Evidence supporting the use of: Plantain (unspecified)
For the health condition: Eye Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Plantain (most commonly referring to Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata) has been traditionally used in various cultures as a remedy for eye infections and irritations. Historical herbal texts and folk medicine from Europe, Asia, and the Americas mention the use of plantain leaves in the form of poultices, washes, or infusions applied to the eyes to alleviate redness, swelling, and discharge caused by conjunctivitis or other minor infections. The practice is largely based on the plant’s known anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties, which have been supported in vitro and in animal studies for general use, though not specifically for ophthalmic conditions.
However, there is little to no direct scientific research validating the efficacy or safety of plantain specifically for treating eye infections in humans. Most modern herbal literature acknowledges the historical use but emphasizes the lack of clinical trials or robust scientific data for this indication. The evidence supporting its use for eye infections is therefore primarily traditional, with some theoretical basis given its general antimicrobial compounds (like aucubin and allantoin), but no high-quality, targeted clinical evidence exists. Caution is advised, as improper use of herbal preparations in or around the eyes can pose risks.
Other ingredients used for Eye Infections
betelburdock
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
forsythia
goldenseal
green tea
marshmallow
nettle
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
vitamin A
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
rubia cordifolia
silk tree
siler root
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
white oak
Avens
Agrimony
Abrus
Alchornea
Aerva lanata
Abuta
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blepharis
Barleria
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Colloidal Silver
Cinquefoil
Cornflower
Centipeda
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Eyebright
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Embelia
Ficus religiosa
Fringed Pink
Genipap
Growth factors
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Henna
Isatis
Indian Fagonia
Kachnar
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Ligustrum
Lodhtree
Lysozyme
Labrador Tea
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Liverwort
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mallow
Melia
Metal Salt
Malva sylvestris
Milkweed
Morning Glory
Marigold
Manzanita
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Propolis
Phellodendron
Plantago
Pluchea
Patrinia
Pyrola
Rubus
Rosa laevigata
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sanguisorba
Semecarpus anacardium
Storax
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Violet
Other health conditions supported by Plantain (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burning Feet or Hands
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Debility
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)