DonguiHub — The Hub of Donguibogam Knowledge
Home › Herbs › Plantain Seed
Illustration

Plantain Seed

질경이씨 (車前子) · Plantago asiatica L.
Water-disinhibiting, stranguria-relieving herb Cold (some sources: neutral) Sweet, salty Kidney, Liver, Lung
NatureCold (some sources: neutral)
TasteSweet, salty
MeridiansKidney, Liver, Lung
Part usedSeed
FamilyPlantaginaceae
CategoryWater-disinhibiting, stranguria-relieving herb
Find by concern: Painful urinationRed eyes

Overview

Plantain earned its Chinese name — "before the cart" — from where it thrives: the Donguibogam notes it loves growing in ox-cart wheel ruts along roadsides, one of the toughest, most familiar plants underfoot in Korea.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性寒一云平, 味甘醎, 無毒. 主氣癃, 通五淋, 利水道, 通小便淋澁. 明目, 能去肝中風熱, 毒風衝眼, 赤痛障瞖.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is cold (some say neutral), its taste sweet and salty, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats qi-type urinary blockage, unblocks the five types of urinary stranguria, benefits the water passages, and unblocks painful, difficult urination. It brightens the eyes, and can remove wind-heat in the liver, toxic wind striking the eyes, and red, painful film over the eye.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Promotes urination
  • Relieves painful urinary dysfunction
  • Brightens the eyes
  • Clears liver wind-heat

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Red, painful eyes with film
  • Blurred vision
  • Urinary stranguria

Traditional preparation

Wrapped in cloth when boiled.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Cold and draining; not suited to those with frequent, clear urination or cold-deficiency conditions. Consult a professional.
Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

Why is plantain called "before the cart" in Chinese?

The Donguibogam explains it thrives in ox-cart wheel ruts along roadsides — one of the toughest plants able to grow where carts and feet pass constantly.

What is plantain seed's main traditional use?

Promoting urination and relieving painful urinary dysfunction — the Donguibogam also records it for brightening the eyes and clearing wind-heat that strikes the eyes.

Sources