Psyllium, commonly known as Plantago, is a widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is derived from the dried and mature seeds of the Plantago plant, which grows in areas with warm, sunny, and moist conditions. The plant prefers well-drained sandy soil and thrives in fertile environments. Psyllium has a sweet and cold nature, and it is known for its diuretic properties, ability to clear heat, improve vision, relieve coughs, and soothe throat irritation.
Plantago is a perennial herb that requires careful cultivation. It is sensitive to drought and prefers areas with adequate moisture. For successful growth, it should be planted in nutrient-rich, well-tilled soil with proper drainage.
**Cultivation Methods**
1. **Seedbed Preparation**: Choose fertile land and till it deeply before planting. Apply sufficient base fertilizer and create raised beds. Sow the seeds just before or after the Cold Dew season. Spread the seeds evenly on the surface of the seedbed, using about 0.5 kg per mu (approximately 667 square meters). After sowing, cover the bed with a thin layer of straw. Water the seedbed every 3–5 days to keep the soil moist and promote germination. Once the seedlings reach 7–10 cm in height, they can be transplanted.
2. **Transplanting**: Before transplanting, apply base fertilizer and ensure good drainage by digging ditches. Transplant the seedlings between the time of Minor Snow and Major Snow. Space them 25 cm apart, with one plant per hole. After planting, water the plants thoroughly to help them establish roots.
3. **Post-Transplant Care**: Once the seedlings have turned green, perform three rounds of weeding, soil loosening, and fertilization. The first weeding and fertilization should take place after the first frost, the second during the Spring Rain period, and the third around the Spring Equinox. Always choose a sunny day for these tasks. Loosen the soil and remove weeds before applying fertilizer. Use either compost or urea for the first two applications, and add potassium fertilizer for the third, at a rate of 30 kg per mu. Combine this with soil cultivation to prevent lodging and improve plant stability.
**Harvesting and Processing**
Harvesting typically occurs before the Dragon Boat Festival, when the seeds turn dark brown. Since Plantago matures in stages, it's best to harvest it gradually as it ripens. On a sunny day, use a sharp knife to cut the fruit stalks and store them indoors for 1–2 days. Then spread them on a mat and expose them to sunlight for drying. Once dry, rub the stalks by hand to separate the seeds from the chaff. Sieve the mixture to collect the clean seeds. The average yield is around 120–150 kg per mu.
Proper cultivation and timely harvesting are essential to maximize the quality and yield of psyllium, making it a valuable medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
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