Evidence supporting the use of: Scabrous Gentian
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Scabrous Gentian (Gentiana scabra), known as "Long Dan Cao" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is historically used for its "heat-clearing" and "damp-drying" properties. In TCM, itching (pruritus) is often considered a manifestation of "wind-heat" or "damp-heat" in the body. Scabrous Gentian is included in classical herbal formulas intended to alleviate symptoms such as skin eruptions, eczema, and generalized itching, particularly when attributed to excess heat or dampness in the liver and gallbladder meridians. The use is documented in texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and subsequent materia medica compilations, where it is recommended for conditions involving inflammation, swelling, and pruritus.
However, there is limited modern clinical or pharmacological evidence directly linking Scabrous Gentian to anti-pruritic effects. Some laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which could theoretically contribute to symptom relief, but these effects have not been specifically correlated with the reduction of itching in controlled human studies. Therefore, the primary basis for its use in itching lies in traditional practice, rather than rigorous scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Itching
AbrusAgrimony
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anamu
apple cider vinegar
Arani
argan nut oil
Arisaema
Asam gelugor
Asarum sieboldii
avens
babchi
Baliospermum
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
bentonite
betel
black nightshade
Brazilian peppertree
cajuput
calamus
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
camphor oil
carry me seed
Carthamus
castor oil
catechu
cedar
chamomile
chickweed
cinquefoil
citronella
Clerodendrum trichotomum
cocoa butter
coconut oil
colloid
copaiba oil
cornflower
Cyanthillium cinereum
Davilla rugosa
dendramine
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
Dwarf Nettle
elephant\'s head
emu oil
Erodium cicutarium
eugenol
Euphorbia
European Elder
fang-feng
ferula assafoetida
fleabane
Flueggea suffruticosa
fringed pink
Gardenia jasminoides
geranium
giant blazingstar
golden shower tree
henna
Homalomena
honey loquat syrup
Houttuynia
Hydrocolloid
Indian nightshade
Japanese sophora
Jessica\'s sticktight
Jewelweed
jojoba oil
labrador tea
Lantana camara
Ledebouriella
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
lichen
licorice root
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Lysimachia
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Marking Nut Tree
Marsh Tea
Marshmallow
Matapalo Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Myrobalan
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
oriental arborvitae
pagoda tree
Pellitory
Pepper Bark Tree
Peppermint
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Potentilla
Pulsatilla
Quisqualis
Rhus glabra
Rubus
rue
Sabadilla
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sandy Everlasting
Sanguisorba
Sapindus mukorossi
Scabrous Gentian
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
Semiaquilegia
Sensitive Plant
sheep's sorrel
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Snakeroot
Soapberry
Southernwood
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Spikenard
Spilanthes
Storax
Sumac
Sweet Annie
Sweet Bay
sweetgums
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
turmeric
typhonium
Vervain
vitamin D
vitamin E
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Winter Savory
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Yarrow
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Scabrous Gentian
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Congestion (sinus)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
