Scabies is a skin disease caused by a tiny parasitic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite lays its eggs under the skin, causing severe itching and skin blisters. Staph or strep infections can result from broken skin, and the elderly or people with weakened immune systems are vulnerable to a severe form of the disease known as crusted scabies. Conventional treatment includes drugs like permethrin and lindane, but these are neurotoxins and may have unpleasant side effects. Herbs have a long history of use in treating parasitic infections and can be helpful for scabies. It's always recommended, however, to consult a qualified health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Tea Tree
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an evergreen tree in the myrtle family that is native to Australia. The essential oil from the leaves has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is used to treat acne, wounds, skin infections, athlete's foot, thrush and external parasites. Traditional healers apply tea tree oil directly on the skin or dilute it in a cream or ointment base. The oil is rich in terpenoids, which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral actions. A study by Shelley F. Walton and colleagues published in the May 2004 issue of the journal "Archives of Dermatology" tested the oil on scabies mites from a patient with crusted scabies. The researchers found that the topical oil was highly effective in killing the mites, and that terpinen-4-ol was the primary active component. This study confirms the traditional use of tea tree oil for parasitic skin infections. The oil is for external use only.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is an ancient succulent originally native to Africa, but cultivated in arid regions in Central and North America. The fleshy leaves contain a gel that is a traditional remedy for burns and wounds. The gel contains polysaccharides and salicylic acid, and produces an anti-inflammatory action. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend using aloe gel topically to heal scabies. A study by O. A. Oyelami and colleagues published in the October 2009 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that aloe gel was as effective as benzyl benzoate, a conventional anti-scabies drug. The researchers noted that while no side effects were reported in this study, side effects of benzyl benzoate can include skin irritation, a burning sensation and occasional rashes. Aloe may delay the absorption of other medications taken simultaneously, and it should not be taken internally for long periods.
Bush Tea
Bush tea, or Lippia multiflora, is a shrub native to West Africa. Local healers use the essential oil from the leaves to treat a range of disorders, including lice, scabies, malaria, stress, gout, leg pain and arthritis. The active ingredients in the essential oil include alpha and beta pinene, cymene, linalool, geraniol and thymol. Like other terpenoids, these oils have a potent antimicrobial and insect repellent action. A study by F. A. Oladimeji and colleagues published in the September 2000 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" compared the essential oil to benzyl benzoate on scabies infestations among 268 patients separated into two groups. After five consecutive days of treatment, the researchers found that 100 percent of the patients were cured in the essential oil group compared to 87.5 percent in the benzyl benzoate group. This study supports the traditional use of bush tea as an insect repellent. Bush tea is considered safe at recommended dosages determined by a qualified health care practitioner. The risk of overdose can cause convulsions, however, and should not be taken lightly.
References
- Archives of Dermatology: Acaricidal Activity of Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- National Institutes of Health: Phytotherapy Research: Preliminary Study of Effectiveness of Aloe Vera in Scabies Treatment
- National Institutes of Health: Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Pediculocidal and Scabicidal Properties of Lippia Multiflora Essential Oil
