Common Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including conditions related to swollen glands or lymph nodes. In traditional European and Native American medicine, plantain leaves were often applied as poultices or taken as teas for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which were believed to help with swelling, including that of lymph glands, often in the context of infections, sore throats, or skin irritations. The rationale was based on plantain’s perceived ability to "draw out" toxins and reduce inflammation.

Scientifically, studies have confirmed some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of plantain extracts, largely due to compounds such as aucubin, flavonoids, and tannins. However, there is no direct clinical or laboratory evidence specifically demonstrating that Common Plantain can reduce swelling of lymph nodes or directly support lymphatic function in humans. Most modern herbal texts mention its traditional use for minor skin conditions, wounds, and respiratory tract irritation, but references to lymphatic or glandular use remain anecdotal or based on historical herbalist practices without scientific validation. Thus, while its use for swollen glands is rooted in tradition, robust clinical evidence is lacking.