English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for oral and gum health. Folk remedies in Europe and other regions have employed the leaves as poultices or mouth rinses to soothe inflamed gums, treat minor oral wounds, and reduce mouth irritation. The plant is known for its astringent properties, which are attributed to its content of tannins and other phytochemicals. These astringent effects may help tighten tissues and reduce minor bleeding, which could explain its traditional use for supporting gum health.

However, while there is a consistent record of traditional use, scientific validation is limited. Some laboratory studies suggest that Plantago species possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically benefit oral health. Yet, there are few, if any, clinical trials specifically evaluating English Plantain for gum health or periodontal disease in humans. Most available studies are either in vitro or conducted with related Plantago species. Therefore, while traditional use is well established, modern scientific evidence supporting English Plantain specifically for gum support remains weak. Its use for this purpose is based mainly on ethnobotanical knowledge rather than robust clinical research.