Asian Plantain (Plantago asiatica) has a long history of traditional use in East Asian medicine, particularly in Chinese and Korean herbal practices, for treating external bleeding and wounds. The leaves of the plant are commonly applied topically as a poultice to cuts, abrasions, and minor bleeding injuries. Traditional texts, such as the Chinese Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), mention its use for “cooling the blood” and “stopping bleeding.” The mucilaginous nature of the leaves is said to help in forming a protective barrier, aiding wound healing and hemostasis.

Scientific evidence directly validating these hemostatic effects is limited. There are some laboratory studies indicating that Plantago species contain bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides, aucubin, and allantoin) with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, which could theoretically contribute to stopping bleeding and supporting healing. However, robust clinical trials or direct experimental studies specifically showing efficacy of Plantago asiatica in treating external bleeding are lacking. Therefore, the primary support for this use is rooted in tradition with some suggestive, but not definitive, scientific rationale.