Evidence supporting the use of: Fleabane
For the health condition: Insect Repellant

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Synopsis

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

Fleabane refers to several species in the genus Erigeron and related plants, which have a longstanding history of use as insect repellents in various cultures. The common name "Fleabane" itself reflects its traditional role—early European settlers and Native Americans would scatter dried fleabane leaves or flowers around living areas, bedding, or in animal stalls to deter fleas and other insects. Historical texts from the Middle Ages and early modern period describe its use for this purpose, and its pungent aroma was believed to repel not just fleas, but also moths, lice, and mosquitoes.

However, scientific validation for fleabane's efficacy as an insect repellent is limited. While some related species contain volatile oils (such as limonene or camphor-like compounds) that could plausibly repel insects, there is a lack of controlled studies directly demonstrating significant insect-repelling effects, especially compared to standard agents like DEET. Most references to its use are anecdotal or based in ethnobotanical literature, and there is no widespread pharmaceutical or pest control product that uses fleabane as an active ingredient based on strong scientific evidence. In conclusion, while the traditional use of fleabane as an insect repellent is well-documented, robust scientific support for its effectiveness is lacking.

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Products containing fleabane

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