Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Couch-grass is diuretic and slightly aperient. It is an excellent agent in cases of excessive irritability of the bladder from any cause, lessening the frequency and pain of urination. It is a very efficient agent in cystitis, and those forms of dysuria due to chronic cystic irritability. It is highly praised as a remedy for incipient nephritis, allaying irritation, congestion and inflammation. Triticum is valued in pyelitis and other catarrhal and purulent urinary affections. It has been advised in gonorrhœa, chronic prostatitis with enlarged prostate, hematuria, and strangury. It is also recommended for its effects upon the renal secretion in gout, rheumatism, and jaundice. Infusion of triticum has long been used as a fever drink, and it has the well-merited reputation of preventing gravelly conditions. As a "spring medicine," for which it has been used by some, it is undoubtedly effectual in removing the broken-down material by way of the kidneys. The infusion is the best form of administration. To prepare the infusion: 1 ounce of the underground stem (or so-called root) is infused for 1 hour in a pint of boiling water. When strained, and cool, it may be given in wineglassful doses several times a day. It may likewise be used in the form of syrup. Specific triticum is a reliable alcoholic preparation, the dose being from 1 to 20 drops, in water.
Specific Indications and Uses.—Irritation of the urinary apparatus; pain in the back; frequent and difficult or painful urination; gravelly deposits in the urine; catarrhal and purulent discharges from urethra.