Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Moss
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) has been traditionally used in some folk and Indigenous medicine systems in the southeastern United States and Central America for a variety of purposes, including as a poultice or wound dressing for minor skin injuries such as scratches and abrasions. Folk remedies involved using the plant, sometimes after boiling or soaking, and applying it directly to wounds, possibly due to its fibrous, absorbent texture that could cover and protect the injury, and potentially help with moisture control. However, there is little to no reliable scientific evidence supporting the antimicrobial or healing properties of Spanish Moss for this purpose. No well-conducted clinical studies or pharmacological analyses have validated its effectiveness in treating skin wounds, and its use is not recognized in modern medical or herbal pharmacopeias for this indication. Thus, its use is justified by tradition rather than by rigorous evidence. The overall quality and quantity of supporting evidence are very low, primarily anecdotal or ethnobotanical in nature, and thus the evidence rating is 1 out of 5.
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beeswax
bisabolol
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chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
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lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
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oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
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acacia
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Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
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Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
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Bai Ji
Baliospermum
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Calochortus
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Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
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Emu Oil
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Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)