Itching skin can be really troublesome and significantly affect the quality of your life. Sometimes simple remedies, like our eponymous nettle (the leaves when brewed for a while in boiling water, cooled and then taken as a tea) can be helpful, as can chamomile (Matricaria recutita), marigold (Calendula officinalis) or dandelion (Taraxacum offinicale) teas. Evening primrose oil, may also help, as it contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is again, anti-allergic. Topically, you might find that bathing the affected area in cider vinegar may help. Jojoba oil is another alternative for topical application, as is starflower seed (Borago officinalis) cream, another source of GLA. Chickweed (Stellaria officinalis) cream, which is a refridgerant, can also sometimes bring symptomatic relief, where there is a lot of heat.
However, itching can be quite a tricky complaint to help, as it is really essential that the underlying cause can be identified. Itching skin is often symptomatic of many other underlying disturbance, some more serious than others, which should receive professional attention. If the simple remedies for itching don't work, you might need a more in-depth medicine, which combines other supportive herbs, directed more specifically at your condition, from your medical herbalist
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek advice from a professional healthcare practitioner. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine.