Synopsis

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

Plantain (commonly referring to Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of traditional use in supporting respiratory health and alleviating allergy-related symptoms, particularly in European and traditional herbal medicine. Historical records and ethnobotanical sources describe plantain leaves being used as teas, syrups, or extracts to soothe irritated mucous membranes, reduce cough, and ease symptoms of hay fever and other mild respiratory allergies. The traditional rationale is based on plantain’s mucilage content, which can coat and soothe inflamed tissues, and its purported anti-inflammatory and mild antihistaminic activities. However, while there are laboratory studies suggesting plantain extracts can inhibit certain inflammatory mediators, robust clinical trials directly supporting its use for respiratory allergies in humans are lacking. The available human evidence is limited to anecdotal and small observational studies. Thus, while the use of plantain for respiratory allergies is justified primarily by tradition, scientific validation remains limited. The overall evidence is best rated as moderate in traditional use, but weak in terms of rigorous scientific proof for this specific indication.

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Other ingredients used for Allergies (respiratory)

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