wawstockGoosegrass(Eleusine indica) is a hardy annual grass native to Africa but now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions.
It is characterized by:
Flat, radiating seed heads (crowfoot shape)
Strong fibrous root system
Ability to grow in compacted soil
Narrow grass blades
Although often considered a weed in agriculture, it has traditional medicinal uses in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
Traditional Uses of Eleusine Indica
In various traditional medicine systems, Eleusine indica has been used for:
Fever management
Urinary support
Digestive disturbances
Wound washing (external use)
Mild inflammatory conditions
Most of these uses are based on ethnobotanical records rather than large clinical trials.
Potential Benefits of Eleusine Indica Tea
1.Traditional Fever Support
In some traditional practices, decoctions of Eleusine indica are used during febrile illnesses. Some laboratory studies suggest possible anti-inflammatory and mild antipyretic activity, but human evidence remains limited.
2.Diuretic Effect
Preliminary studies suggest Eleusine indica extracts may have mild diuretic properties. Traditionally, it has been used to:
Support urinary flow
Help manage temporary fluid retention
However, clinical confirmation in humans is still insufficient.
3.Antioxidant Activity
Research indicates the plant contains:
Flavonoids
Phenolic compounds
These compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity in laboratory studies.
4.Antimicrobial Potential
Some in vitro studies suggest antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi. However, laboratory findings do not automatically translate into proven clinical effectiveness.
How Eleusine Indica Tea Is Traditionally Prepared
Typically prepared as a decoction:
Wash fresh whole plant (roots included).
Boil a handful in 500 ml of water for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and allow to cool.
Dosage and duration vary widely in traditional use.
Safety Considerations
Because Eleusine indica is primarily known as an agricultural weed:
It may contain pesticide residues if harvested from roadsides or treated lawns.
Proper identification is essential.
Research on long-term safety in humans is limited.
Avoid use if:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Taking diuretics or blood pressure medication
Diagnosed with kidney disease
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal preparations.
Do not confuse:
Eleusine indica (grass species)
with
Galium aparine (cleavers herb)
They are botanically unrelated and have different phytochemical profiles.
Eleusine indica (goosegrass) has a history of traditional medicinal use and shows promising laboratory findings for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. However, strong clinical evidence in humans is still limited.
It should be approached as a traditional herbal preparation rather than a scientifically validated treatment.
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