Che Qian Zi

Plantago asiatica

Physical Characteristics

Plantago asiatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[218]. Rather fibrous, unless they are very young, they have a slightly bitter flavour[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiinflammatory Antiseptic Antitussive Cardiac Diuretic Expectorant Haemostatic Laxative The leaves and the seed are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic. Assists the repair of joints[174, 176, 238]. The seed is used internally in the treatment of a variety of ailments including asthma, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension and rheumatism[218, 238, 279]. The leaves are also used for these purposes, though they are considered to be less powerful than the seed[218]. The leaves can be harvested at any time in the growing season, and are used fresh or dried[238]. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of coughs[218]. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes[238]. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds[238]. Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity[218].

Known Hazards

None known