Che Qian Zi - Plantago Seeds
TCM Materia Medica
Che Qian Zi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "che qian zi" which in english is 
"plantago seeds", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, liver, lung and urinary bladder channels and exhibits cold (han) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-9g (decoct in a guaze)
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Promotes urination, clears heat - edema, lin syndromes due to damp-heat, generally in the lower warmer.
- Solidifies the stool - diarrhea with damp-heat or damp-summerheat.
- Clears the eyes - liver and kidney deficiency (dry eyes or cataracts) or heat in the liver channel (red, painful, swollen eyes and sensitive to light).
- Lung heat - expels phlegm, stops cough.
Che Qian Zi has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid during Pregnancy.
Che Qian Zi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: diarrhea, edema and/or urinary disorders (lin disease)
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, che qian zi is generally included in the following 5 formulas:
ViewBa Zheng Wan (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)
Painful urination when it arises from damp heat syndrome - urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, cystitis. Prostatitis when from damp heat.
ViewLi Niao Pai Shi Wan (Water Stone Removal Pill)
Useful for a range of calcifications/stones - kidney stones, bladder stones, ureter stones and when the underlying pathology is appropriate gallstones. Generally involves collections of damp heat i…
ViewLong Dan Xie Gan Wan (Gentiana Purge Liver Formula)
Hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, easily angered, headache, dizziness, red, and possibly sore, eyes resulting from liver fire rising. Urinary symptoms such as painful, hot…
ViewWu Zi Yang Zong Wan (Five Seeds to Bring Forth Offspring)
Impotence, premature ejaculation, noctural emissions, low libedo from weakened kidney jing (essence). Poor concentration and memory, listlessness, general fatigue and worsening eyesight also resulti…
ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)
Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.
As noted above, che qian zi is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".
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