Evidence supporting the use of: Fumaritory
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) has been used traditionally in European herbal medicine to support the treatment of skin conditions, including itching (pruritus). Its use is primarily based on historical and ethnobotanical accounts rather than robust scientific research. Historically, fumitory was believed to have depurative (blood-purifying) and cholagogue (bile-stimulating) properties, which were thought to help in conditions associated with skin eruptions and itching, particularly when these symptoms were believed to arise from liver or gallbladder dysfunction.
Some pharmacological studies have identified alkaloids (e.g., protopine) and other compounds in fumitory with mild anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects, but there is limited direct evidence from clinical trials to support its efficacy for pruritus in humans. A few small studies and case reports from the 20th century suggest possible benefit for skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis, but these are not rigorous or widely replicated. Modern herbal references and the German Commission E monographs mention its traditional use for skin and biliary complaints, reinforcing its historical role rather than providing new clinical validation.
In summary, the use of fumitory for itching is chiefly supported by traditional use and anecdotal reports, with limited scientific evidence. Further well-designed clinical studies would be needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
Other health conditions supported by Fumaritory
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Boils
Dyspepsia
Edema
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Itching
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores