Che Qian Zi
Plantago major
☯ TCM Properties
Damp
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (46)
Showing 1 of 46.
Botanical Description
Plantago major is a perennial herbaceous plant forming a basal rosette of broad, oval to elliptic leaves 5–30 cm long with prominent parallel veins and long petioles. Flowering stalks are leafless, 10–50 cm tall, bearing dense cylindrical spikes of tiny greenish-white flowers. Seeds are small, dark brown, and numerous (up to 20 per capsule). The plant is stemless except for the flowering scape.
Fields, roadsides, waste places, and disturbed habitats; widely naturalized throughout temperate and subtropical regions worldwide.
Plantago major is extremely common and widespread worldwide. It is considered an invasive weed in many regions outside its native Eurasia. No conservation concerns.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Che Qian Zi (plantain seed) is a cold-natured, sweet herb known for its diuretic, vision-supporting, and phlegm-clearing properties. It clears damp heat from the Bladder to relieve difficult, painful, or burning urination; settles Liver Yang rising to benefit sore, red, or light-sensitive eyes; and descends Lung Qi while transforming phlegm to ease cough with copious sputum. Its capacity to separate the clear from the turbid also makes it useful for watery diarrhea. Botanical name: Plantago asiatica.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.