Herba Plantaginis
Plantain Herb

Source:
The whole herb of Plantago asiatica L. (Fam. Plantaginaceae).

Distribution:
In all parts of China, including Hong Kong.

Harvest & Processing:
Collect whole herbs in summer; remove soil and sand; dry under the sun.

Description:
Roots caespitose (growing in tufts). Leaves basal, with long petioles; blades shrivelled; when smoothed out, blades ovate (egg-shaped in outline and attached at the broad end) and elliptical, or broad and ovate; 6-13 cm long, 2.5-8 cm wide; outer surface greyish-green or blackish-green, marked with 5-7 prominent arch-like veins. Apex obtuse or mucronate (with a short straight point), base broad and cuneate (wedge-shaped); margin entire (continuous and even) or with irregular shallow teeth. Spikes several; scapes long. Capsules dehiscent (splitting open at maturity) with the top separating like a lid, each capsule with a persistent calyx. Odour: slightly fragrant; taste: slightly bitter.

Indications:
1. Urinary stones and infections, nephritic oedema
2. Diarrhoea
3. Cold, cough, bronchitis
4. Acute conjunctivitis
5. Dermatitis and boils (external use).

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains iridoid glycosides such as plantaginin and aucubin.

Note:
According to C.P., also used for medicinal purposes is the whole herb of P. depressa Willd.