Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Plantaginis Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 車前草 · Che Qian Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Dampness-draining |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Plantago depressa Willd.or Plantago asiatica L. (Plantaginaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney, Lung, Small Intestine |
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What Is Che Qian Cao?
Che Qian Cao (Asiatic Plantain Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Produced all around China.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney, Lung, Small Intestine
Che Qian Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Plantaginis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Plantago depressa Willd.or Plantago asiatica L. (Plantaginaceae).
Production Regions
Produced all around China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is intact leaves and a grayish-green color.
Macroscopic Features
Plantago depressa Willd: Root grows thickly, whisker-like; leaf base has long petiole; leaf is wrinkled, after being flattened, it has a long elliptical or oval lanceolate shape, 6~13cm long, 2.5~8cm wide. Externally grayish-green or dirty green, with 5~7 obvious curved veins; apex is blunt or pointy short, base is wide wedge-shape; entire or irregular wavy serrulate leaf. Numerous flower spikes, long floral axis; capsules are cracked, persistent calyx remains. faintly aromatic odor; slightly bitter taste. Plantago asiatica L: Straight long tap root. Leaf is relatively narrow, long elliptical or oval lanceolate shape, 5~14cm long, 2~3cm wide.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; ColdLiverKidneyLungSmall Intestine
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and promotes diuresis and stranguria, expels phlegm, cools blood, and resolves toxin.
How Che Qian Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Che Qian Cao is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
