Che Qian Zi vs Sea Holly

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Che Qian Zi

Plantago asiatica

Urinary

Eryngium maritimum

Urinary

Che Qian Zi

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Sea Holly

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM herb that promotes urination, clears heat, and benefits the eyes.

European coastal plant historically used as an aphrodisiac and diuretic; roots used for urinary and kidney conditions in European folk medicine.

Active Compounds

Mucilage, Aucubin, Plantaginin, Fatty acids

saponins, tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, rosmarinic acid

Traditional Uses

Urinary difficulty, Diarrhea, Eye redness, Cough

Urinary disorders, Kidney conditions, Aphrodisiac use, Cough

Modern Uses

Diuretic, Demulcent, Expectorant

Diuretic activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial properties, Expectorant action

Adult Dosage

9-15g wrapped in cloth then decocted

Root decoction: 1-2 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

Kidney yang deficiency

Pregnancy, Kidney disease (acute)

Side Effects

Loose stools possible

Mild diuretic effects, Gastric irritation with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E