Evidence supporting the use of: Sandalwood
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sandalwood has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Unani systems, for managing skin conditions including itching (pruritus). In Ayurvedic texts, sandalwood paste or oil is often recommended for its cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to alleviate itching and skin irritation caused by conditions like heat rash, eczema, or allergic reactions. The traditional use typically involves topical application of sandalwood paste or oil, sometimes in combination with other herbal ingredients.
Scientific evidence supporting sandalwood's efficacy for itching is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that sandalwood oil contains compounds (such as alpha-santalol) with mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties could theoretically help reduce itching caused by inflammation or infection. However, robust human clinical trials specifically evaluating sandalwood's effectiveness for treating pruritus are lacking. Most of the support for its use in this context remains anecdotal or based on longstanding traditional practices rather than modern scientific validation.
In summary, while sandalwood is traditionally used for soothing itchy skin, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to strongly support its effectiveness for this purpose. The evidence rating is therefore moderate (2 out of 5), based mostly on traditional use and limited preclinical data.
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 Sandalwood
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Fever
Fungal Infections
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Herpes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Insomnia
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Migraine