Antipruritic plant prevents and combats itching
This article looks into all the plants that soothe itching.
What is pruritus?
Pruritus (from Latin: pruritus) is a frequent symptom (particularly in dermatology) that covers an itching sensation of the skin, most often in connection with dermatological lesions (sometimes also without a known cause: this is pruritus “sine materia “).
So pruritus is a symptom. There are 4 types of mechanism that can cause it:
As pruritus is first and foremost a symptom with very broad causes, this article on antipruritic properties does not investigate the causes of pruritus but rather the relief of itching. In the “Good uses” section, we’ll touch on a few of the problems (wounds, scarring, hemorrhoids, eczema and dry skin) that can cause pruritus and suggest properties that will act both on the cause and on the impact of scratching.
For your own good …
The limits of antipruritic plants
Tackling the symptom (pruritus) without looking for the cause (see the 4 mechanisms above) increases the risk of recurrence. Above all, pruritus can be a symptom of a serious illness so look out for signs such as weight loss, fatigue, asthenia, night sweats, numbness, abdominal pain, etc. In short, be cautious and when in doubt, consult a doctor who is the only one authorized to make a diagnosis.
Prescription drugs offer stronger antihistamines and anesthetics than the anti-pruritus herbs in this article. Use them accordingly depending on the extent of your symptoms. For example, if a small area of your leg has come into contact with poison ivy, it’s a good idea to use herbs but if this area covers a large surface or sensitive parts such as the eyes, you should seek medical advice.
The properties sought in the anti-pruritus plant
Pruritus induces sufferers to scratch (although scratching is by no means advisable). Scratching brings instant relief (activation of inhibitory neuronal circuits), but is very temporary as it amplifies the pruritus, leading to more scratching.
Antihistamine plants are directly linked to the sensation of itching, which is caused by histamine binding to nerve receptors in the skin.
In addition to antihistamines, plants that soothe itching are also considered antipruritic:
See also “Good uses” to identify the properties sought to tackle certain causes and the effects of scratching on affected skin and other mucous membranes.
Antipruritic plants
| Plant – Latin name | Antipruritic (general evaluation) | Anti-histamine | Analgesic/ painkiller | Emollient |
| Plantain – Plantago major L. | ⭐⭐⭐#ref :21##ref :66# #ref :118# | ⭐⭐ #ref :66# | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref :21# #ref :66# | |
| German chamomile – Matricaria recutita L. | ⭐⭐⭐#ref :20# | ⭐⭐#ref :20# #ref :118# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# | ⭐⭐ .#ref :21# |
| Chamomile, noble – Chamaemelum nobile L. | ⭐⭐⭐#ref :20# | ⭐⭐#ref :20# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20##ref :21# |
| Calendula – Calendula officinalis L. | ⭐⭐ #ref :118# | ⭐⭐#ref :66# | ⭐⭐#ref :20# #ref :66# | |
| True lavender – Lavandula angustifolia Mill. | ⭐⭐ #ref :118# | ⭐⭐⭐#ref :66# | ||
| St John’s wort – Hypericum perforatum L. | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :66# #ref :118# | ⭐⭐ #ref :66# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# | |
| Nettle – Urtica dioica L. | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :68# #ref :118# | ⭐ #ref :66# | ||
| Wild pansy – Viola tricolor L. spp. (vulgaris and arvensis) | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :25# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :21# #ref :25# | ||
| Oats – Avena sativa L. | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :25# | ||
| Yarrow – Achillea millefolium L. | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :66# | ⭐ #ref :17# | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# | |
| Mallow – Malva sylvetris L. | ⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :66# | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref :20# #ref :21# | ||
| Flax – Linum usitatissimum L. | ⭐⭐#ref :24# | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref :21# #ref :24# | ||
| Burdock – Arctium lappa L. | ⭐ #ref :24# #ref :66# | ⭐⭐ #ref :24# #ref :66# | ||
| Comfrey – Symphytum officinalis L. | ⭐ #ref :24# | ⭐⭐ #ref :9##ref :24# | ||
| Agrimony – Agrimonia eupatoria L. | ⭐ #ref :24# |
For your own good… minimum checks before using a plant
Read the plant sheet
As much as possible, I try to offer a hyperlink for each plant proposed. This link opens a plant fact sheet which not only gives information about the crop but, if you look further down, also provides information on the safe use of the plant (methods of use, safe doses, precautions, interactions, properties). Naturally, if you have a complicated medical condition, this sheet won’t be enough and you’ll need to consult a professional herbalist or pharmacist. But even if you’re in good health, for your own safety, take the time to get to know the plants before using them. They’re natural, but they’re also powerful.
Antipruritic plant: the right uses
Issues: Pruritus and itching
Anti-pruritus plants are the experts on pruritus. Analgesic, painkiller, soothing, emollient and anti-inflammatory plants,
soothing, emollient and anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-histaminic plants are also allies.
As itching causes scratching, the following properties are also often useful:
– Vulnerary and healing: repair lesions and irritations caused by scratching;
– Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory: disinfect mucous membranes whose barrier has been damaged by scratching;
– Antifungal, antiparasitic: if and only if fungi or parasites are the cause of itching, as an excess of these plants can irritate.
