Antipruritic (Kanduhara, kandugna) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

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Reported by John Immel Asheville, NC
Browse Recipes

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ANTIPRURITIC

Antipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching, often associated with skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy rashes).

An itch is the result of mild irritation that is not very painful. For example, blisters of poison ivy itch when the blister tears apart the layers of skin.

Itching may result from skin conditions, mosquito or other insect bites, poison ivy, infections, nerve disorders and dryness. A wound may become itchy as it heals.

Antipruritics reduce itching through sedating, calming the nerves, or analgesic action together with one or more of these mechanisms addressing the root cause:

Reducing the size of blisters / drying up poison ivy
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Moisturizer
Cleansing

Antipruritics tend to be cooling. An example ismenthol in peppermint essential oil, one of the best antipruritics.

INGREDIENTS WITH ANTIPRURITIC QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System Meal Season

Reduces
Banana
Poppy Seed
Reduces
Mustard
Mustard Powder
Mustard Seed
Turmeric
Turmeric Root (Fresh)
Reduces
Ice cube
Reduces
Mint

Browse Antipruritic Recipes

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH ANTIPRURITIC QUALITY

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System

Neutral (Tridoshic)
Bhringaraj
Reduces
Black Cohosh
Licorice Ghee (9oz)
Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)
Plantain Leaf
Reduces
Amritarishta (Amrutharishtam)
Gokshura
Reduces
Neem Leaf
Reduces
Chandraprabha Vati
Incomplete
Red Peony

OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CARE

HELPFUL FOR*

'Antipruritic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

Skin
Eczema
Itchy skin
Red / flushed skin
Digestion
Anal Itching
Hemorrhoids

TYPE: HERBAL_ACTION

Antipruritic Recipes Listed By Strength

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC

Learn More

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

Antipruritic (Kanduhara, kandugna) - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ANTIPRURITIC

INGREDIENTS WITH ANTIPRURITIC QUALITY

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Alkalizing ALKALIZING An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions. SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

ALKALIZING

Analgesic ANALGESIC Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne. SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANALGESIC

Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANTISPASMODIC

Sattvic SATTVIC Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness. SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

SATTVIC

Burns Toxins BURNS-TOXINS An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them. SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

BURNS-TOXINS

Internal Detoxicant INTERNAL-DETOXICANT Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system. SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Carminative CARMINATIVE Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines. SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

CARMINATIVE

Spleen Tonic SPLEEN-TONIC An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues. SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

SPLEEN-TONIC

Digestive DIGESTIVE Herbs that encourage healthy digestion. SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

DIGESTIVE

Air AIR Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough. SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

AIR

Stimulates Energy STIMULATES-ENERGY This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs. SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

STIMULATES-ENERGY

Dispel Cold Tonify Yang DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANG Herbs that revitalizing by warming and stimulating, typically stimulating arterial circulation. SEE ALL 'DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANG' FOODS / HERBS

DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANG

Vasodilator VASODILATOR A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area. SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

VASODILATOR

Antimicrobial ANTIMICROBIAL An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals. SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

ANTIMICROBIAL

Diuretic DIURETIC Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure. SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

DIURETIC

Immune Calming IMMUNE-CALMING Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions. SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

IMMUNE-CALMING

Vulnerary VULNERARY An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic). SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

VULNERARY

Hepatoprotective HEPATOPROTECTIVE An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. SEE ALL 'HEPATOPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Antibacterial ANTIBACTERIAL Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth. SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

ANTIBACTERIAL

Alterative ALTERATIVE Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter. SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

ALTERATIVE

Ojas OJAS Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness. SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

OJAS

Nervine NERVINE Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature. SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

NERVINE

Antacid ANTACID Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular. SEE ALL 'ANTACID' FOODS / HERBS

ANTACID

Refrigerant REFRIGERANT An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

REFRIGERANT

Mobile MOBILE Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity. SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

MOBILE

Clear CLEAR Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama. SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

CLEAR

Light LIGHT Lightness is identified by reduced weight. SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

LIGHT

Hot HOT Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

HOT

Easy EASY Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

EASY

Dry DRY Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

DRY

Liquefied LIQUEFIED Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

LIQUEFIED

Heavy HEAVY Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

HEAVY

Cold COLD Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

COLD

Oily OILY In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily. SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

OILY

Gooey GOOEY Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion. SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

GOOEY

Alkalizing
ALKALIZING
An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.
SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Sattvic
SATTVIC
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

Burns Toxins
BURNS-TOXINS
An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.
SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant
INTERNAL-DETOXICANT
Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.
SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Carminative
CARMINATIVE
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Spleen Tonic
SPLEEN-TONIC
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Digestive
DIGESTIVE
Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.
SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Stimulates Energy
STIMULATES-ENERGY
This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.
SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Dispel Cold Tonify Yang
DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANG
Herbs that revitalizing by warming and stimulating, typically stimulating arterial circulation.
SEE ALL 'DISPEL-COLD-TONIFY-YANG' FOODS / HERBS

Vasodilator
VASODILATOR
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic
DIURETIC
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Immune Calming
IMMUNE-CALMING
Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.
SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

Vulnerary
VULNERARY
An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).
SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Hepatoprotective
HEPATOPROTECTIVE
An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
SEE ALL 'HEPATOPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Antibacterial
ANTIBACTERIAL
Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.
SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative
ALTERATIVE
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Ojas
OJAS
Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.
SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Antacid
ANTACID
Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.
SEE ALL 'ANTACID' FOODS / HERBS

Refrigerant
REFRIGERANT
An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.
SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Mobile
MOBILE
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
SEE ALL 'MOBILE' FOODS / HERBS

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Oily
OILY
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Gooey
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
SEE ALL 'GOOEY' FOODS / HERBS

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Aromatic
AROMATIC
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Acrid
ACRID
Acrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.
SEE ALL 'ACRID' FOODS / HERBS

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality
ENERGY-VITALITY
Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.
SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Antimicrobial
ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Immune Calming
IMMUNE-CALMING
Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.
SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS