Evidence supporting the use of: Citrus reticulata
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange) peel has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian medicinal systems. In TCM, the dried peel—known as Chen Pi—is primarily used to regulate "Qi" (energy), support digestion, and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. While headache is not a primary indication, some TCM formulations for headache, especially when associated with digestive disturbances or “Qi stagnation,” may include Chen Pi as a supporting ingredient. The rationale is based on TCM theory linking digestive health and energy flow to the occurrence of headaches. However, direct traditional documentation of Citrus reticulata being used as a primary remedy for general headaches is limited. There is little to no scientific evidence specifically validating the efficacy of Citrus reticulata for headache relief. Most modern research focuses on its effects on digestion, inflammation, and antioxidant activity rather than analgesic or anti-migraine properties. Therefore, while its use for headache may be justified in certain traditional contexts, the evidence is weak and indirect.
Other ingredients used for Headache (general)
alpha-pinenegreen chiretta
apple
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
betel
black cumin
black tea
Indian frankincense
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
feverfew
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
guayusa
jujube
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
lovage
magnesium
mint
moringa
mustard seed
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
purple butterbur root
quail egg
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
triphala
watermelon
white willow
zhejiang fritillary
cardamom
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
punarnava
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
root tuber
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
flowering quince
fern
ganoderma
sweetgums
morinda
birch
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
yerba mate
wood betony
paw paw
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black willow
black salt
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corktree
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Chinatree
Corydalis
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Carthamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Orchid
Potato
Prickly Pear Cactus
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Citrus reticulata
Acid IndigestionAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores