Evidence supporting the use of: Thymol
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thymol is a natural monoterpene phenol derived from thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris) and other plants. It has well-documented antimicrobial and antifungal properties and has been used traditionally in various topical preparations. Regarding its use to support or treat itching (pruritus), there is limited but existing scientific evidence. Studies indicate that thymol can act as a local anesthetic and has mild anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin, which may help reduce the sensation of itching. For example, thymol has been included in topical formulations for conditions like pruritus ani and chronic pruritic skin diseases, with some clinical reports describing symptomatic relief. Its antipruritic effect is thought to be due to its ability to desensitize nerve endings and reduce local inflammation or irritation. However, the scientific evidence is not robust, mainly consisting of small clinical studies, case reports, or extrapolations from its known pharmacological effects rather than large, controlled trials. Thymol is sometimes used in combination with other ingredients in over-the-counter antipruritic creams or ointments, particularly in Europe and Asia. Despite these uses, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety for this specific indication. Therefore, thymol's use for itching is supported by some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence but lacks strong, high-quality 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 Thymol
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Canker Sores
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Infection (bacterial)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Oral Surgery
Scabies
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Strep Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores
