Synopsis

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

Gardenia jasminoides (commonly known as gardenia or Cape jasmine) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is called Zhizi. In TCM, gardenia fruit is often prescribed to "clear heat" and "cool the blood," and is used to help relieve symptoms such as itching, particularly those associated with skin conditions like eczema or urticaria. The traditional rationale is based on balancing bodily humors and not on modern immunological or dermatological concepts.

There is limited scientific research specifically validating gardenia’s effectiveness for treating or alleviating itching. While some studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of gardenia extracts (such as geniposide and crocin), direct clinical evidence for its anti-pruritic (anti-itch) effects is lacking. Most available data are either preclinical or relate to its general anti-inflammatory potential, not to controlled trials for itching in humans. Therefore, the use of Gardenia jasminoides for itching is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific validation at this time.

More about Gardenia jasminoides
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

Other health conditions supported by Gardenia jasminoides

Products containing Gardenia jasminoides