Evidence supporting the use of: Plantain
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Plantain (Plantago spp.) has a long history of traditional use for treating abrasions and minor wounds. Historical records from various cultures, especially within European and Native American herbal medicine, document the topical application of fresh plantain leaves to cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. The leaves were commonly crushed or chewed to release their juices before being applied directly to the skin. This practice was believed to help stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and promote healing due to the plant's astringent and soothing properties.
Phytochemical studies reveal that plantain leaves contain bioactive compounds such as aucubin, allantoin, and various flavonoids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties in laboratory settings. Some small-scale in vitro and animal studies support the concept that plantain extracts can speed up wound closure and reduce infection risk. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and much of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical use.
Overall, while scientific validation is emerging, the primary justification for using plantain in treating abrasions is rooted in traditional medicine. The practice persists due to its long history and some supporting laboratory evidence, but higher-quality clinical studies are necessary for definitive scientific endorsement.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
AbrusAbuta
Acacia
Achyranthes
Agave
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alkanet
Alkanna
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
anamu
Antirrhinum majus
Aquilegia formosa
arnica
ash
asiaticoside
assam indigo
avens
bai ji
balsam
banyan
Barleria
bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
bindweed
blackbrush
blackthorn
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Bombax
boxthorne
Brazilian peppertree
Butea monosperma
Calendula
Calochortus
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
carrapichinho
Casearia sylvestris
castile soap
cattail
Cedrus libani
celandine
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
cocklebur
cocoa butter
colloidal silver
comfrey
cornflower
cowherb
Cymbidium goeringii
Cynanchum
Cynodon dactylon
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
elephant vine
elephant\'s head
English elm
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
ficin
fir
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
Gambir
Genipa americana
genipap
geranium
Gnaphalium
golden shower tree
goldenseal
gotu kola
Gugambilla
heal-all
henna
honey
hyaluronic acid
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
impatiens
iridoid glycosides
Jessica\'s sticktight
jojoba oil
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Kigelia africana
lac resin
lacquertree
Lantana camara
lavender
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
Lilium polyphyllum
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lophira lanceolata
Lygodium
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Maritime Dock
Marking Nut Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Milkweed
Moss
Mountain horopito
Mucin
Myrrh
Nimbidin
nut grass
Oak
oriental arborvitae
Oxystelma
paederia foetida
Panthenol
paw paw
Plantago
plantain
Plumbago zeylanica
Povidone
Prolase
Propolis
protease
purified silver
purple Tephrosia
red alder
red spiderling
resin
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
sea salt
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sesbania
shen-chu
Shikonin
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
siler root
Silverweed
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Smooth Alder
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Tagetes
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Thymol
Tridax
Trumpet Vine
turmeric
vitamin C
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by plantain
BronchitisAbdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Products containing plantain
Nature's Sunshine Bone/Skin Poultice
Nature's Sunshine Herbal CA
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Cramp Relief
Nature's Sunshine HY-C
Nature's Sunshine HY-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine IN-X
Nature's Sunshine Intestinal Soothe and Build
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Drainage
Nature's Sunshine Lymphomax
