Evidence supporting the use of: Sesquiterpenes
For the health condition: Bites and Stings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes commonly found in the essential oils of many plants, such as chamomile, myrrh, and yarrow. Their use for bites and stings is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine practices rather than modern scientific validation. Historically, plants containing sesquiterpenes have been applied topically or used in poultices to soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort from insect bites and stings. For example, chamomile, rich in the sesquiterpene alpha-bisabolol, has been used for centuries in European folk medicine for these purposes.
There is limited scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of sesquiterpenes specifically for treating bites and stings. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain sesquiterpenes exhibit anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties, which could theoretically contribute to symptomatic relief. However, these studies do not directly evaluate their effectiveness in treating bites or stings in humans, and robust clinical trials are lacking. As a result, while their use persists, particularly in herbal and alternative medicine traditions, the evidence base is weak and largely anecdotal.
Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings
aloe verabasil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic acids
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Mustard
Spikenard
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Sesquiterpenes
Abdominal PainAcne
Anxiety
Arthritis
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)