Chinese Plantain
Plantago asiatica
Uses: Medicinal
Duration: Perennial (hardy in zones 4-9)
When to Sow: Spring/Late Summer/Early Fall
Ease of Germination: Easy
(Che qian) Very similar to greater plantain (P. major), having the same broad leaves. Seeds are used to promote urination and to clear heat. Specially noted for correcting eye problems caused by deficient liver and kidneys (such as dry eyes or cataracts) or excess heat in the liver channel (such as red, painful, swollen eyes). Also useful for diarrhea and in obstetics to reposition the fetus before birth.