Plants for external use: plantain(Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata), St. John’s wort(Hypericum perforatum), calendula(Calendula officinalis), aloe(Aloe vera), German chamomile(Matricaria recutita), comfrey(Symphytum officinale), lavender(Lavandula angustifolia).
Issues: Wounds and healing
For small wounds, astringent plants ( which are also hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic) are a winning combo. Other specialists can be added as required:
– Healing / vulnerary: accelerate healing;
– Analgesic / antalgic / antipruritic: reduce pain and itching;
– Antiseptic / antibacterial: disinfect wounds;
– Hemostatics: stop blood flow.
– Antioedematous: useful for bruises
Here, plants are mainly used externally… They can be used as poultices, ointments or simply poured over the wound.
Plants for external use: Yarrow(Achillea millefolium), Calendula(Calendula officinalis), Comfrey(Symphytum officinalis), Witch Hazel(Hamamelis virginiana), Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia), St. John’s Wort(Hypericum perforatum).
Issue: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can have a number of causes: heredity, venous weakness, too much pressure (sedentary lifestyle, constipation, heavy lifting…). It’s worth looking for the cause to reduce the chances of recurrence. A number of plant properties can act on hemorrhoids or their causes:
– Astringent: tightens tissues and strengthens venous membranes (applied externally for a few minutes);
– Emollient, antipruritic: reduce discomfort and pain (also externally, e.g. using an ointment or bolus);
– Laxatives: resolve constipation (which may be the cause);
– Hepatic: prevent future constipation.
Caution: consult your doctor to ensure that your hemorrhoids do not degenerate into thrombosis.
Issue: Eczema
To reduce itching there are antipruritic plants and emollient plants. They are accompanied by plants with the following properties:
– Alterative, depurative, draining, hepatic: cleanse the blood;
– Mineralizing, alkalizing: regulate pH;
– Nervine: reduces anxiety, sometimes the cause of eczema.
And healing/vulnerary plants: for healing.
Eczema is a persistent problem and it’s often necessary to review one’s diet and identify and reduce chemical irritants and allergens to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Internally useful plants: burdock(Arctium lappa), fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), goldenseal(Hydrastis canadensis), nettle(Urtica dioica), wild pansy(Viola tricolor), scrofularia(Scrophularia nodosa), red clover(Trifolium pratense).
Externally useful plants: calendula(Calendula officinalis), goldenseal(Hydrastis canadensis), plantain major(Plantago major).
Photo credit: BruceBlaus
Issue: Dry skin
The emollient and vulnerary plants nourish, protect and soften the skin. Antipruritic herbs can be added if the skin becomes itchy.
Plants for external use: Aloes(Aloe vera), plantain(Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata), calendula(Calendula officinalis), marshmallow(Althaea officinalis), mallow(Malva spp.).
Photo credit: NadineDoerle
Tips for external use
External applications are essential for pruritus, providing faster relief than internal consumption.
Avoid heat in your external applications
Allow your infusions to cool before applying them, and avoid hot baths: heat tends to increase pruritus.
A soaked compress exposed to air will cool as it evaporates.
Make ice cubes with your infusions and decoctions
Freezing them will increase their shelf life and make them ready and convenient to apply to the itch. Cold calms the nerve receptors responsible for pruritus and reduces inflammation.
Steamed (and cooled) plantain leaves used directly as a poultice.
Plantain is often the first plant to appear in herbal books for treating itch. During the summer months, it can be found everywhere so use fresh leaves – that’s my best recommendation. Once dried, they can be moistened but I have the impression that this reduces their effectiveness. In winter, I use plantain transformed into maceration or ointment, or the juice extracted from fresh leaves and frozen in ice cubes.
Herbal tea and liquid concentrate…
Its anti-allergic properties (inhibiting the histamine that causes itching) will also be activated by taking it internally. Choose nettle and chamomile tea (noble or German chamomile, depending on what grows in your area!). Nettle can also be put to good use in cooking (sprinkle with dried, chopped nettle leaves at the end of cooking). Of course, alcohol- and vinegar-based concentrates are also possible.
Essential oils – antipruritic
In the case of pruritus, even if essential oils are not the focus of my studies, I can’t overlook the essential oils of true lavender and peppermint which can be used at 10 drops each/tsp of vegetable oil; they can be used on the skin at a rate of 3 to 4 applications per day.
Recommended solvents
Antipruritic herbs are generally effective in all their forms (see the herbal fact sheets for more details). I would, however, be reluctant to apply an alcohol-based concentrate to dry, irritated skin. I personally like macerations but they can be counterproductive if wounds are suppurating. Pruritus exists in many situations; consider what’s best for the situation and what you have on hand.
Did you know…
Nettle is a good antidote for nettle blight
Yes, nettle is both antidote and poison! You can take it as an herbal tea, but for faster results, crush the fresh leaf with a stone and apply the puree directly to the skin!
Could scratching be contagious?
Experiments have shown that in mice, seeing a mouse scratch (even on video) induces scratching in healthy mice. A bit like yawning, mice are influenced by the sight of a mouse scratching. Researchers believe that this phenomenon could have an evolutionary cause, and be useful in preventing the installation of lice, fleas, etc. ( https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/mar/09/scratching-that-itch-tests-on-mice-show-urge-is-hard-wired-into-brain ).
Do mirror neurons work the same way in humans? Tell me what you think…
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.