Notes from the Medicinal Grasses podcast

 

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.