Asian Plantain (Plantago asiatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Korean herbal practices. Historically, the seeds, leaves, and extracts of Asian Plantain have been used for a variety of ailments, including eye infections, redness, and inflammation. In TCM, the seeds (commonly referred to as "Che Qian Zi") are often included in herbal formulas to "clear heat" and "eliminate dampness," which are believed to contribute to eye problems like conjunctivitis and swelling. Ancient texts and pharmacopoeias mention its topical and internal use for eye health, sometimes as washes or decoctions.

However, scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of Asian Plantain specifically for eye infections are minimal. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Plantago asiatica possess anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically be beneficial for the management of minor eye infections. Yet, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and much of the use for eye conditions is based on historical and empirical knowledge rather than modern scientific validation. Thus, while its use for eye infections is justified by tradition, current scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this indication remains limited.