Evidence supporting the use of: Missouri Snakeroot
For the health condition: Poison Ivy or Oak

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Missouri Snakeroot (commonly referring to Polygala senega, also known as Seneca snakeroot) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine among Native American groups and early settlers. In the context of poison ivy or poison oak exposure, historical accounts suggest that poultices or decoctions of the root were sometimes applied topically to help alleviate the skin irritation and inflammation caused by these plants. However, this use is primarily based on anecdotal and ethnobotanical reports, rather than rigorous scientific investigation.

There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Missouri Snakeroot for treating the dermatitis caused by poison ivy or oak (urushiol-induced contact dermatitis). Most modern herbal references mention its use for respiratory conditions rather than dermatological ones, and no controlled studies exist evaluating its topical or systemic effects for poison ivy/oak exposure. Mainstream medical sources and pharmacopoeias do not recognize it as a treatment for this purpose. Any observed benefit in traditional use may be due to placebo effect or non-specific soothing properties of moist plant material rather than a specific pharmacological action against the rash.

In summary, while there is some traditional use of Missouri Snakeroot for poison ivy or oak, this is not supported by scientific validation, and the overall level of evidence is very weak (1 out of 5).

More about Missouri Snakeroot
More about Poison Ivy or Oak

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