Evidence supporting the use of: Devil's Club
For the health condition: Rashes and Hives

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. It has been applied topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including rashes, hives, and skin infections. Ethnobotanical records document its use as a poultice or wash for soothing irritated skin and supporting wound healing (Turner, 2010; Smith, 2008). The plant’s stems and bark are typically harvested, prepared, and applied externally for these purposes.

However, despite the rich traditional use, there is very limited scientific research directly evaluating Devil's Club for rashes or hives. Some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory constituents (such as polyynes and sesquiterpenes) in the plant, which could plausibly contribute to its effects on skin irritation. Nevertheless, these findings are preliminary and have not been translated into clinical studies in humans for dermatological conditions.

In summary, the use of Devil's Club for rashes and hives is primarily supported by traditional knowledge, with moderate ethnobotanical evidence but little to no clinical or robust scientific validation. Individuals considering its use should exercise caution, especially given that Devil's Club itself can cause skin irritation in some people.

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Products containing Devil's Club

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