Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Plantain (Plantago major), commonly known as common or English plantain, has a well-established history in traditional herbal medicine for treating minor external bleeding, such as cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. Folk medicine in Europe, North America, and Asia has long utilized plantain leaves as a poultice or compress to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. The leaves are known to contain bioactive compounds such as allantoin, aucubin, and various tannins, which may contribute to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. These constituents are believed to help constrict blood vessels and support clot formation when applied topically, thereby aiding in the cessation of minor bleeding.

While the traditional use of plantain for this purpose is widespread and documented in ethnobotanical literature, scientific studies specifically evaluating its hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) efficacy are limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that plantain extracts have mild astringent and antimicrobial effects that could theoretically support wound healing and bleeding control, but robust clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, while tradition strongly supports its use for external bleeding, scientific validation remains preliminary.

More about Plantain (common or English)
More about Bleeding (external)

Other ingredients used for Bleeding (external)

Other health conditions supported by Plantain (common or English)

Products containing Plantain (common or English)