Evidence supporting the use of: Southernwood
For the health condition: Itching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, where it has been applied topically to relieve itching and minor skin irritations. Historical texts and folk medicine practices mention the use of Southernwood leaves in poultices, washes, or ointments intended for skin complaints, including itching (pruritus), due to its perceived mild antiseptic and soothing properties. However, the evidence supporting these uses is largely anecdotal, based on tradition rather than systematic scientific study.

There is minimal modern clinical research investigating Southernwood's effectiveness for itching. Some phytochemical analyses have identified volatile oils and compounds (such as camphor and cineole) that possess mild anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activities. However, these studies do not directly link Southernwood to the relief of pruritus in humans. Thus, while Southernwood is used in some traditional remedies for itching, the evidence supporting its efficacy is weak and not substantiated by rigorous scientific trials.

In summary, the use of Southernwood for itching is primarily justified by traditional use rather than scientific validation, and should be approached with caution due to the lack of robust evidence.

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Products containing Southernwood

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