-abdominal
cavity.A poultice of the bruised roots has been used to draw out blisters. The
root is used to treat excess catarrh within the respiratory tract.
Herb: Giant
Wild Rye
Latin
name: Leymus condensatus
Synonyms: Elymus
condensatus
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Giant Wild Rye:
A decoction or infusion of the leaves
has been used as a wash for sore eyes. The dried leaves have been used to
scrape pimples from the underside of the eyelid.
Herb: Perennial
Ryegrass
Latin name: Lolium
perenne
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Perennial Ryegrass:
The plant has occasionally been used
in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, haemorrhages and malaria.
Herb: Darnel
Latin
name: Lolium temulentum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Darnel:
The seed is anodyne and sedative. It
is not actually the seed, but a fungus that is often found on the seed
that has the medicinal properties
Herb: Eulalia
Latin
name: Miscanthus sinensis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Eulalia:
The juice of young stems is used to
disperse poisons, dissolve blood clots, dissipate extravasated blood and remove
inflammation. The plant is diuretic and refrigerant.
Herb: Snake-Needle
Grass
Latin
name: Oldenlandia diffusa
Synonyms: Hedyotis
diffusa
Family: Rubiaceae
(Madder Family)
Medicinal
use of Snake-Needle Grass:
Snake-needle grass is
a pleasant-tasting cooling, alterative herb that lowers fever, reduces
inflammation, relieves pain and is diuretic and antibacterial. It acts mainly
on the liver and also stimulates the immune system. The whole plant is
alterative, anodyne, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardiotonic,
depurative, diuretic, febrifuge and sedative. The plant is harvested in the
summer and dried for later use. It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers,
coughs, asthma, jaundice, impure blood, urinary tract infections, acute
appendicitis, biliousness and cancers of the digestive tract. Externally, it is
used in the treatment of snake bites, boils, abscesses and severe bruising.
Herb: European
Millet
Latin
name: Panicum milliaceum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of European Millet:
The seed is cooling and demulcent. The
cooked seed is applied as a poultice for abscesses, sores etc whilst juice
from chewed seeds is applied to children's sores. The seed is also incinerated
and mixed with oil then used as a poultice that is said to heal sores
without leaving a scar. A decoction of the root is used as an
antidote to poisoning by Momordica spp, it is also used to treat haematuria in
women and as a bath for skin eruptions.
Herb: Grass
Of Parnassus
Latin
name: Parnassia palustris
Family: Parnassiaceae
Medicinal
use of Grass Of Parnassus:
The whole plant is astringent,
slightly diuretic, sedative, tonic and vulnerary. A decoction is
occasionally used as a mouthwash in the treatment of stomatitis. The dried
and powdered plant can be sprinkled onto wounds to aid the healing process. The
plant is harvested in the summer or autumn and can be dried for later use.
A distilled water made from the plant is an excellent astringent eye
lotion.
Herb: Pearl
Millet
Latin
name: Pennisetum glaucum
Synonyms: Panicum
glaucum, Pennisetum americanum, Pennisetum typhoideum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Pearl Millet:
The plant is appetiser and tonic. It
is useful in the treatment of heart diseases. The fruits have been rubbed on
open facial pimples in order to get rid of them.
Herb: Common
Reed
Latin name: Phragmites
australis
Synonyms: Arundo
phragmites, Phragmites communis, Phragmites vulgaris
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Common Reed:
The leaves are used in the treatment
of bronchitis and cholera, the ash of the leaves is applied to foul sores.
A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of cholera and food
poisoning. The ashes are styptic. The stem is antidote, antiemetic, antipyretic
and refrigerant. The root is antiasthmatic, antiemetic, antipyretic,
antitussive, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, lithontripic, sedative,
sialogogue and stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea,
fevers, vomiting, coughs with thick dark phlegm, lung abscesses, urinary tract
infections and food poisoning (especially from sea foods). Externally, it is
mixed with gypsum and used to treat halitosis and toothache. The root is
harvested in the autumn and juiced or dried for use in decoctions.
Herb: Moso-Chiku
Latin
name: Phyllostachys edulis
Synonyms: Phyllostachys
mitis, Phyllostachys pubescens, Sinarundinaria pubescens
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Moso-Chiku:
The leaves are used in the treatment
of arthritic inflammations. The sheaths of the stem are used in the treatment
of nausea and sour stomach.
Herb: Black
Bamboo
Latin
name: Phyllostachys nigra
Synonyms: Bambusa
nigra
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Black Bamboo:
The leaves are antipyretic and
diuretic. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially
infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds. The leave are harvested during
the growing season and dried for later use. The juice of the stems is antipyretic,
antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment
of lung infections with cough and phlegm. The sap is pressed from young stems
in the summer and then dried for later use. The epidermis of the stem bark is
antiemetic, depurative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of
vomiting, nosebleeds, coughs etc. The epidermis is collected from young stems
in the summer and is dried for later use. The root is astringent, antipyretic,
diuretic and styptic. It has been used in the treatment of rabies. The roots
are harvested in the winter and dried for later use.
Herb: Ha-Chiku
Latin
name: Phyllostachys nigra henonis
Synonyms: Phyllostachys
henonis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Ha-Chiku:
The leaves are antipyretic and
diuretic. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially
infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds. The leave are harvested during
the growing season and dried for later use. The juice of the stems is antipyretic,
antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment
of lung infections with cough and phlegm. The sap is pressed from young stems
in the summer and then dried for later use. The epidermis of the stem bark is
antiemetic and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of vomiting,
nosebleeds, coughs etc. The epidermis is collected from young stems in the
summer and is dried for later use. The root is astringent, antipyretic,
depurative, diuretic and styptic. It has been used in the treatment of rabies.
A decoction is also used in the treatment of high fevers and nocturnal
fretfulness in infants. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for
later use
Herb: Kurodake
Latin
name: Phyllostachys nigra punctata
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Kurodake:
The leaves are antipyretic and
diuretic. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially
infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds. The leave are harvested during
the growing season and dried for later use. The juice of the stems is
antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It is taken internally in
the treatment of lung infections with cough and phlegm. The sap is pressed from
young stems in the summer and then dried for later use. The epidermis of the
stem bark is antiemetic and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of
vomiting, nosebleeds, coughs etc. The epidermis is collected from young stems
in the summer and is dried for later use. The root is astringent, antipyretic,
depurative, diuretic and styptic. It has been used in the treatment of rabies.
A decoction is also used in the treatment of high fevers and nocturnal
fretfulness in infants. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for
later use
Herb
latin name: Pogantherum crinitum
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Pogantherum crinitum:
The whole plant is depurative,
diuretic and febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of urinary
tract infections, fevers due to influenza, jaundice and oedema.
Herb: Willow
Grass
Latin
name: Polygonum amphibium
Synonyms: Persicaria
amphibia
Family: Polygonaceae
(Buckwheat Family)
Medicinal
use of Willow Grass:
The whole plant, but especially the
root, is astringent, depurative, skin. An infusion of the leaves and stems has
been used to treat stomach pains and children with diarrhoea. The root has been
eaten raw, or an infusion of the dried, pounded roots used, in the treatment of
chest colds. A poultice of the fresh roots has been applied directly to
the mouth to treat blisters.
Herb: Annual
Beardgrass
Latin
name: Polypogon monspeliensis
Synonyms: Alopecurus
monspeliensis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Annual Beardgrass:
An infusion of the plant ashes has
been used in the treatment of heart palpitations.
Herb: Metake
Latin
name: Pseudosasa japonica
Synonyms: Arundinaria
japonica, Bambusa metake
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Metake:
Anthelmintic, antivinous, stimulant,
tonic.
Herb: Chishima
Zasa
Latin name: Sasa
kurilensis
Synonyms: Arundinaria
kurilensis, Bambusa kurilensis, Pseudosasa kurilensis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Chishima Zasa:
A potential cure for cancer has been
discovered in the leaf.
Herb: Foxtail
Millet
Latin name: Setaria
italica
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Foxtail Millet:
The germinated seed of yellow-seeded
cultivars is astringent, digestive, emollient and stomachic. It is used in the
treatment of dyspepsia, poor digestion and food stagnancy in the abdomen. White
seeds are refrigerant and used in the treatment of cholera and fever. Green
seeds are diuretic and strengthening to virility.
Herb: Green
Bristle Grass
Latin name: Setaria
viridis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Green Bristle Grass:
The seed is diuretic, emollient, febrifuge,
refrigerant and tonic. The plant is crushed and mixed with water then used as
an external application in the treatment of bruises.
Herb: Bermuda
Blue-Eyed Grass
Latin
name: Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Synonyms: Sisyrinchium
graminoides, Sisyrinchium montanum
Family: Iridaceae
(Iris Family)
Medicinal
use of Bermuda Blue-Eyed Grass:
The root is astringent. An infusion is
used to treat diarrhoea in adults and children. The leaves are eaten as
a cooked green to regulate the bowels. An infusion of the plant has been
used to treat stomach complaints and stomach worms.
Herb: Bermuda
Blue-Eyed Grass
Latin
name: Sisyrinchium angustifolium
Synonyms: Sisyrinchium
graminoides, Sisyrinchium montanum
Family: Iridaceae
(Iris Family)
Medicinal use of Bermuda Blue-Eyed Grass:
The root is astringent. An infusion is
used to treat diarrhoea in adults and children. The leaves are eaten as
a cooked green to regulate the bowels. An infusion of the plant has been
used to treat stomach complaints and stomach worms.
Herb: Sorghum
Latin name: Sorghum
bicolor
Synonyms: Andropogon
sorghum, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Sorghum:
The decoction of the seed is demulcent
and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of kidney and urinary complaints. The
inflorescence is astringent and haemostatic.
Herb: Smut
Grass
Latin name: Sporobolus
indicus
Synonyms: Sporobolus
africanus, Sporobolus capensis, Sporobolus diandrus, Sporobolus jacquemontii,
Sporobolus poiretii, Sporobolus pyramidalis
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Smut Grass:
The plant is used to enrich the blood,
reduce swellings and correct gonorrhoea. It is considered to be an
antifertility drug in some countries.
Herb: Sleepy
Grass
Latin name: Stipa
vaseyi
Synonyms: Stipa
robusta
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal use of Sleepy Grass:
The plant is hypnotic. It is used for
inducing sleep.
Herb: Green
Needlegrass
Latin name: Stipa
viridula
Synonyms: Nassella
viridula
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Green Needlegrass:
The plant has a narcotic effect
on the spinal cord and brain.
Herb: Water
Soldier
Latin name: Stratiotes
aloides
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
(Tape-grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Water Soldier:
The herb has had a high
reputation for treating wounds, especially when these are made by an iron
implement. It is applied externally. The plant is also said to be of use in the
treatment of St. Anthony's Fire and also of bruised kidneys.
Herb: Bread
Wheat
Latin name: Triticum
aestivum
Synonyms: Triticum
sativum, Triticum vulgare
Family: Gramineae
(Grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Bread Wheat:
The young stems are used in the
treatment of biliousness and intoxication. The ash is used to remove skin
blemishes. The fruit is antipyretic and sedative. The light grain is
antihydrotic. It is used in the treatment of night sweats and spontaneous
sweating. The seed is said to contain sex hormones and has been used in China
to promote female fertility. The seed sprouts are antibilious, antivinous and
constructive. They are used in the treatment of malaise, sore throat, thirst,
abdominal coldness and spasmic pain, constipation and cough. The plant has
anticancer properties.
Herb: Eel
Grass
Latin
name: Vallisneria spiralis
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
(Tape-grass Family)
Medicinal
use of Eel Grass:
The plant is aperitif, demulcent,
refrigerant, stomachic and is also used in the treatment of women's complaints.
The plant is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and is made into a tea
with Sesame (Sesamum indicum) to improve the appetite.
Herb: Indian
Basket Grass
Latin
name: Xerophyllum tenax
Synonyms: Helonias
tenax, Xerophyllum douglasii
Family: Melanthiaceae
Medicinal
use of Indian Basket Grass:
The roots are styptic. A poultice
of the chewed root has been applied to wounds. A decoction of the grated
root has been used as a wash on bleeding wounds, sprains and broken limbs.
The washed roots have been rubbed to make a lather and then used to wash sore
eyes.
