The inevitable doob

Cynodon dactylon commonly known as doob, durva or Doab is perennial grass and a very prevalent weed throughout Bihar as well as many other states of the country. It also has an important role in Hindu customs and is a part of many rituals. It can be seen growing over vast stretches of open land, alongside roads, in pots or for that matter wherever it finds soil. This stubborn weed is oftentimes not very easy to get rid of. But what if instead of getting rid of it we try to make the most out of this otherwise waste plant. Doob is believed to have many medicinal properties and has been traditionally used as a remedy for severe illnesses since ages. Being rich in certain secondary metabolites like flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides and alkaloids, different parts of the plant have different medicinal value. This grass has been used as a remedy of cough, diarrhoea, hypertension, stones, warts, vision disorders, dysentery, hemorrhoids, headache and snake bite among others in folk medicine systems. The juice of the plant is also used to stop bleeding from wounds. Other than its medicinal value, doob also has many other uses. Doob works as a natural, cost efficient mat in playgrounds and parks. Also in areas prone to flood and high velocity winds, it protects the soil from wind or water erosion by keeping tight hold of the soil using its roots.