Scabies is an allergic reaction to a bite from the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei, also known as the "itch mite." The mite leaves an itchy rash with tiny blisters that can spread to any part of the body. Conventional treatment may include benzyl benzoate or neurotoxins, like permethrin and lindane, which can have unpleasant side effects. However, herbal remedies for scabies can be found right in the kitchen. Consultation with a health care professional is recommended before starting any herbal treatment.
Clove
Clove, or Syzygium aromaticum, is an aromatic spice found in most kitchens. A clove is the bud of the clove tree, an evergreen native to Southeast Asia. Cloves contain an essential oil comprised mainly of the terpenoids eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, which have anti-inflammatory and insecticidal actions. Healers in traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine and western herbalism have used clove oil to treat a range of disorders, including toothache, mouth and throat inflammations, rheumatism, and as an insect repellent. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster state that clove oil is a traditional scabies remedy and when diluted with another vegetable or nut oil, it works both by killing and smothering mites. Clove oil may irritate skin and should be diluted to a comfortable level. It should not be used during pregnancy.
Rosemary
Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is another aromatic cooking and medicinal herb used throughout the world. The plant contains the potent terpenoids 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene and camphor, and has carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent actions. Holisticonline.com notes that rosemary essential oil is a traditional scabies remedy, and Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink write in "Medicinal Plants of the World" that it has antibacterial actions. As a topical application, rosemary can help kill mites, dry up blisters, soothe the rash and prevent bacterial infection if itching has broken the skin. Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster state that rosemary is a useful remedy for many types of parasites, and washing the infested parts of the body with rosemary tea may stop a scabies infestation. People with high blood pressure, ulcers or gastrointestinal diseases, or those who are pregnant should not take rosemary. The tea should only be taken within recommended dosages, and the oil should not be taken internally.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is a small succulent that can grow in most homes. Aloe is mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek herbal texts, and is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The mucilage in the leaves contains polysaccharides, salicylic acid, enzymes and minerals, and has anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating and wound-healing properties. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and Dr. James F. Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"recommend aloe gel topical applications to heal scabies. The gel can be taken directly from the cut leaves, or found in most health food stores. A study by O. A. Oyelami and colleagues conducted in Nigeria and published in the October 2009 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" compared aloe gel to benzyl benzoate lotion and found that both remedies were equally effective against scabies. Benzyl benzoate is used in Nigeria, but the authors state that it causes skin burning and rashes, and according to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, it may harm the immune system and disrupt endocrine functioning. The Nigerian study demonstrates that aloe may be an effective alternative treatment for scabies. People allergic to the gel should not use aloe.
References
- Holisticonline: Rosemary
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- Phytotherapy Research: Preliminary study of effectiveness of aloe vera in scabies treatment.
- Environmental Working Group: Benzyl benzoate
