The Efficacy and Functions of Plantain Herb
Jan 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Plantago asiatica (cheqiancao) is the dried whole herb of Plantago asiatica or Plantago depressa of the Plantaginaceae family. It has various functions and effects, including clearing heat and promoting diuresis, expelling phlegm and relieving cough, clearing the liver and improving vision, cooling the blood and detoxifying, as well as inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation. Cheqiancao is effective in clearing heat and promoting urination, helping to remove excess fluid from the body, and has significant therapeutic effects on symptoms such as edema, urinary tract infections, difficult urination, painful urination, turbid urine, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Generally, Plantain Herb refers to the dried whole plant of Plantago asiatica or Plantago depressa of the Plantaginaceae family. It has various functions and effects, including clearing heat and promoting diuresis, expelling phlegm and relieving cough, clearing the liver and improving vision, cooling blood and detoxifying, and inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation. The specific functions are as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Promoting Diuresis: Plantain Herb has the effect of clearing heat and promoting diuresis, which can help eliminate excess fluid from the body. It is effective in treating symptoms such as edema, urinary tract infections, difficult urination, painful urination, turbid urine, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Additionally, it can be used to treat conditions like periorbital edema and facial swelling.
2. Expelling Phlegm and Relieving Cough: Plantain Herb can remove phlegm from the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. It is commonly used to treat lung heat with symptoms including yellow, thick phlegm, dry mouth, flushed cheeks, chronic lung infections, and difficulty expectorating phlegm.
3. Clearing the Liver and Improving Vision: Plantain Herb enters the liver meridian and has the function of clearing the liver and improving vision. It can be used to treat symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful eyes, dry eyes, internal cataracts, and dim vision, helping to maintain eye health.
4. Cooling Blood and Detoxifying: Plantain Herb also has the effect of cooling blood and detoxifying. It can be used to treat symptoms such as bleeding due to blood heat and abscesses or sores caused by toxic heat. It helps eliminate internal heat and toxins and promotes wound healing.
5. Inhibiting Bacteria and Reducing Inflammation: Plantain Herb contains certain antibacterial components that can inhibit bacteria and inflammation. This makes it somewhat effective in treating infections caused by bacteria.
For individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, using Plantain Herb may worsen internal cold pathogens, leading to or aggravating symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using Plantain Herb to ensure safe and effective use. Additionally, care should be taken not to use it in excessive amounts to avoid adverse effects on the body.
