Self Help

Alisma seems to have been used by the herbalists of many countries, although its poisonous properties necessitate caution in home doctoring. Curiously, its common names have little relation to reality. Although it is said to have been used in Russia as an antidote for hydrophobia, this has never been proved.

In the other case, it is not even closely allied to plantain. The shape of its leaves suggests the plantain foliage, thus providing the common name of water-plaintain. Since it has astringent properties, early herbalists used the juice of the leaves as a diuretic, and for allied urinary diseases. Because the bruised leaves cause irritation to the skin and the general properties are of doubtful value.

In today’s use of herbs as healing and health aids, Alisma seems to have lost its reputation. However, a British herbal lists it as a diuretic and diaphoretic, and prescribes doses of a cupful of an infusion of 1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water, taken three or four times a day. French, Japanese, and Russian references to the plant prove that its use has been widespread.