Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree Oil
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Tea tree oil is used to relieve itching, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Several clinical studies and reviews support its efficacy in reducing pruritus (itchiness), particularly in cases related to skin conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic reactions. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the "Archives of Dermatological Research" (2002) found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing the severity of itching in patients with dermatitis. Another study in "Contact Dermatitis" (1991) noted that tea tree oil showed promise as a topical treatment for histamine-induced itch.
Mechanistically, the main active component, terpinen-4-ol, is believed to suppress inflammatory mediators and reduce histamine-induced skin irritation. Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial effects may also help with itching caused by minor infections or infestations (e.g., head lice, scabies), though evidence for these uses is more limited.
While the evidence base is not exhaustive and most studies involve small sample sizes, the cumulative data suggest a moderate scientific rationale for tea tree oil’s use in relieving itching, especially when the cause is inflammatory or microbial in nature. Nonetheless, tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and should be used with caution, especially on broken skin.
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 Tea Tree Oil
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Body Odor
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Carbuncles
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Thrush
Ulcerations (external)
Warts
Wounds and Sores