Evidence supporting the use of: Plantain (unspecifed)
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Plantain, commonly referring to species such as Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. The leaves of plantain have been used in folk remedies to alleviate congestion and other respiratory complaints, primarily due to their purported anti-inflammatory, soothing, and expectorant properties. Traditional preparations include infusions, syrups, and teas meant to help clear mucus and ease breathing during upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold or bronchitis.
Scientific evidence to support these uses is limited. Some laboratory studies have indicated that extracts of plantain possess mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and a small number of clinical trials suggest a potential benefit in reducing symptoms of cough and mild respiratory irritation. However, robust, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating its effectiveness for congestion are lacking. Most modern herbal texts acknowledge plantain’s traditional use for respiratory tract irritation, but generally cite a lack of strong scientific validation. Thus, while there is clear traditional precedent for its use in treating congestion, this is only modestly supported by scientific research to date.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
allspicebasil
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
squawvine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
sweet flag
trichosanthes
birch
eucalyptus
menthol oil
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
akebia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Arisaema
Atractylone
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
berry
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Ephedra
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Ivy
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Plantain (unspecifed)
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (respiratory)
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Chills
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Dandruff