Can Bidentis pilosa treat pruritus (itchy skin)?
Jul 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Bidens pilosa can be used to treat pruritus (itchy skin). Typically, a decoction of Bidens pilosa is prepared for external washing; however, in the treatment of dermatological conditions, it serves only as an adjunctive therapy. Mechanism of action: Bidens pilosa is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that dispels wind and eliminates dampness, with functions including clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling wind and resolving dampness, and promoting blood circulation to reduce swelling and inflammation. It thus helps eliminate dampness and relieve itching. Bidens pilosa has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature, and enters the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen meridians.
Biddens (Bidens pilosa) can be used to treat pruritus (itchy skin). Typically, a decoction of Biddens is prepared for external washing; however, its role in treating dermatological conditions is merely adjunctive.
Mechanism of Action: Biddens is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that dispels wind and eliminates dampness. It has a bitter taste and slightly cold nature, and enters the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen meridians. It functions to clear heat and resolve toxicity, dispel wind and eliminate dampness, and invigorate blood circulation to reduce swelling—thereby alleviating itching by removing dampness.
Indications: Biddens is indicated for sore throat with swelling, diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, intestinal abscess, carbuncles and furuncles, snake or insect bites, rheumatic arthralgia, and traumatic injuries. It also demonstrates relatively strong antidiarrheal effects. Modern research has revealed that flavonoid crystals isolated from Biddens possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and dissipate stasis, as well as strengthen the Spleen, nourish the Stomach, and promote healing of damaged gastric mucosa.
Note: As Biddens is slightly cold in nature, it should be used with caution in individuals with deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Stomach.
