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

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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.

More about Thymol
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

Aloe vera
myrobalan
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

Products containing Thymol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.