Evidence supporting the use of: Prickly Chaff Flower
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Prickly Chaff Flower (Achyranthes aspera) has a long-standing role in traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, Unani, and folk remedies across South Asia and Africa. For skin conditions such as itching (pruritus), its leaves and roots have been used externally, typically as pastes or decoctions. Historical Ayurvedic texts describe the plant as possessing "kandughna" (anti-itch) properties, and it is commonly listed in traditional formulations for skin disorders, sometimes in combination with other herbs. The rationale in traditional systems is often based on its purported anti-inflammatory and cleansing effects on the skin.
However, direct scientific validation for the use of Prickly Chaff Flower specifically for itching is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities in extracts of the plant, which could, in theory, address certain causes of pruritus such as infection or inflammation. Despite these findings, there are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies demonstrating a significant anti-pruritic effect in humans. Most of the available evidence supporting its use remains anecdotal or derived from traditional knowledge rather than modern biomedical research.
In summary, the use of Prickly Chaff Flower for itching is justified primarily by traditional practices, with only modest supporting evidence from laboratory research and little direct clinical proof.
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 Prickly Chaff Flower
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bleeding (external)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Stress
Wounds and Sores