Synopsis

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

Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) has a history of traditional use by some Indigenous peoples of North America for treating various skin conditions, including scabies. Ethnobotanical records indicate that preparations from the leaves, bark, or oil were applied topically to affected skin, often as poultices or washes, to alleviate itching and assist with skin healing. The rationale behind this use is likely related to the plant's known antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, which could theoretically help in managing parasitic infestations such as scabies.

However, scientific validation for the efficacy of Thuja plicata specifically against Sarcoptes scabiei (the mite that causes scabies) is lacking. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated that essential oils from Thuja species possess antimicrobial and mild insecticidal properties, there are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies confirming its effectiveness or safety as a scabicide in humans. Most current medical guidelines for scabies treatment recommend prescription topical agents such as permethrin or oral ivermectin, with no mention of Thuja plicata or its extracts.

In summary, the use of Thuja plicata for scabies is supported mainly by traditional practices and some plausible biological activity, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to endorse its use for this condition. Rating: 2/5 for traditional support, with an absence of modern clinical validation.

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