Plantain Che[1] Qian[2] (zi[3]) "before the cart seeds" Sm Plantaginis
Plantago asiatica, P. depressa
Properties: sweet, cold
Channels: Liver, Kidney, Lung, Urinary Bladder
Functions: Promotes urination and relieves Lin Syndromes (UTI)
eliminates excess water via urination for diarrhea
clears heat from the Liver and brightens the eyes
lowers blood pressure
Dosage in decoction:5-10g
Caution: pregnancy and spermatorrhea
Comparative Ethnobotany:
The leaves of this herb, called Elephant Ear, are used by both Chinese and S'Klallam tribe Indians to treat wounds.
Fresh leaves are put directly on wounds.
Leaves are also used as a home remedy in the US to relieve itchy skin and bug bite.
References:
1. Lecture and notes from Pharmacopoeia III 1998. Dr. Li Jin,
OMD. p. 14.
2. S'Klallam herbalist. Interview June 2002.
This herb is the 12th stop on the Chinesetherapeutics.org tour of the Bastyr Chinese
Herb Garden. Click here to continue the tour.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Index