Evidence supporting the use of: Himalayan Cedar
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, for treating various skin conditions, including infections. The wood, oil, and resin are commonly used in topical formulations for their purported antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditional Ayurvedic texts describe its use for treating wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases such as eczema and fungal infections. The rationale behind its use is largely based on its bitter taste (tikta rasa), cooling effect (sheeta virya), and reputed ability to cleanse and heal the skin.
Scientifically, there is limited but suggestive evidence supporting the antimicrobial activity of Cedrus deodara extracts. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of the wood and essential oil possess moderate antibacterial and antifungal effects against common skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. However, these studies are preliminary, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating its efficacy and safety in humans for the treatment of skin infections. Thus, while traditional use is well documented and supported by some laboratory findings, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking, so the overall evidence is rated as low to moderate.
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
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alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
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chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ivy
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Himalayan Cedar
ArthritisAsthma
Bronchitis
Cuts
Insect Repellant
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Wounds and Sores