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

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Synopsis

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

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of traditional use for various inflammatory skin conditions, including rashes caused by Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) or Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Folk medicine has utilized chamomile preparations—such as topical poultices, compresses, or baths—to soothe itching, reduce redness, and promote healing of irritated skin. These practices are rooted in chamomile’s known anti-inflammatory, mild antiseptic, and calming properties, attributed mainly to its flavonoids (like apigenin) and essential oils (such as chamazulene and bisabolol).

Although there is some preliminary scientific evidence that chamomile extracts can reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing, robust clinical trials specifically addressing its efficacy for Poison Ivy or Oak dermatitis are lacking. Most of the available research focuses on general dermatitis, eczema, or minor wounds, rather than urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Thus, while chamomile is often recommended in herbal and traditional medicine texts for Poison Ivy/Oak, current scientific validation is limited. The evidence rating of 2 reflects this gap: there is tradition and plausible mechanism, but little direct clinical evidence for this specific use.

In summary, chamomile’s use for Poison Ivy or Oak is justified primarily by tradition, with only modest indirect scientific support. Those considering chamomile should also be aware of rare allergic reactions, especially among individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.

More about chamomile
More about Poison Ivy or Oak

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abuse and Trauma
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anger (excessive)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Epilepsy
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Hysteria
Indigestion
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Lesions
Lupus
Measles
Morning Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Nose Bleeds
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type P
Poison Ivy or Oak
Post Partum Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Rashes and Hives
Restless Dreams
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scratches and Abrasions
Seizures
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Sore Throat
Strep Throat
Stress
Sunburn
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Teething
Tension
Tickle in Throat
TMJ
Tonsillitis
Adrenal Fatigue
Abscesses
Allergies (respiratory)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bloodshot Eyes
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Carbuncles
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Emotional Sensitivity