Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis, also known as Thuja orientalis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where its seeds, leaves, and other parts are employed for a variety of ailments, including dermatological conditions such as itching (pruritus). In TCM theory, itching is often linked to "wind" or "heat" in the skin, and substances with cooling or calming properties, such as oriental arborvitae, are sometimes prescribed. The leaves (bai zi ren) are believed to nourish yin and blood, helping to alleviate dryness and irritation. Ancient texts and materia medica, such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Ben Cao Gang Mu), mention the topical and sometimes internal use of arborvitae for skin discomfort and itch relief.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some laboratory studies have shown that extracts of Platycladus orientalis possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which might theoretically contribute to relief from itching caused by irritation or infection, but these results are preliminary and mostly from in vitro or animal models. There are no high-quality clinical trials that directly demonstrate its efficacy for treating pruritus in humans. As such, the use of oriental arborvitae for itching is primarily rooted in traditional practices, and the current evidence should be considered modest; further research is needed to clarify its effectiveness and safety profile for this specific indication.

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