Evidence supporting the use of: Common Plantain
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Common Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of abscesses and other skin infections. Historically, the leaves of plantain were applied topically as poultices by various cultures to draw out pus, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in sores, boils, and abscesses. Traditional herbal medicine texts from Europe, North America, and Asia reference plantain’s use for such purposes, attributing its efficacy to anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties.
Phytochemical studies have identified compounds in plantain such as aucubin (an iridoid glycoside), allantoin, and tannins, which have demonstrated some antimicrobial and wound-healing activities in vitro and in animal studies. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically supporting its use for abscesses are lacking. The evidence for plantain’s benefit thus largely derives from traditional knowledge and preliminary laboratory findings rather than well-controlled scientific studies in human subjects.
In summary, the use of Common Plantain for abscesses is primarily justified by traditional herbal practices and some supportive laboratory data, but not by high-quality clinical research. The rating of 2 reflects the presence of some biological plausibility and historical use, but limited direct scientific validation for this specific condition.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Common Plantain
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hypertension