Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen)

Che Qian Zi (車前子), the seed of Plantago, promotes urination and clears damp-heat, benefits the eyes, clears Lung heat to expel phlegm, and stops diarrhoea by separating the clear from the turbid.

Chē Qián Zǐ  ·  車前子

Latin / Pharmaceutical Name

Plantago asiatica (Semen Plantaginis)

Common English Name

Plantain seed

Taste

Sweet

Temperature

Cold

Channels Entered

Kidney, Liver, Lung, Bladder

Actions & Functions

  • Clears damp-heat and promotes urination
  • Stops diarrhoea (separates clear from turbid)
  • Benefits the eyes (Liver heat)
  • Clears Lung heat and expels phlegm

Indications

Hot, painful urination and oedema; damp diarrhoea; red, painful eyes; and Lung heat cough with phlegm.

Dosage

4.5-9 g, wrapped in cloth, in decoction.

Common Combinations

With Mu Tong and Hua Shi for damp-heat painful urination.

Cautions & Contraindications

Use with caution in seminal emission without damp-heat and in pregnancy.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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