Ribwort Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
T Traditional useRibwort plantain leaf is traditionally used for throat irritation with dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes Plantago lanceolata leaf as a traditional herbal medicine: as a demulcent for throat irritation and dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a different species.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a demulcent for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, and for cough associated with a cold. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for minor inflammation of the skin. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150–250 ml of boiling water over 1.4–2 g of chopped dried leaf.
Amount: 2–3 times daily (4–6 g a day)
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- As a tea not recommended for children under 12; some ready-made products are approved for younger ages.
- Do not use if you are allergic to ribwort plantain pollen.
- See a doctor if you get shortness of breath, fever or pus-like phlegm.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ 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?
The soothing effect of ribwort tea comes from the mucilage in its leaves. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does ribwort plantain help a cough?
The EMA accepts ribwort leaf as a traditional remedy for dry cough and cough with a cold.
Is it the same as broadleaf plantain?
They are close relatives. Ribwort is the narrow-leaved Plantago lanceolata; broadleaf plantain, Plantago major, is a separate species.
How do I make ribwort tea?
Pour 150–250 ml of boiling water over 1.4–2 g of chopped leaf; drink 2–3 times a day.
Can children take ribwort?
As a tea not under 12. Some preparations in the monograph are defined from age 3; check the product label.
Sources
Cite This Page
Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ribwort-plantain/
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