Anti-itch
Certain herbs taken orally or applied topically have shown to have anti-itch potential. German chamomile, peppermint, and colloidal oatmeal are examples of herbs that can show a reduction in symptoms. In the cases of ongoing or severe itching conditions, consult with a Doctor.
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RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
- German chamomile can be recommended to relieve itching and inflammation and heal peristomal skin lesions. From: Charousaei, F., Dabirian, A., & Mojab, F. (2011). Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study. Ostomy-Wound Management, 57(5), 28.
- Applications of menthol and cooling reduced skin itching. From: Bromma, B., Scharein, E., Darsow, U., & Ring, J. (1995). Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man. Neuroscience letters, 187(3), 157-160.
- Oral intake of German chamomile extracts reduced the itch-scratch response comparable to oxatomide in mice. From: Kobayashi, Y., Nakano, Y., Inayama, K., Sakai, A., & Kamiya, T. (2003). Dietary intake of the flower extracts of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) inhibited compound 48/80-induced itch-scratch responses in mice. Phytomedicine, 10(8), 657-664.
- Chamomile along with conventional antihistamines could be used to treat severe itching (pruritus). From: Kobayashi, Y., Takahashi, R., & Ogino, F. (2005). Antipruritic effect of the single oral administration of German chamomile flower extract and its combined effect with antiallergic agents in ddY mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 101(1), 308-312.
- A blend of guar gum hydrogel with peppermint essential oil reduced itching in patients with burn scars in this multi-center controlled study of 74 patients that had severe burns. From: Wu, J., Xu, R., Zhan, R., Luo, G., Niu, X., Liu, Y., … & Lau, J. Y. N. (2016). Effective symptomatic treatment for severe and intractable pruritus associated with severe burn-induced hypertrophic scars: A prospective, multicenter, controlled trial. Burns, 42(5), 1059-1066.
- A triple-blind clinical trial of 96 randomly selected pregnant women with itching, showed peppermint oil 0.5% in sesame oil reduced itching. From: Amjadi, M. A., Mojab, F., & Kamranpour, S. B. (2012). The effect of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research: IJPR, 11(4), 1073.
- Fifty patients suffering from chronic itching showed reduced symptoms with the topical application of 5% dilution peppermint oil. From: Elsaie, L. T., El Mohsen, A. M., Ibrahim, I. M., Mohey-Eddin, M. H., & Elsaie, M. L. (2016). Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 9, 333.
- Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for various skin conditions and was used in a blind study on twenty-nine female subjects with mild to moderate itching on their dry lower legs. The oatmeal significantly improved skin dryness, texture, and itch intensity. From: Michelle Garay, M. S., Judith Nebus, M. B. A., & Menas Kizoulis, B. A. (2015). Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 14(1), 43-48.
- Active colloidal oatmeal moisturizer showed effectiveness in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study. From: Kalaaji, A. N., & Wallo, W. (2014). A randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of an active moisturizing lotion with colloidal oatmeal skin protectant versus its vehicle for the relief of xerosis. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 13(10), 1265-1268.
- This overview of oatmeal (Avena sativa) shows research for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in topically treating pruritus, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and viral and fungal infections. From: Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 78(2), 142.
- Manzana type chamomile (Roman) was more effective than hydrocortisone cream in treating atopic eczema in this partially double-blind, randomized study. From: Patzelt-Wenczler, R., & Ponce-Pöschl, E. (2000). Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan (R) cream in atopic eczema. European journal of medical research, 5(4), 171-175.
- In a double blind study of 100 infants, bentonite was more effective than calendula in treating diaper rash. From: Mahmoudi, M., Adib-Hajbaghery, M., & Mashaiekhi, M. (2015). Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. The Indian journal of medical research, 142(6), 742.
- Bathing in magnesium dead sea salt improved skin texture and inflammation in those with dry skin, compared to tap water. From: Proksch, E., Nissen, H. P., Bremgartner, M., & Urquhart, C. (2005). Bathing in a magnesium‐rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International journal of dermatology, 44(2), 151-157.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Last Updated: 8/1/18
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February 20, 2019
