Overview

Eleusine indica, commonly known as Goosegrass, Yard Grass, or in Vietnam as Cỏ mần trầu, is a small annual herb belonging to the Poaceae (grass) family. In traditional medicine, especially in East and Southeast Asia, this plant has long been valued for its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional healers often describe it as “sweet and slightly bitter in taste, cool in nature,” with effects that help promote blood circulation, eliminate toxins, and support kidney and liver function.

Goosegrass typically grows in humid, sunny environments, reaching heights of 30–50 cm. It flowers from May to July and can be found across Vietnam’s lowland and mountainous regions. (Vietnam National Institute of Medicinal Materials)

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Traditional Medicine Uses

In Vietnamese and Chinese traditional medicine, Eleusine indica is considered a multi-purpose herb used to:

• Cool the blood and reduce internal heat

• Stop bleeding and relieve inflammation

• Treat high blood pressure, fever, and respiratory infections

• Promote urination, detoxify the body, and support liver function

• Soothe pregnancy-related symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety

In Malaysia, fresh Goosegrass juice is traditionally used for postpartum recovery, helping the uterus contract and promoting the elimination of lochia (post-birth fluids). In China, it has been used in formulas treating encephalitis, hepatitis, and urinary infections. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021)

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Scientific Findings in Modern Medicine

Modern pharmacological studies have identified several bioactive compounds in Goosegrass, including flavonoids, β-sitosterol glucosides, and palmitoyl derivatives, which contribute to its therapeutic effects.

1. Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Research published in Phytotherapy Research found that the C-glycosylflavones in Eleusine indica showed strong anti-inflammatory activity in mice with induced pneumonia. When administered at a dose of 600 mg/kg, the extract lowered fever comparably to acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and reducing PGE2 synthesis (PubMed, 2019).

2. Blood Pressure Regulation

A study comparing Goosegrass extract to Losartan (12.5 mg/kg) in hypertensive rats revealed that the plant had a similar blood pressure–lowering effect, potentially due to enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and vasodilation (Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2020).

3. Antibacterial Activity

Extracts from Eleusine indica demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting its usefulness in treating mild bacterial infections (Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2022).

4. Kidney and Liver Protection

Experiments on rats showed that Goosegrass extract helped maintain urea, creatinine, and electrolyte balance, similar to pharmaceutical controls, indicating renal protection. Additionally, studies reported reductions in ALT and AST enzyme levels, demonstrating hepatoprotective properties and the potential to regulate blood lipids by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL levels (Healthline, 2023; NIH Natural Products Database).

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Popular Herbal Remedies Using Goosegrass

1. For Hypertension:
   Crush 500g of fresh Goosegrass, squeeze out the juice, add a small amount of water and sugar, and drink twice daily (morning and evening).

2. For High Fever:
   Boil 120g of fresh Goosegrass with 600ml water until reduced to 400ml. Add a pinch of salt and drink throughout the day.

3. For Liver and Skin Inflammation:
   Combine 60g Goosegrass with 30g Gardenia seeds (Gardenia jasminoides), boil, and divide into several doses.

4. For Urinary Disorders:
   Mix 40g Goosegrass with 20g Plantain (Plantago major), 8g Gardenia seeds, and other herbs; boil and drink 2–3 times daily.

5. For Postpartum Recovery:
   In Malaysia and Indonesia, women drink Goosegrass decoction daily for 3–5 days after childbirth to cleanse the body and promote milk flow (Medical News Today, 2024).

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Precautions and Safety Notes

Although Eleusine indica offers many health benefits, improper use may cause adverse effects:

• Always wash the plant thoroughly before use, as it grows in soil that may contain bacteria or heavy metals.

• Avoid long-term or excessive consumption without medical guidance.

• Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease) should consult a physician before using herbal preparations.

• Herbal therapy should not replace prescribed medication for serious illnesses.

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Conclusion

Eleusine indica (Goosegrass) is a humble weed with remarkable medicinal potential. Both traditional knowledge and modern studies affirm its benefits for reducing inflammation, supporting liver and kidney function, and regulating blood pressure. However, like all natural remedies, it should be used responsibly under medical supervision.

As noted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, 2023), herbal medicine can complement but not substitute for evidence-based treatment — a reminder that even the most common plants can hold powerful healing secrets when used wisely.