（本经上品）
好生道旁及牛马足迹中，命名之义昭然矣。
【气味】甘寒，无毒。
【主治】主气癃，利水道小便，除湿痹。久服轻身不老。
【核】曰∶出真定平泽、丘陵阪道中。今江湖、淮甸、近汴、北地，处处有之。《诗疏》
云∶车前好生道旁，及牛马足迹中。《韩诗外传》云∶直曰车前，瞿曰 苡，瞿乃生于两旁
者。春初生苗，绿叶布地如匙面，累年者长尺许，中抽数茎，作穗如鼠尾。花甚细密，色青
微赤。实如葶苈，色正黑。五、六月采苗，七、八月采实。圃人或种之，蜀中尤尚也。修治，
淘
常山为之使。
先人题药云∶车前好生道旁，及牛马足迹中，古人以敝车作薪，谓之劳薪。道路之土，
得不谓之劳土乎。以劳所生之物，喜通行而好动作者，故治湿土之化，致伤水大之用。为气
癃为水道停止者，莫不精良。一云∶雷之精，服之神化；雷，震木也，前阴亦属肝木，疏泄
二便，须气化以出，形化反不易之乎。且车行而前，孰不开让，疏泄之义显然。无子者，子
路不疏泄也，其间必有隐曲，车前开道，病去而路通矣。妇人乐有子，薄言采之，良有以也。
【参】曰∶引重致远曰∶车，不行而进曰前。春生苗叶，翠碧可观，行肝之用，肝之气
分药也。癃则肝气疲罢，致水道小便，失于转输，遂成湿痹矣。车前当道，则前阴疏泄，更
主泪出之从流而上，与淋沥之从流而下者，各返于所当止也。利而不泄，故益精用，壮气化，
但气味甘寒，须以辛佐，不可独往耳。
（肝主疏泄二便，故云癃则肝气疲罢，能使逆流而上者，顺流而下，顺流而下者，溯流
而上，不但作车，又堪作楫。）
(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)
Plantago seeds (Cheqianzi) thrive by the roadside and in the footprints of cattle and horses; the meaning behind its name is thus self-evident.
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats Qi stagnation leading to urinary retention (Qi Long), promotes urination via the water pathways, and dispels dampness-bi syndrome. Long-term consumption lightens the body and delays aging.
[Verification] It states: Plantago seeds are found in the flat marshes, hills, and slopes of Zhending Prefecture. Today, they grow everywhere in the Jianghu region, Huaidian, areas near Bianjing, and northern lands. The Commentary on the Book of Songs (Shi Shu) states: "Plantago thrives by the roadside and in the footprints of cattle and horses." The Outer Biography of Han Shi (Han Shi Waizhuan) states: "The upright variety is called Cheqian (Plantago), while the one growing on both sides is called Qumai (Dianthus superus); those growing on the sides are referred to as Yi." In early spring, seedlings emerge with green leaves spreading on the ground like the face of a spoon. Plants that have grown for several years may reach about one chi in length, drawing up several stems from the center, forming spikes resembling rat tails. The flowers are very dense, colored green with a slight reddish tint. The fruits resemble Thlaspi seeds (Tinglizi) and are jet black. The herbaceous parts are harvested in the fifth and sixth lunar months, and the seeds in the seventh and eighth lunar months. Some gardeners cultivate it, especially in Shu. For processing, it should be guided by the efficacy of Changshan (Dichroa Root).
My ancestor inscribed on the medicinal properties: "Plantago thrives by the roadside and in the footprints of cattle and horses." In ancient times, broken carts were used as firewood, termed "Laoxin" (Laborious Wood). Is not the soil of the roads "Laotu" (Laborious Soil)? Using things born from labor, which favor movement and activity, it treats disorders arising from the transformation of damp earth that injure the function of water. For cases where Qi stagnation causes the cessation of water pathways and urination, it is highly effective. Another view holds: It is the essence of Thunder; consuming it brings divine transformation. Thunder corresponds to the Zhen trigram and Wood element; the anterior yin also belongs to Liver Wood. The discharge of urine and feces requires Qi transformation to exit; relying solely on form transformation is difficult. Moreover, as a cart moves forward, who does not make way? The meaning of dredging and draining is obvious. Infertility arises because the "path of offspring" is not dredged; there must be hidden obstructions. Plantago opens the path, removing disease and restoring flow. Women rejoice in having children, hence they specifically harvest this herb, which is well-founded.
[Analysis] It states: Carrying heavy loads over long distances is "Che" (Cart); moving without stopping is "Qian" (Forward). In spring, the seedlings and leaves emerge, green and azure, worthy of observation. This is an herb that acts upon the Liver's functions, belonging to the Qi aspect of the Liver. Urinary retention occurs when Liver Qi becomes fatigued, causing the water pathways and urination to lose their transport function, resulting in damp-bi syndrome. Plantago, growing in the middle of the road, facilitates the drainage of the anterior yin. Furthermore, it regulates tears flowing upward and dribbling urine flowing downward, returning each to its proper place. It promotes diuresis without depleting Zheng Qi, thereby benefiting Jing (Essence) usage and strengthening Qi transformation. However, due to its sweet and cold nature, it must be assisted by acrid herbs and cannot be used alone.
(The Liver governs the dredging and draining of urine and feces; thus, urinary retention indicates Liver Qi fatigue. It can cause fluids flowing against the current to flow downstream, and those flowing downstream to flow upstream. It serves not only as a cart but also as an oar.)