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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Cowherb (Saponaria officinalis), also known as soapwort, has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. Regarding bites and stings, its application is primarily rooted in folk medicine rather than modern scientific validation. Historically, poultices or topical preparations made from cowherb have been applied to the skin to alleviate irritation, swelling, or inflammation resulting from insect bites or stings. These uses are based on the plant’s saponin content, which is thought to possess mild anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. However, while traditional sources such as herbal compendiums and ethnobotanical records mention cowherb’s use for skin irritations, including bites and stings, there is very limited clinical or laboratory evidence to substantiate these effects. Most of the available literature documents its use anecdotally or as part of broader traditional practices. Modern studies have primarily focused on cowherb’s saponins for other pharmacological activities and not specifically for dermatological applications or envenomations. Thus, the evidence supporting its use in treating bites and stings is largely traditional, with a rating of 2, reflecting weak substantiation beyond historical and anecdotal reports.

More about Cowherb
More about Bites and Stings

Products containing Cowherb

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.