The water plantain (Alisma Plantago, also known as mad-dog weed) is a plant of the family Alismaceae. Despite its name, it is not related to the Plantago genus. It grows in watery areas throughout Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. The water plantain 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 botonists named it plantago because its leaves resembled those of the plantain.
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.
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