Asian Plantain (Plantago asiatica), also known as Che Qian Cao in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. Its leaves and seeds are commonly used for their purported anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. In TCM, Asian Plantain is often included in herbal formulas to "clear heat" and "eliminate toxins," concepts associated with the treatment of abscesses and other inflammatory skin conditions. Classical Chinese medical texts document its use topically and internally for conditions such as boils, abscesses, and sores.

Scientifically, there is limited direct evidence supporting the use of Plantago asiatica specifically for abscesses. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from Plantago species possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, which could theoretically be beneficial for abscesses. However, robust clinical studies validating its efficacy for this indication in humans are lacking. Most contemporary support for its use in abscesses remains grounded in traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation.

In summary, the use of Asian Plantain for abscesses is primarily justified by traditional use, with modest supporting evidence from laboratory studies, but without strong clinical research backing.