Evidence supporting the use of: Buckhorn Plantain
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for supporting respiratory health, including the prevention and relief of colds. Historical records and ethnobotanical sources indicate that various parts of the plant, especially the leaves, have been used in Europe and elsewhere as a remedy for coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and related symptoms. These traditional applications are thought to stem from the plant’s mucilaginous properties, which can soothe irritated mucous membranes, and its purported mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Preparations such as teas, syrups, and tinctures have been commonly employed by herbalists.
However, while there is a clear tradition of use, rigorous scientific evidence supporting Buckhorn Plantain’s effectiveness specifically for cold prevention is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest mild antimicrobial or immunomodulatory activity, but these are preliminary and not directly linked to clinical outcomes in preventing the common cold. Most modern reviews and monographs (e.g., ESCOP, German Commission E) focus on its use for coughs and throat irritation rather than the prevention of viral respiratory infections. Thus, while Buckhorn Plantain is traditionally used in this context, the overall evidence strength is modest and primarily based on historical rather than robust clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Buckhorn Plantain
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia