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 urination Red 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 functions

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

Traditional applications

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

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g, wrapped in cloth when boiled.

Cautions

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

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

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.