Buckthorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), also known as ribwort plantain, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including minor eye irritations and infections. Traditional European folk medicine, as well as some practices in Asia, have used plantain leaf infusions or poultices as soothing agents for conjunctivitis ("pink eye") and other mild eye complaints. These applications typically involve washing the eyes with a cooled infusion or applying a moistened compress.

The rationale for this traditional use is based on the plant’s known anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds such as aucubin, flavonoids, and tannins. However, there is a lack of direct scientific studies or clinical trials supporting the effectiveness or safety of buckthorn plantain specifically for treating eye infections. Most references to its use for eye health are anecdotal or based on historical texts rather than modern pharmacological research.

In summary, while Buckthorn Plantain has a traditional reputation for use in supporting eye health and soothing minor infections, scientific evidence is very limited, and it should not be considered a substitute for proven medical treatments in cases of eye infection.