Evidence supporting the use of: Elephant's Head
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The use of Elephant's Head (Pedicularis spp.) to support or treat itching is primarily based on traditional medicine practices rather than robust scientific evidence. In various traditional systems, especially in regions where the plant is native (such as parts of Asia, Europe, and North America), Elephant's Head has been used for its purported anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Folk remedies sometimes involve applying preparations of the plant topically to alleviate skin irritation, itching, or minor wounds. However, the exact rationale for its use in itching appears to be anecdotal, passed down through generations in local herbal medicine traditions.
There is a lack of modern clinical research or pharmacological studies directly evaluating the efficacy or safety of Elephant's Head for itching. The plant does contain certain iridoids and flavonoids, which in other contexts have shown anti-inflammatory properties, but there is no direct evidence linking these compounds to relief from pruritus (itching) in humans. Thus, while its use is documented in traditional herbal lore, there is minimal to no scientific validation, and the quality of traditional evidence is limited.
Other ingredients used for Itching
aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
peppermint oil
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Mallow
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Elephant's Head
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Insomnia
Itching
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness