Water plantain

The water plantain, also known as mad-dog weed, is a plant which grows in watery areas throughout Europe, North Asia, and North America. It consists of a fibrous root, a triangular stem, and many branches with leaves and flowers. The flowers have round, slightly jagged pale pink petals.

Etymology

The word alisma is said to be a word of Celtic origin meaning "water," a reference to the habitat in which it grows. Early botanists named it after the plantago because of the similarity of their leaves.

Medicinal Uses

The dried leaves of the water plantain can be used as both a diuretic and a diaphoretic. They have been used to help treat renal calculus, cystitis, dysentery and epilepsy.

The roots have formerly been used to cure hydrophobia, and have a reputation in America of curing rattlesnake bites.

External links

• Alisma plantago (Water Plantain) King's American Dispensatory @ Henriette's Herbal
• Plantain, Water (Alisma plantago) Mrs. Grieve's "A Modern Herbal" @ Botanical.com