Evidence supporting the use of: Rubus
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Rubus species, which include raspberries and blackberries, have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine across various cultures. In the context of treating or supporting relief from itching (pruritus), some traditional practices—especially in folk medicine—have employed preparations made from Rubus leaves or roots. These were typically applied topically as poultices, washes, or infused in baths, and sometimes used internally as teas. The rationale was often grounded in the plant's astringent properties, attributed to its tannin content, which was believed to help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation or itching.
However, there is very limited scientific evidence to substantiate these traditional uses specifically for itching. Modern research on Rubus generally focuses on its antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory effects, but direct studies on its efficacy for pruritus are lacking. Most of the support for its use comes from ethnobotanical records, anecdotal reports, or historical herbal texts rather than rigorous clinical trials or pharmacological studies. Therefore, while Rubus has a traditional basis for use in managing itching, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak and largely historical rather than scientific.
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 Rubus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Ulcers