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Alisma plantago-aquatica Great water plantain (1 Page of 5) The Alisma plantago-aquatica plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Alismataceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Great water plantain. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. parviflorum. A. subcordatum. A. triviale. Pursh. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Alisma plantago-aquatica Common Name: Great water plantain Family: Alismataceae Author: L. Known Hazards: The fresh leaves and roots are toxic but the toxic principal is destroyed by heat or by drying[13, 46]. Mature Height: 0.9 Mature Width: 0.45 Habitat: Ditches, damp ground and shallow pond margins in water up to 15cm deep[13, 17, 24].
Medicinal Information: The leaves are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, diaphoretic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and hypotensive[4, 147, 176]. They are used in the treatment of cystitis, dysentery, renal calculus, gravel etc[4]. The fresh leaf is rubefacient[222]. It is used in the treatment of leprosy[218] and is also applied locally to bruises and swellings[4].
Dried stem bases eaten, or grated and taken with water in treating digestive disorders such as heartburn, cramps and stomach flu[257].
The powdered seed is an astringent, used in cases of bleeding[4]. The seed is also said to promote sterility[218].
The root has a wide range of medicinal uses[176, 218]. It is antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. It is said to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels[238] whilst it also has an antibacterial action on Staphococci, Pneumococci and Mycobacteria[176]. The root is used in the treatment of oliguria, oedema, nephritis, acute diarrhoea, cholesterolemia and fatty liver[176]. It has been thought of as a cure for rabies, though this has not been substantiated[4]. The whole plant is believed to promote conception[218]. The root is harvested before the plant comes into flower and is dried for later use[238].
A homeopathic remedy is obtained from the fresh root[4].
For further Alisma plantago-aquatica gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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