Blood Grass - Imperata (bai mao gen) - Health Benefits

Blood Grass - Imperata (bai mao gen) - Health Benefits

Imperata is a type of grass native to southeast Asia. It grows up to four feet in height, with leaves that taper off to a sharp tip. The surface of the plant is yellow white in color; when it dies, however, it turns dark red, which has given imperata the nickname "blood grass." The rhizome of the plant is used medicinally; it is harvested in the spring or autumn, cleaned, dried and then cut into small pieces.

In traditional Chinese medicine precepts, imperata has a cold property, and works on the Lung, Stomach and Urinary Bladder channels. It functions to cool the blood and stop bleeding, and to clear heat from the lung and stomach. Among the conditions it treats are vomiting; febrile diseases that cause excessive thirst; edema; dysuria; and bleeding. Imperata also has antibacterial properties.

The typical recommended dosage of imperata is 15-30 grams taken as a decoction, or 30-60 grams of fresh herb. The dosage may be adjusted depending on the condition(s) being treated. The American Herbal Products Association has given imperata a class one rating, meaning that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately. As of this writing, there are no known adverse drug interactions with imperata. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking imperata or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Couch grass - Agropyron repens

Couch grass - Agropyron repens 

Gramineae 
Elymus repens, commonly known as couch grass, is a very common perennial species of grass native to most of Europe, Asia, the Arctic biome, and northwest Africa. It has been brought into other mild northern climates for forage or erosion control.

Other names include twitch, quick grass, quitch grass (also just quitch), dog grass, quackgrass, scutch grass, and witchgrass.

While many herbs are popular for liver and colon health, the best herbs for kidney maintenance are not as well known in Western medicine. Those suffering nausea, loss of appetite, stunted growth, dry skin, sleep disorders, concentration problems, or puffy eyes should consider a kidney flush.

A vigorous perennial harvested throughout the year, couch grass is found on every continent except Africa. Couch grass contains polysaccharides (including triticin), volatile oil (including agropyrene), mucilage and other nutrients. Used medicinally since about 25 AD, couch grass increases urine production and treats urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis. Couch grass relieves and even partially dissolves kidney stones. Couch grass(considered an invasive weed in many areas) can treat an enlarged prostate. The fresh juice can treat liver problems such as jaundice. The root can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. Couch grass has diuretic, demulcent and antibacterial properties.