Plantain Weed: Benefits, Side Effects, And Uses - Healthline

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Nutrition

Evidence BasedWhat Is Plantain Weed, and What Are Its Health Benefits?

Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on June 16, 2025

Overview
Health benefits
Side effects
Uses
Takeaway

Plantain is a common garden weed with edible leaves and seeds. It may offer health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation.

Known for growing everywhere from parking lots to playgrounds, plantain weed is often dismissed as a pervasive garden pest.

However, it’s not only edible and readily available but also has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

In fact, plantain weed contains plant compounds that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.

This article explores the benefits, side effects, and uses of plantain weed.

What is plantain weed?

Plantain, also known as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked.

Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.

Notably, several types of edible plantain weeds belong to the same family as broadleaf plantain. These include:

narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii)
blond plantain (Plantago ovata)
bracted plantain (Plantago aristata)
Chinese plantain (Plantago asiatica)
buck’s-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus)
woolly plantain (Plantago patagonica)

Although often considered weeds, these plants all have edible leaves and seeds that have been used medicinally for centuries.

Potential health benefits of plantain weed

Preliminary studies indicate that plantain weed may have several health benefits, though more research is needed.

May decrease inflammation

While low levels of inflammation are part of your body’s healthy response to injury, chronic inflammation can lead to various illnesses.

Studies show that plantain weed may help reduce inflammation.

In particular, the leaves contain several anti-inflammatory compounds, including:

flavonoids
terpenoids
glycosides
tannins

A 2015 study in rats found that administering plantain weed extract decreased several markers of inflammation caused by liver injury.

Another animal study observed similar findings, reporting that plantain weed extract significantly decreased inflammation and reduced liver enzymes to protect against liver damage.

What’s more, a 2017 test-tube study suggests that plantain seeds may decrease several markers of inflammation and slow the growth of certain cancer cells.

That said, plantain weed should not be considered a cancer remedy. Human studies are necessary to evaluate this plant’s anti-inflammatory effects.

May promote wound healing

Animal research from 2018 notes that plantain weed may support wound healing by reducing inflammation, blocking microbial growth, and relieving pain.

A 2019 study involving 40 people found that applying a gel containing aloe vera and plantain weed helped heal foot ulcers.

Similarly, a 2019 animal study found that topically applied aloe vera and plantain weed improved wound healing and enhanced tissue repair.

All the same, it’s difficult to determine plantain’s exact effects since these studies also used aloe vera.

However, an early 2012 animal study found that applying only plantain weed extract to wounds helped increase the rate of healing, compared with a control group.

Still, further research is necessary.

May support digestive health

Several compounds in plantain weed’s seeds and leaves have been shown to alleviate certain digestive issues.

In particular, plantain seeds contain psyllium, a type of fiber often used as a natural laxative because it absorbs water as it moves through the digestive tract.

According to a 2018 study, plantain leaves may also slow the movement of your digestive tract, which may promote bowel regularity and help treat diarrhea.

An early 2011 study in rats also found that narrowleaf plantain extract promoted the healing of stomach ulcers.

In addition, a 2016 animal study suggests that plantain weed’s anti-inflammatory properties may aid digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can cause symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Potential side effects

Most healthy adults can safely eat plantain weed’s leaves either raw or cooked.

However, plantain supplements may cause mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and skin reactions. High doses may trigger more serious side effects, including anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction.

Fiber supplements derived from plantain seeds, such as psyllium, may also cause digestive issues, including gas, bloating, and uncomfortable fullness.

To minimize any potential side effects, start with a low dosage, increase your intake slowly, and use only as directed.

If you experience an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and talk with a medical professional.

How to use plantain weed

Plantain weed is available both as a supplement and edible vegetable.

Supplements

You can find plantain weed in capsule, tincture, and tea form at numerous health stores and pharmacies.

The standard dosage for infusions or teas is around 5 ounces (150 mL), three to four times daily. In powdered form, the typical dosage ranges from 3 to 5 grams per day.

Be sure you don’t exceed the dosage listed on the product.

It’s important to talk with a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.

Fresh leaves

If you can find plantain weeds in your yard, you can also enjoy the leaves in a variety of dishes.

After careful rinsing, young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Because older leaves tend to be tougher, they may be better suited for cooked dishes, such as soups, stews, and stir-fries.

For topical use, try drying the leaves and infusing them into your choice of oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, or almond oil.

Dried plantain weed can also be added to natural skin care products, including lip balms, lotions, and ointments.

If you harvest plantain weed from your yard, try to avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides, are growing near the road, or are located in areas frequented by pets.

The takeaway

Despite being considered a weed, the common garden plantain has edible leaves and seeds.

It may even provide health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation.

Furthermore, plantain weed is widely available in the form of supplements, teas, and skin care products.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ashkani-Esfahani S, et al. (2019). The healing effect of Plantago Major and Aloe Vera mixture in excisional full thickness skin wounds: Stereological study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6409144/
Hussan F, et al. (2015). Anti-inflammatory property of Plantago major leaf extract reduces the inflammatory reaction in experimental acetaminophen-induced liver injury. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4537734/
Jalanka J, et al. (2019). The effect of psyllium husk on intestinal microbiota in constipated patients and healthy controls. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6358997/
Keshavarzi A, et al. (2022). Therapeutic efficacy of great plantain (Plantago major L.) in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds: A case-control study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9359829/
Kurt B, et al. (2018). Effects of Plantago lanceolata L. extract on full-thickness excisional wound healing in a mouse model. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29575942/
Melese E, et al. (2011). Evaluation of the antipeptic ulcer activity of the leaf extract of Plantago lanceolata L. in rodents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21298726/
Najafian Y, et al. (2018). Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5878035/
Najafian Y, et al. (2019). Efficacy of aloe vera/ Plantago major gel in diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29336265/
Thomé RG, et al. (2012). Evaluation of healing wound and genotoxicity potentials from extracts hydroalcoholic of Plantago major and Siparuna guianensis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23354396/
Triantafillidis JK, et al. (2016). Favorable results from the use of herbal and plant products in inflammatory bowel disease: evidence from experimental animal studies. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4923812/
Türel I, et al. (2009). Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of Plantago major L. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2861812/
Zabair M, et al. (2019). Water and ethanol extracts of Plantago major leaves show anti-inflammatory activity on oral epithelial cells.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017301098

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Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on June 16, 2025

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Nutrition

Nutrition

What is plantain weed?

Potential health benefits of plantain weed

May decrease inflammation

May promote wound healing

May support digestive health

Potential side effects

How to use plantain weed

Supplements

Fresh leaves

The takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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