Spring Grass

A genus of 18 species of perennial grasses, native to Europe, temperate Asia, and Africa. The S African A. drogeanum is fragrant while flowering, whereas the scent of A odoratum intensifies when cut and dried. Anthoxanthum odoratum is one of the first grasses to flower in Europe and temperate Asia, and is a major irritant to hay fever sufferers. The flowers are distinguished from most other grasses by having two stamens (not three) and yellow, rather than purple anthers, hence the name Anthoxanthum, from the Greek xanthos, "yellow" and anthos, "flower". Several species in this genus produce the scent of new-mown hay, because of the coumarin glycosides they contain. These break down to dicoumarol if cut grass becomes damp or is fermented. Dicoumarol is a toxic compound, used in rat poisoning but medicinally important as an anti-coagulant.

Native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa, this aromatic grass, which contains coumarin (a blood thinner) and benzoic acid (which gives it its newly mown hay aroma), is a potent allergen for many hay fever sufferers. However, a traditional remegy for an attack of hay fever is a tincture of sweet vernal grass made with spirit of wine (rectified ethyl alcohol), which is poured into the palm of the hand and sniffed heartily into the nose.

Tufted perennial grass with aromatic, short, narrowly lanceolate leaves and dense, compact, blunt flower spikes up to 3cm (1¼in)long, from spring to summer.


Common Name:
Spring Grass
Other Names:
Sweet Vernal Grass
Botanical Name:
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Genus:
Anthoxanthum
Family:
Poaceae
Location:
Europe, temperate Asia, Africa
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun. Can become invasive.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring; by division in autumn or spring.
Harvest:
Flowers are cut as they open and dried for ornament or tinctures.
Height:
18-50cm (7-20in)
Width:
12-30cm (5-12in)
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Flowers, Whole Plant
Properties:
An aromatic herb that stimulates the circulation and relieves pain and spasms.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally, and as a nasal lotion, for hay fever. Externally for painful joints, chilblains, nervous exhaustion, and insomnia.
To treat nausea, headaches, insomnia, and urinary tract infections.
Typical Dose:
There is no typical dose of sweet vernal grass.
Possible Side Effects:
Sweet vernal grass's side effects include headache and dizziness.
Drug Interactions:
Taking sweet vernal grass with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising:
Abciximab, (ReoPro)
Antithrombin III, (Thrombate III)
Argatroban, (Argatroban)
Aspirin, (Bufferin, Ecotrin)
Aspirin and Dipyridamole, (Aggrenox)
Bivalirudin, (Angiomax)
Clopidogrel, (Plavix)
Dalteparin, (Fragmin)
Danaparoid, (Orgaran)
Dipyridamole, (Novo-Dipiradol, Persantine)
Enoxaparin, (Lovenox)
Eptifibatide, (Integrillin)
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)
Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock)
Indobufen, (Ibustrin)
Lepirudin, (Refludan)
Ticlopidine, (Alti-Ticlopidine, Ticlid)
Tinzaparin, (Innohep)
Tirofiban, (Aggrastat)
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Supplement Interactions:
Increased risk of bleeding when used with herbs and supplement that might affect platelet aggregation.
Culinary Uses:
Dried leaves can be used for tea.
Economic Uses:
Dried flowers are added to floral arrangements and potpourris.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 124
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.448-449