First, if a person complains of itching after a hijama session, the causes need to be identified.
If it is due to the incisions, it will be enough to hydrate the skin. For this, you can apply Aloe Vera ointment or gel, for example, or black seed oil. The practitioner can also coat the points with costus oil right at the end of the session, which helps with healing.
If the practitioner used Betadine, it is also possible that the person is allergic to iodine.
In that case, here too black seed oil will help.
But most of the time, this itching is simply due to the healing process.
What the science says: natural skin care, hijama
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — these studies address material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
Natural skin care
Aloe vera promotes healing and soothes the skin according to a review of clinical trials (Iran J Med Sci, 2019) (Plast Reconstr Surg, 2018); in eczema, daily moisturizing with emollients is the foundation of treatment (Int J Dermatol, 2025) and the skin microbiome plays a central role (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2023). Olive oil, black seed oil, honey, and shea butter are the emollients of tradition. Precaution: test any new product on a small area for 24 hours; a lesion that spreads, oozes, or becomes infected requires a doctor's attention.
Hijama
Hijama (cupping with scarification) is an authentic prophetic remedy. Modern research has focused mainly on pain: meta-analyses show a reduction in chronic lower back pain (Rev Lat Am Enfermagem, 2018) (Complement Ther Med, 2024). Precaution: wet hijama (cupping) is an invasive procedure — strict hygiene, single-use equipment, and a trained practitioner are required; it is contraindicated without medical advice in cases of clotting disorders, blood thinners, severe anemia, pregnancy, or significant frailty.
