Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Plantain (most commonly referring to Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine for treating skin conditions, including abscesses. In folk medicine, fresh plantain leaves are often crushed and applied as a poultice to the skin, with the belief that they draw out infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Historical texts from European and Native American herbal traditions mention its use for boils, ulcers, and abscesses. The rationale traditionally cited is plantain’s purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its mucilaginous texture which soothes irritated tissue.

Modern scientific studies have identified some bioactive compounds in plantain, such as aucubin and allantoin, which demonstrate anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity in vitro. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly examining the efficacy of plantain on abscesses in humans. Most contemporary support for its use remains anecdotal or based on in vitro and animal studies. As such, while its application for abscesses is well documented in traditional medicine, scientific evidence is limited and not conclusive.

More about Plantain (unspecified)
More about Abscesses

Other ingredients used for Abscesses

Other health conditions supported by Plantain (unspecified)

Products containing Plantain (unspecified)