--- title: "Broadleaf Plantain: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used as a tea for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough, and as a fresh leaf on minor skin wounds." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/broadleaf-plantain/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Broadleaf Plantain Plantago major T Traditional use Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used as a tea for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough, and as a fresh leaf on minor skin wounds. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a roadside plant with prominent leaf veins. Like its relative ribwort plantain, it contains mucilage, aucubin and tannins. It is traditionally used as a tea for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough, and the crushed fresh leaf for minor wounds, insect stings and spots. There are no clinical studies; the EMA assessment covers ribwort only. **Parts used:** leaves **Key constituents:** Aucubin (Iridoid), Mucilage, Tannins Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used for mouth and throat irritation and dry cough. \[1\] - T Traditional use The crushed fresh leaf is traditionally used for minor skin wounds and insect stings. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Infuse 2 g of dried leaf in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. **Amount:** 3 times daily **Duration limit:** 1 week \[1\] ### Topical Crush a washed fresh leaf and place it on a minor wound or sting. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 3 years - Do not use on deep, dirty or infected wounds; see a doctor. - See a doctor if a cough lasts over 1 week or comes with fever or breathlessness. - Large amounts of mucilage may delay absorption of medicines. - Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown; ask a doctor before use. \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Medicines taken at the same time | Mucilage may delay absorption; leave 30–60 minutes apart. [2] | Minor | ### Side effects - Rarely allergy #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Native Americans called broadleaf plantain "white man's footprint" because it appeared wherever Europeans went. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Is broadleaf plantain the same as ribwort? No. They are relatives; ribwort has narrow leaves, broadleaf plantain wide ones. Does plantain help wounds? It is traditionally used on minor wounds; see a doctor for deep or infected ones. Does plantain tea help cough? It is traditionally used for dry cough; there are no clinical studies. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products](https://escop.com/monographs/) ESCOP · 2019 ### Cite This Page Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/broadleaf-plantain/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Black Seed Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma. 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