Buckhorn plantain is a plant. It grows throughout the world. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
Buckhorn plantain is used for common colds, fever, cough, wound healing, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse buckhorn plantain with common plantain (Plantago major). Also, don't mistake digitalis leaves for buckhorn plantain leaves. They look a lot alike. This is a problem because digitalis is unsafe. Be sure to get buckhorn plantain from trusted sources. There have been some reports of buckhorn plantain adulterated with digitalis.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Common cold.
- Cough.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Fever.
- Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis).
- Bed-wetting.
- Liver disease.
- Stomach cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Sore mouth and throat, when applied to the affected area.
- Wound healing, when applied to the affected area.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the skin, when applied to the affected area.
- Pink eye, when applied to the affected area.
- Bleeding, when applied to the affected area.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of buckhorn plantain for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Buckhorn plantain contains tannins and mucous-like substances that might help soothe painful and swollen (inflamed) areas. It might also have antibacterial effects.
When taken by mouth: Buckhorn plantain is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people in medicinal doses when taken by mouth. It can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
When applied to the skin: Buckhorn plantain is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people in medicinal doses when applied to the skin. It can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to take buckhorn plantain or apply it to your skin if you are pregnant. There is some evidence that buckhorn plantain can affect the muscle tone of the uterus.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if buckhorn plantain is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Buckhorn Plantain interacts with any medicines. Before taking Buckhorn Plantain, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of buckhorn plantain depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for buckhorn plantain. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Buckhorn, Chimney-Sweeps, English Plantain, Headsman, Herbe aux Cinq Côtés, Herbe à Cinq Coutures, Hoary Plantain, Llantén, Llantén Menor, Narrowleaf plantain, Oreille de Lièvre, Petit Plantin, Plantago lanceolata, Plantaginis Lanceolatae Herba, Plantain, Plantain à Feuilles Étroites, Ribgrass, Ribwort, Ribwort Plantain, Ripplegrass, Small Plantain, Snake's Tongue, Soldier's Herb, Spitzwegerichkraut.
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