Evidence supporting the use of: Matico
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Matico (Piper aduncum) has a long history of traditional use in South American and Central American herbal medicine, particularly among indigenous peoples, for a range of skin conditions, including itching. The leaves of the matico plant are commonly applied topically as poultices or infused in bathwater to soothe irritated or itchy skin, often associated with insect bites, rashes, or minor wounds. This practice is well documented in ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine texts.
In terms of scientific evidence, there are limited studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of matico for treating itching (pruritus). Some laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Piper aduncum possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically contribute to the relief of itching, especially if the itching is related to inflammation or infection. However, these studies are preliminary and do not directly assess pruritic symptoms or provide robust clinical evidence for its use in this context.
Overall, the use of matico for itching is primarily justified by tradition rather than science. While its anti-inflammatory activity may offer some rationale, high-quality clinical trials are lacking, and the evidence remains anecdotal and based on ethnomedical reports.
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 Matico
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Kidney Infection
Pain (general remedies for)
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores