Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in European folk remedies. It has been applied topically for various skin conditions, including boils, abscesses, minor wounds, and insect bites. The traditional rationale is based on the plant’s reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Poultices made from the fresh leaves are commonly applied to the skin in cases of boils or localized skin infections, with the belief that they can “draw out” pus and promote healing.

Scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. Some in vitro studies indicate that Plantago species contain biologically active compounds like aucubin, allantoin, and flavonoids, which have demonstrated mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials or robust studies specifically evaluating buckhorn plantain’s effectiveness for treating boils in humans. The evidence, therefore, is primarily based on traditional usage and some preliminary pharmacological findings, rather than rigorous scientific validation. As such, while it remains a popular folk remedy, its efficacy for boils has not been definitively established by modern research.