Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Great Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of traditional use for treating bites and stings from insects and other sources. Folk medicine practitioners in Europe, Asia, and North America have applied crushed leaves topically to affected areas, believing the plant’s mucilaginous compounds help soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and promote healing. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds such as allantoin, aucubin, and various flavonoids, which are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Some laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Great Plantain possess anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities, lending some biological plausibility to its traditional use. However, rigorous clinical trials in humans specifically investigating its efficacy for bites and stings are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or derived from ethnobotanical records. Despite the limited human data, the persistent traditional use across cultures supports its role as a folk remedy. Recent scientific interest may prompt more research in the future, but for now, the evidence is based primarily on tradition, with a moderate level of support from preliminary laboratory findings.

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