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Lavender Oil Eased Persistent Itch

Q. I had a localized rash on my back (about 2 inches by 4 inches) for 15 years. It itched and became inflamed if I scratched it.

A dermatologist called it “notalgia paresthetica” and said there is no cure. My massage therapist suggested lavender oil or tea tree oil as a drying agent. I applied a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and rubbed it on my back twice daily. Not only did it dry the area but, best of all, the itching stopped. Now the skin is smooth. I apply the oil whenever I think about it for fragrant relief.

A. Thank you for sharing your solution to a common and annoying problem. Keep in mind that both lavender oil and tea tree oil have hormone-disrupting estrogenic activity (Hormones, July-Sept. 2010).

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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