10 Best Herbal Creams For Itchy Skin

Herbal creams for itchy skin are topical ointments containing natural ingredients derived from plants that provide relief from itching and skin irritation.

These creams help by soothing and calming the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Examples include creams with aloe vera, tea tree oil, and chamomile, which have been shown to provide effective relief from itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, improving the quality of life for individuals affected.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for itchy skin, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The active compounds in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and saponins, work to reduce redness and irritation, providing instant relief from itching. Additionally, its emollient properties help to moisturize and calm the skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier and reducing the occurrence of dry, itchy skin.

This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution for itchy skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with itchy skin.

• Triterpenoids: These compounds, particularly saponins and flavonoids, help reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin by inhibiting histamine release and promoting skin barrier repair.
• Phenolic acids: Compounds like quercetin and kaempferol in Calendula help alleviate itchy skin by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce redness and irritation.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of Calendula, which helps in reducing itching and promoting skin healing by modulating immune responses.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and calm itchy skin.
• Leaves: They are used due to their ability to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, making them effective in treating itchy skin conditions.
• Stems: They are used due to their antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from further irritation and promote overall skin health.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 20-30 calendula flowers from mature plants at peak bloom and dry them for 2-3 weeks.
2. Steep 10g of dried calendula flowers in 100ml of carrier oil at 70-80°c for 2 hours.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
4. Mix 10g of beeswax with 10g of shea butter and 20g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
5. Blend the infused calendula oil with the beeswax mixture and pour into tin containers for cooling.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The gel inside the aloe plant contains compounds like aloe-emodin and aloin, which have been shown to reduce redness and irritation in itchy skin. Additionally, aloe vera creams can help to lock in moisture and calm the skin, providing quick relief from itching and discomfort.

This makes aloe vera creams a popular natural remedy for itchy skin caused by dryness, eczema, or other skin conditions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with itchy skin.

• Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a type of anthraquinone, helps reduce inflammation and itching by inhibiting the release of histamine, a key player in allergic reactions.
• Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins in Aloe vera, such as acemannan, have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help calm itchy skin and reduce redness.
• Catechins: Catechins, a type of flavonoid, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate itching and promote skin healing by reducing oxidative stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most widely used part of Aloe vera due to their high gel content, which is rich in soothing and moisturizing properties.
• Gel from leaves: The clear gel extracted from the leaves is used for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, making it effective in relieving itchy skin.
• Aloe barbadensis extract from leaves: This extract from the leaves is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which help to soothe and calm itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for itchy skin.

1. Gather 1 cup of pure aloe vera gel and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a double boiler until it reaches a temperature of 150-160 degrees fahrenheit.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of shea butter with the heated coconut oil.
4. Add the aloe vera gel and 10 drops of vitamin e oil to the mixture and stir well.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and solidify for 30-40 minutes.

3. Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, work to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling. Additionally, the cream's moisturizing properties help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further irritation.

As a result, it provides fast and effective relief from itchy skin, making it a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with itchy skin.

• Histamine-releasing flavonoids: These flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, can help reduce inflammation and itching by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells, a key contributor to itchy skin.
• Tannins: Tannins in Urtica dioica have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which can help soothe itchy skin by reducing redness and swelling.
• Alkanes and other triterpenoids: These triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce itching and inflammation by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and promoting wound healing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: They contain urtic acid, histamine, and other compounds that help to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Stems: Similar to leaves, stems also contain urtic acid and other anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy skin.
• Roots: The roots are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm and soothe itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems in the early morning after dew has fallen for 2 hours.
2. Clean the harvested plant material by washing it gently with distilled water for 10 minutes.
3. Steep 1 cup of the clean plant material in 2 cups of distilled water at 100 degrees fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the plant material from the liquid and discard the solids then add 1 tablespoon of beeswax to the liquid.
5. Heat the liquid gently with the beeswax until it reaches a temperature of 120 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

4. Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as allantoin and rosmarinic acid, work to calm irritated skin, reducing redness and itching. Comfrey's ability to promote skin healing and regeneration also helps to accelerate the recovery process, leaving skin feeling smoother and more comfortable.

This natural remedy provides effective relief for itchy skin, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gentle and non-irritating solution.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with itchy skin.

