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

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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.

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