Source Plantain Seed is the seed of Plantago asiatica L. and other species of the same genus, (Fam. Plantaginaceae)
Producing Areas Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Hebei, etc.
Properties Sweet, Slightly Cold
Channels Liver, Lung, Kidney, Small Intestines
ACTION
- Resolves dampness, clears heat, and promotes urination
For painful, difficult, or hot urinary dysfunction and edema caused by dampness-heat with symptoms such as burning pain, urgency on urination, dribbling, or a lack of ability to urinate. - Promotes urination and stops diarrhoea
For diarrhoea caused by dampness in the intestines. The herb moves water to the bladder and promotes urination to solidify the stool. - Brightens the eyes
For eye problems due to heat in the liver channel or headaches associated with ascending liver yang. Symptoms include redness, pain, or swelling of the eyes. - Dissolves phlegm, clears the lungs, and stops cough
For cough due to heat in the lungs with symptoms such as thick, copious and yellow sputum.
Usage and Dosage
9–15 g is used in decoction for oral use.
Note
Use with caution in the case with spermatorrhea due to deficiency of the kidney.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place, and protect from moisture.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is big and full-grained.
Professional Tips
Fakes:
North Tinglizi (Lepidium seed, Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae) is the seed of Duxingcai {Lepidium apetalum Willd.), flattened ovate, 1-1.5 mm long, 0.5–1 mm wide, strongly sticky, slightly pungent in flavour and odourless.
South Tinglizi (Lepidium seed, Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae) is the seed of Bonianghao (iDescurainia sophia (Linn.) Webb ex Prantl), oblong, slightly flat, about 1 mm long, 0.5 mm wide, slightly sticky, slightly pungent in flavour.
Both may be brown-stir-baked and used as fakes.
