Buckhorn Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Folk practitioners have used its leaves and extracts for respiratory and sinus-related ailments, such as catarrh, coughs, and sinus congestion. The mucilaginous compounds in Buckhorn Plantain are thought to soothe irritated mucous membranes, which may indirectly support the sinuses by easing inflammation and promoting mucus clearance. In traditional medicine, especially in the form of teas or syrups, it has been used to manage symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, which often involve the sinuses.

However, scientific evidence specifically validating Buckhorn Plantain’s efficacy for sinus health or sinusitis is limited. While some laboratory studies have highlighted anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of plantain extracts, these findings are not directly linked to clinical outcomes in sinus support. No robust clinical trials exist that specifically examine its impact on sinus conditions in humans. Thus, while tradition supports its use, and there is some plausibility based on phytochemistry, the evidence base remains weak, meriting a score of 2 out of 5.