Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese camphor
For the health condition: Scabies

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Synopsis

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

Japanese camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) has a history of use in traditional medicine across Asia, including Japan, China, and India. Its application for scabies is primarily based on its long-standing role as a topical remedy for itching and skin irritation. In several traditional systems, camphor oil or preparations containing camphor were used to relieve pruritus and as a mild antiseptic, which may have provided symptomatic relief for scabies sufferers. However, there is limited to no robust scientific evidence directly supporting its efficacy against the causative mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Most modern clinical guidelines for scabies do not include camphor as a recommended treatment.

Some in vitro studies have demonstrated mild antimicrobial and insecticidal properties of camphor, but these findings have not been translated into controlled clinical trials for scabies. Moreover, camphor can be toxic if absorbed in significant amounts, especially in children. Because of this, its use is cautioned or discouraged in modern medical practice. Overall, while camphor's use for scabies has a traditional basis, there is little scientific validation for its effectiveness or safety in this context.

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