Synopsis

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

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use for treating itching and other minor skin irritations. In both European and Middle Eastern herbal medicine, topical preparations of chamomile (often derived from Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile) have been used to soothe eczema, rashes, and pruritus (itching). The calming and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to chamomile are mainly based on its content of flavonoids (such as apigenin) and essential oils (like bisabolol), which are believed to help reduce irritation when applied to the skin.

Scientific evidence supporting chamomile’s effectiveness for itching is limited but not entirely absent. A few small clinical studies and animal experiments suggest that chamomile extracts may have modest anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects. For example, topical chamomile preparations have been compared to low-potency corticosteroids in the management of eczema, with some studies indicating comparable, though generally weaker, results. However, these studies often have small sample sizes, variable formulations, and methodological limitations.

Overall, while there is traditional justification and limited scientific support for chamomile’s use in relieving itching, robust, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking. Therefore, chamomile’s reputation for treating itching rests primarily on historical use, with some suggestive but inconclusive scientific validation.

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Other ingredients used for Itching

Other health conditions supported by Chamomile (not specified)

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