Skin

Skin Irritation, Rashes and Itching

Redness, itching, rashes or minor inflammation of the skin, including sunburn. See a doctor if a rash spreads quickly, blisters, comes with a fever, or doesn't get better.

Most minor skin problems can be cared for at home, but see a doctor for deep, infected or slow-healing wounds, serious burns, or rashes that come with a fever. Several of these herbs can cause skin allergies, especially plants in the daisy family such as calendula and mugwort. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.

22 herbs

Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.

Ackee LeafBlighia sapida
Traditionally used for skin infections and skin diseases. This use hasn't been tested in people.
AloeAloe vera
A small amount of research suggests aloe gel may help psoriasis, lichen planus and radiation skin damage.
AndrographisAndrographis paniculata
Traditionally used for skin inflammation. In lab tests it protected skin cells from UV damage; it can also cause skin rash.
Bearded ScutellariaScutellaria barbata
Traditionally used for sores and abscesses. Not tested in trials.
BurdockArctium lappa
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for oily, flaky skin; traditionally used on the skin in Chinese medicine.
CalendulaCalendula officinalis
Recognized in Europe for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn. Studies of radiation skin damage have had mixed results.
ChamisoAtriplex canescens
A traditional Native American remedy for ant bites and itchy rashes. Not studied in people.
ChickweedStellaria media
Traditionally used for skin ailments. It hasn't been studied in people.
English PlantainPlantago lanceolata
Recognized in Europe in 2025 as a traditional medicine for minor skin inflammation.
FenugreekTrigonella foenum-graecum
Recognized in Europe as a traditional remedy, put on the skin, for minor skin inflammation.
GoldensealHydrastis canadensis
Traditionally used for skin and eye irritation. It hasn't been studied for this in people.
Guava LeafPsidium guajava
Traditional use only: in the Caribbean, a boiled leaf wash or bath is used for skin rashes and pimples. Not studied in people.
HoneysuckleLonicera japonica
Low-quality trials suggest honeysuckle may ease the rash caused by some cancer drugs.
Jamaican Rat EarsPeperomia pellucida
Used in folk medicine for abscesses and skin sores. This use hasn't been well tested in people.
JewelweedImpatiens capensis
Fresh jewelweed mash reduced poison ivy rash after contact in one study, but soap worked better.
John CharlesHyptis verticillata
Traditionally put on the skin for skin conditions. It hasn't been tested in clinical trials.
MugwortArtemisia vulgaris
Used in skin-care cosmetics, but it can itself cause skin allergies such as rashes and hives.
NeemAzadirachta indica
Used on the skin for skin conditions in Ayurvedic medicine. It can itself cause skin rashes.
NettleUrtica dioica
Touching the fresh plant causes a stinging rash, and nettle taken by mouth can cause itching, rash or hives. Dried or cooked nettle doesn't sting.
SarsaparillaSmilax ornata
Sarsaparilla plants have traditionally been used for skin problems.
Southern MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora
Traditional use only: the Choctaw used a bark wash or a bath for the itching of prickly heat (heat rash). Not studied in people.
Witch HazelHamamelis virginiana
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for minor skin inflammation and dry skin.