Evidence supporting the use of: English Plantain
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has a long history of traditional use in skin care, particularly for its purported abilities to soothe minor wounds, insect bites, and skin irritations. Its use can be traced back to traditional European herbal medicine, where both fresh leaves and preparations (such as poultices or salves) were applied topically. The plant contains bioactive compounds, including aucubin (an iridoid glycoside), flavonoids, and tannins, which are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
While modern clinical evidence is limited, some laboratory studies support that extracts from Plantago species may have antimicrobial and wound-healing effects. However, most of this research is preliminary, conducted in vitro or in animal models, and not specifically with Plantago lanceolata or in the context of routine skin care. The majority of recommendations for English Plantain in skin care come from historical texts, folk medicine, and herbalist traditions rather than from rigorous scientific trials.
In summary, the use of English Plantain for general skin care is justified primarily by tradition, with some supporting phytochemical rationale and limited preclinical evidence. It remains popular in herbal preparations, but lacks strong scientific validation for routine dermatological use.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Flavans
Geraniol
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Gac
Glucosylceramide
Glycosylceramides
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
silica
vegetable oil
Other health conditions supported by English Plantain
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gingivitis
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn