Plantain ~ Plantago asiatica ~ Semen plantaginis

Plantain

Latin name: Plantago asiatica (often listed by horticultural name Semen plantaginis)

Family:  Plantaginaceae

Part used:  seed

Habitat:  China

Main constituents:  mucilage

Energetics:  sweet, cooling

Main herbal actions:   kidney and bladder tonic, general hepatic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, antidiarrheal, astringent, demulcent

Minor herbal actions: expectorant, hypotensive, hemostatic

Main medicinal uses: urinary tract infections, painful or scanty urination, conjunctivitis, photophobia

Minor medicinal uses: dysentery, edema

Preparations: pwd: 3-9 g qd

Contraindications: pregnancy, constipation

Toxicity: none known

Sources: http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h378.htm; http://alternative-medicines.com/herbaldesc3/plantai.htm