• Alkaloids: Alkaloids in Symphytum officinale, such as symphytine and anagyrine, help to reduce itching and inflammation by interacting with the nervous system and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Saponins: Saponins, particularly those like symphytin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm itchy skin and reduce irritation.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic and ferulic acid, found in Symphytum officinale, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to alleviate itching and promote skin health.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Roots: They are used for their mucilaginous properties, which help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
• Stems: They are used due to their high content of allantoin, a compound that promotes skin healing and reduces inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for itchy skin.

1. Harvest the fresh or dried symphytum officinale leaves and roots in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Combine 100g of the harvested symphytum officinale with 500ml of vegetable oil in a double boiler.
3. Heat the mixture gently for 2 hours at 60-70°c to facilitate the extraction of active ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the herbal infusion.
5. Mix 100ml of the herbal infusion with 50g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter to create the cream.

5. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The active compounds in Echinacea, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, have been shown to reduce redness and irritation. These properties make Echinacea a popular natural remedy for skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and dry skin.

By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Echinacea creams can provide relief from itchy skin and promote a healthy, balanced complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea creams that help with itchy skin.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling associated with itchy skin.
• Flavonoids: As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, Quercetin helps to soothe and calm itchy skin by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to alleviate itching and discomfort by reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are rich in compounds like echinacoside and alkylamides, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Leaves: The leaves contain volatile oils and flavonoids, which help to reduce inflammation and provide a calming effect on the skin.
• Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea contain anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and protect itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 100 grams of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and roots at the end of the blooming season.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 2 hours.
3. Infuse 200 milliliters of distilled water with the dried plant material for 30 minutes.
4. Mix 10 grams of beeswax with 20 grams of coconut oil in a heat-resistant container over low heat.
5. Combine the infused plant material with the beeswax mixture and stir until a smooth cream forms.

6. Cinchona officinalis

Cinchona officinalis, also known as Jesuit's bark, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties.

The cream is made from the bark of the Cinchona tree, which contains quinine, a natural compound with soothing and calming effects on the skin. It helps to reduce redness and itching associated with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

By applying the cream to the affected area, it can provide quick relief and help to alleviate discomfort, promoting a smoother and healthier skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis creams that help with itchy skin.

• Quinine alkaloids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and itching by inhibiting the production of histamine, a chemical mediator responsible for itch sensation.
• Quinic acid: Quinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties, which help soothe and calm itchy skin by reducing redness and swelling.
• Quinovic acid glycosides: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activities, which help alleviate itchiness by modulating the immune response and reducing skin irritation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of jesuit's bark used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of quinine and other alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties.
• Barks: Barks are used due to their high content of quinine and other alkaloids that help reduce inflammation and itching.
• Roots: Roots are used due to their content of alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties, which help soothe itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic jesuit's bark for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 100 grams of dried cinchona officinalis bark from a trusted supplier.
2. Infuse 500 milliliters of carrier oil with the dried cinchona officinalis bark for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil and discard the solids then add 2 teaspoons of beeswax to the oil.
4. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes or until the beeswax has melted completely.
5. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken before transferring it to a clean container.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as apigenin and bisabolol, calm irritated skin, reducing redness and discomfort. The natural antihistamine properties of chamomile also help to alleviate itching caused by allergies or skin conditions.

As a result, chamomile cream provides quick relief and comfort to itchy skin, promoting a soothing and calming effect that can help to promote healing and skin renewal.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with itchy skin.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antihistamine agent, helping to reduce itching and inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
• Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, soothing itchy skin and promoting wound healing by reducing redness and swelling.
• Matricarin: This sesquiterpene lactone possesses anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itching) properties, helping to calm itchy skin and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Flowers: The flowers are the most commonly used part due to their high apigenin content, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to calm itchy skin.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used to create creams for itchy skin, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Seeds: The seeds are sometimes used, but less frequently than flowers and leaves, due to their similar composition to the flowers, containing apigenin and other compounds that help to soothe itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 30-50 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers from a trusted supplier or your own garden.
2. Weigh 15 grams of the dried flowers and steep them in 250 milliliters of hot distilled water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl and discard the solids.
4. Add 50 grams of beeswax, 50 grams of coconut oil, and 50 grams of shea butter to the bowl with the liquid mixture.
5. Heat the mixture over low heat while stirring constantly until the beeswax and oils are fully incorporated and the mixture reaches 65-70 degrees celsius.

8. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The soothing compounds in Melissa officinalis, such as rosmarinic acid, can calm irritated skin and reduce redness. The natural moisturizing properties of the cream also help to lock in moisture and provide long-lasting hydration, which can help to alleviate dry, itchy skin.

This can be especially beneficial for individuals with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions that cause intense itching.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis creams that help with itchy skin.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce itching and inflammation associated with itchy skin.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid, luteolin has potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects that can help soothe itchy skin and reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
• Volatile oil compounds: As terpenes, these compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to calm itchy skin, reduce redness, and prevent infection.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: They are the primary source due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly citral, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Roots: They are used for their medicinal properties and contain compounds that help in reducing inflammation and itching.
• Stems: The stems are also used for their essential oils, which provide anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits to soothe itchy skin.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for itchy skin.

1. Harvest melissa officinalis leaves by cutting fresh sprigs from the top of the plant in the morning.
2. Infuse melissa officinalis leaves in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil 1:5 ratio for 2-3 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
4. Mix the infused oil with beeswax 10% of the total weight and a preservative such as potassium sorbate.
5. Pour the mixture into small tin containers and allow it to set for at least 24 hours.

9. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

The active compounds in the plant, such as hyperforin and hypericin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. This leads to a decrease in itching and discomfort. Additionally, the antihistamine properties help to block the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for itching.

As a result, Hypericum perforatum creams can provide relief from itchy skin and promote a sense of calm and comfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with itchy skin.

• Hyperforin: A phenolic compound that helps reduce inflammation and itching by inhibiting the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for allergic reactions and itchy skin.
• N-acetylhypaphorine: An alkaloid that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate itchiness and discomfort associated with skin conditions.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe itchy skin and reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: Leaves are often used in creams for itchy skin due to their high flavonoid content, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Flowers: Flowers are commonly used in creams for their flavonoids and naphthoquinones, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe itchy skin.
• Stems: Stems are also used in creams for itchy skin due to their flavonoid content, which helps reduce inflammation and provide relief from itching.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for itchy skin.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves in late summer or early fall when in bloom.
2. Dry the gathered hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves in a warm dark place for 7 to 10 days.
3. Combine 2 ounces of dried hypericum perforatum with 6 ounces of beeswax and 6 ounces of coconut oil.
4. Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160 to 180 degrees fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and allow it to cool and thicken for 2 hours.

10. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with itchy skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as taraxasterol and inulin, work together to soothe and calm irritated skin. As a result, the itching sensation is reduced, providing relief from skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. The cream's moisturizing properties also help to lock in moisture, promoting healthy skin and reducing the risk of further irritation.

This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution for itchy skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with itchy skin.

• Taraxasterol: This triterpene ester has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (itch-relieving) properties, which help to soothe and calm itchy skin.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and itching associated with skin conditions.
• Inulin: A type of prebiotic fiber, inulin has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may help to reduce itching and inflammation in the skin by promoting a healthy gut-skin axis.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for itchy skin.

• Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high content of taraxasterol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Roots: Roots are used due to their high content of inulin, a complex carbohydrate that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Flowers: Flowers are used due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for itchy skin.

1. Harvest 100g of taraxacum officinale roots in the early morning to ensure optimal potency.
2. Dry the roots in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 2 hours to remove moisture.
3. Grind 50g of dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
4. Mix the powder with 200ml of coconut oil and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth consistency.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for itchy skin?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with itchy skin is a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil.

Aloe vera soothes and calms irritated skin, while chamomile reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively combating bacterial and fungal infections that can cause itchiness. Applying a mixture of these creams can provide long-lasting relief and promote healthy skin.

This combination can be used to treat various itchy skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis.

What ailments similar to itchy skin are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to itchy skin that are treated with herbal creams are eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Herbal creams can provide relief from symptoms such as redness, inflammation, and dryness associated with these conditions.

For example, creams containing aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can calm irritated skin, while creams infused with tea tree oil and calendula have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help combat infections and reduce itching.