Couch grass is one of the most significant medicinal plants for both humans and animals. It is the grass that dogs and cats actively seek out to eat.
Couch grass is at its most effective in the Spring, the rich mucilage content of the rhizome protects against ingested toxins and bacteria. It helps to regulate intestinal flora, soothes the epithelial cells lining the gut, and protects against gastric acidity. This helps to prevent inflammatory diseases by strengthening the immune system. Metabolic endotoxemia is thought to be a common cause of gastric upset in dogs (Matel et al 2021). The endotoxins are believed to be released by bad bacteria after the dog has eaten. These endotoxins are responsible for triggering chronic inflammation which in turn leads to an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, cancers, heart disease, and obesity.
The small molecules in Couch grass easily pass through the gut wall lining which enables this grass to be one of the most beneficial anti-inflammatory medicinal plants and extremely useful as an antidote for endotoxemia.
Couch grass has several secondary metabolites which can kill off the bad bacteria while in turn stimulating the appropriate immune response.
Next time your dog wants to eat Couch grass, just watch how carefully they select each blade.