Asiatic Plantain (Roots are thin and fibrous, leaves are grayish-green and curled, spreading broadly ovate with 5-7 longitudinal veins, flowers are at the top of the stem, flower spikes have capsule valves and persistent calyx)
Asiatic Plantain flowers, roots
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Superior Class
【Common Usage Level】
C
【Botanical Origin】
The dried whole plant of Plantago asiatica L. in the Plantaginaceae family.
【Characteristics】
The dried whole plant is 10~17㎝ long. The roots are thin and fibrous. The leaves are grayish-green and curled, with leaf blades spreading into a broadly ovate or elliptical shape, with 5-7 longitudinal veins. The petioles are slender, and the top of the stem has residual capsule valves and persistent calyx after the capsule lid has split. Sometimes there are unopened flowers. It has a slight odor and a bitter taste with a mucilaginous quality.
【Identification】
The best quality is dry, with leaves and seeds, and free of mud.
【Category】
Whole Herb Category