--- title: "Ribwort Plantain: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Ribwort plantain leaf is traditionally used for throat irritation with dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ribwort-plantain/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata T Traditional use Ribwort plantain leaf is traditionally used for throat irritation with dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation. [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 **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** leaves **Key constituents:** Aucubin & Mucilage 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 Traditionally used as a demulcent for mouth and throat irritation with dry cough, and for cough associated with a cold. \[1\] - T Traditional use 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Plantaginis lanceolatae folium – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-plantaginis-lanceolatae-folium-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2025 ### Cite This Page Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ribwort-plantain/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) ## 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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