Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

Family

Poaceae (Gramineae) (Gramineae)

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Bermuda Grass

Arabic Name(s)

enjil انجيل
nijil (najil) baladi نِجيل (نَجِيل) بلدي
theel ثيل

Hebrew Name(s)

yablit metzuya

יַבְּלִית מְצוּיָה

Life Form

Geophyte, Hemicryptophyte

Habitat

Batha
Desert
Phrygana
Shrub-steppes

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Dermatological	Dandruff/ hair loss	Anti-dandruff, Hair restorer	Decoct whole plant & rhizome in water, cool, filter & wash head x1/day.	Whole plant (Aerial parts + rhizome)	Z
Gastrointestinal	"Rheumatism in stomach" (meaning unclear but possibly stomach inflammation)	Anti-inflammatory	Cook rhizomes + barley grains in water & drink.	Rhizome	Z
Gastrointestinal	Cholelithiasis (stones/ gravel in biliary tract)	Anti-lithic	Prepare tea from rhizome & drink.	Rhizome	Z
Gastrointestinal	Digestive tract gas & inflammation	Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Demulcent	Decoct rhizome in water & drink x3 cups/day.	Rhizome	Z
Gastrointestinal	Stomach & intestinal pain & spasms	Anti-spasmodic, Carminative	Decoct rhizome in water; for baby drink x2 small teaspoons/day as needed.	Rhizome	Z
Gastrointestinal	Vomiting	Anti-emetic	Prepare tea from rhizome. (Admin. not specified.)	Rhizome	Z
Genitourinary system	Genitourinary tract inflammation	Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent	Decoct rhizome in water & drink instead of water.	Rhizome	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Diuretic	Diuretic	1. Decoct rhizome in water & drink instead of water. 2. Two preparations are used A & B: A. Cook rhizome + barley grains (Hordeum sp.) in water & drink x1 cup mornings. B. Prepare infusion of Boswellia sp.+ fennel (Foeniculum) + tailed pepper (Piper cubeba) & drink at noon after A.	Rhizome	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Kidney & urinary tract stones	Anti-lithic	1.Prepare tea from rhizome & drink alone or + barley grains, instead of water. (Z) 2. Kidney stones only: Boil 15 gm of roots in 0.5 L water for 10 min, filter & drink x4 cups/day until well. (B)	Rhizome	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Kidney diseases including renal ascites/ proteinurea	Renal	Decoct rhizome in water + barley grains (Admin. not specified.)	Rhizome	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary disturbances	Non-specific	Prepare tea from rhizome. (Admin. not specified.)	Rhizome	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary retention	Deobstruent	Boil 15 gm roots in 0.5 L water for 10 min, filter & drink x4 cups/day until well.	Root	B
Wound Healing	Heal external / open wounds	Vulnerary	Prepare compress of rhizome & apply.	Rhizome	Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

Cautions

Cynodon dactylon contains cyanogenic glycosides which can produce hydrocyanic acid under certain environmental conditions. Potentially toxic to livestock. Can cause contact dermatitis in humans.