What are the medicinal functions and effects of Plantago asiatica seed (Che Qian Zi) in traditional Chinese medicine?
Plantago seed is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, primarily referring to the seeds of Plantago asiatica. It has various medicinal properties and effects, including diuretic action, clearing heat and stopping diarrhea, clearing the liver to improve vision, clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm, and anti-inflammatory effects. Specific details are as follows:
1. Diuretic effect: Plantago seed has diuretic properties that help the body eliminate excess fluid, thereby improving symptoms such as edema, abdominal distension, and difficult urination.
2. Clearing heat and stopping diarrhea: Plantago seed can clear internal heat and is suitable for treating diarrhea, red and swollen eyes, and other symptoms caused by summer-heat and dampness.
3. Clearing the liver and improving vision: It is effective for eye symptoms such as tearing, redness, and soreness caused by wind-heat in the liver meridian, helping to improve vision.
4. Clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm: Plantago seed helps clear heat and phlegm from the lungs and is suitable for conditions such as cough with excessive phlegm or cough due to heat-phlegm.
5. Anti-inflammatory effect: Components in plantago seed have inhibitory effects on various bacteria and can be used to treat inflammatory diseases.
In daily use, it is important to follow medical advice and avoid excessive or inappropriate use to prevent adverse reactions. Pregnant women and individuals with weak constitutions should use this herb cautiously under the guidance of a physician.