Wiregrass or Crabgrass is an annual weed which belongs to the plant family Gramineae or Poaceae. It grows to about 30-60 cm. high, branching at the base, prostate, and very smooth. The leaves are folded together, or flat bladed. The 2-7 or more spikes are mostly flat and erect. In this species,as seen in the picture above, one of the spikes is located a little lower than the cluster of spikes above. The grains are oblong, striated and reddish brown in colour. It grows along the roadside, and sometimes in the backyards, especially in warm places.
MEDICINAL USE:
*For deworming, cough, lung troubles, dysentery, heart problems, bladder and kidney stones, spleen
and liver complaints, and high blood pressure.
*Sprain, dislocation of bones and lumbago.
HOW TO USE:
*The decoction of the plant is recommended for deworming, coughs, lung trouble, dysentery, heart
problems, bladder and kidney stones, spleen and liver complaints, and a high blood pressure.
*The leaves can be applied externally as a poultice over sprains, dislocation of the bones, lumbago or
pain in the lower back region.
PARTS USED:
*The whole plant.
DOSE:
As recommended above.
Normal Dosage For:
Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day
A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp
1 litre = 7 or 8 cups