Evidence supporting the use of: Cocklebur
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and some Native American herbal practices. In these traditions, various parts of the plant have been applied topically to treat skin issues, including bites and stings. The rationale for its use is often based on its purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its ability to "dispel wind" and alleviate itching in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, there is very limited scientific research directly supporting the efficacy or safety of cocklebur for bites and stings. Most of the available modern studies focus on its potential for treating allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, not dermatological complaints. Furthermore, cocklebur contains toxic glycosides (notably carboxyatractyloside), which can cause poisoning if improperly prepared or ingested, raising concerns about safety. In summary, while cocklebur’s use for bites and stings is documented in traditional sources, there is little robust scientific evidence to validate its effectiveness for this indication, and its toxicity profile further limits its safe use.

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