Great Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. It has been employed for a range of gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea, mild inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and as a soothing agent for the mucous membranes. The leaves contain compounds such as mucilage, aucubin (an iridoid glycoside), and various tannins, which are believed to contribute to its demulcent (soothing) and mild astringent effects on the digestive system.

Traditionally, plantain infusions or extracts have been used to address irritation and inflammation linked to the colon and large intestine, such as in cases of mild colitis or diarrhea. The mucilage is thought to coat and protect the lining of the intestines, while the astringent properties may help reduce excessive secretions or irritation. However, while ethnobotanical records and traditional texts frequently cite these uses, robust clinical trials or modern scientific studies directly validating the effectiveness of Great Plantain for large intestine health are limited.

In summary, the use of Great Plantain to support the large intestine is primarily justified by traditional herbal practice rather than rigorous scientific validation. More research is needed to substantiate its efficacy for colon health in modern clinical settings.