Asian Plantain

Asian Plantain
This large, cosmopolitan genus includes about 200 species of often weedy, invasive annuals, biennials, and perennials, found in a wide range of habitats. Plantago major (greater plantain) is a common weed of lawns and paths but has several variants which are grown in borders as ornamentals. In many parts of the world, plantain is known as "white man's foot", alluding to the way that it was spread worldwide during colonial times in the trouser cuffs of Europeans. A number of different plantains are used medicinally, some for their leaves and others for their seeds. The main constituents in the foliage are tannins and iridoid glycosides, notably aucubin, which stimulates uric acid secretion from the kidneys. Plantago lanceolata (ribwort plantain) is similar to P. major in chemistry and used interchangeably. Plantago asiatica the Chinese plantain, is very similar both in appearance and chemistry to P. major. It was first recorded in Chinese medicine during the Han dynasty (206BCE-CE23). Plantain seeds, notably from P. psyllium, contain up to 30 percent mucilage, which swells in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The husks, rather than whole seeds, are used in certain preparations. The common name "fleaseed" refers to the flea-like appearance of the seeds. Plantago ovata (blond psyllium, ispaghula) has pink- or gray-brown seeds, used interchangeably with those of P. psyllium. Other species, such as P. indica (black psyllium) and P. arenaria (golden psyllium) are also used.

Evergreen perennial with a basal rosette of long-stalked, ovate, deeply veined leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Minute green flowers are borne in spikes to 50cm (20in) long, in summer, followed by capsules containing 4-9 dark brown seeds.

Common Name:	Asian Plantain
Botanical Name:	Plantago asiatica syn. P. major var. asiatica
Genus:	Plantago
Family:	Plantaginaceae
Native Location:	China
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun (P. asiatica, P. psyllium); moist soil in sun or partial shade (P. major) Plantago major is prone to powdery mildew in dry conditions.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn or spring. Plantago major and variants self-seed freely and spread from borders into lawns and paths. Variants come reasonably true from seed.
Harvest:	Plants are cut during the growing season and used fresh, as juice, or dried for decoctions (P. asiatica). Leaves are cut before flowering and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures (P. major). Ripe seeds are dried for decoctions and powders.
Varieties:	Variegata Has irregular, white variegation.
Height:	20-60cm (8-24in)
Width:	15-30cm (6-12in)
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant (che qian cao), seeds (che qian zi).
Properties:	A cooling herb that is diuretic and expectorant, reduces inflammation, stops bleeding, and controls coughing.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for complaints associated with "overheating", such as acute infections of the lungs and urinary tracts, hepatitis, and boils (whole plant); diarrhea, urinary complaints, coughs with profuse phlegm, conjunctivitis, and vertigo (seeds).
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown, Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg. 322