Supplements For Itchy Skin

Certain supplements may be helpful in treating your itchy skin. According to Medline Plus, itching is skin tingling or irritation that causes an urge to scratch the affected area. Possible causes of itching include allergic reactions, reactions to certain medications, insect bites, eczema, dry skin and certain parasites. Before taking supplements to help treat your itchy skin, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Cayenne

Cayenne, also known as Capsicum frutescens, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your itchy skin. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cayenne, a member of the Nightshade family, has been used to help treat numerous health conditions. Cayenne is a perennial plant when grown in subtropical and tropical regions. It has a sweet, hot and pungent taste, possesses heating and drying tendencies and can grow to a maximum height of about 4 feet. The fruit of the plant is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that cayenne is an antiseptic that stimulates circulation. Capsaicin, a constituent in cayenne, has been used to help treat dialysis-induced itching, diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia and arthritis.

Chickweed

Tilgner states that chickweed, also known as Stellaria media, is a demulcent and diuretic that has been used to help treat skin eruptions, hemorrhoids, cuts, wounds and burns. According to the University of Michigan Health System, chickweed, a member of the Pink family, may be helpful in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and it may help alleviate itching associated with insect bites, too. Chickweed is a small, green plant native to Europe, although it now grows throughout the United States. Chickweed has a fresh and pleasant taste, possesses drying and cooling tendencies and is often consumed by chickens. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the fresh, succulent aerial parts of the plant medicinally. The University of Michigan Health System states that chickweed contains significant amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may account for its ability to treat skin irritations and itching.

Bloodroot

Bloodroot is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in North America and India. Bloodroot, also known as Sanguinaria canadensis, has a harsh, bitter and acrid taste and possesses drying and cooling tendencies when taken in small amounts. When taken in large amounts, bloodroot has warming and stimulating tendencies. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. According to Tilgner, bloodroot is an antispasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic and diuretic that, when used in small doses, helps relieve itching associated with poison oak. When used in conjunction with other substances, including gum weed, glycerin and menthol crystals, bloodroot may be used to help treat contact dermatitis associated with poison ivy and poison sumac. Bloodroot helps relieve itching and decreases the occurrence of blisters and infection. If you are pregnant, Tilgner says, avoid taking supplements containing bloodroot.