Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Milkweed refers to various species in the genus Asclepias, most commonly Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed). Traditionally, some Native American groups used milkweed preparations for a variety of ailments, including headaches. For example, the Cherokee reportedly used an infusion of milkweed roots as a remedy for headaches and other complaints. However, these uses were based on empirical, cultural practices rather than scientific validation.

There is currently no robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of milkweed for treating headaches. Modern herbal medicine rarely, if ever, recommends milkweed for headaches due to potential toxicity concerns (such as cardiac glycosides present in some species) and lack of clinical research. The traditional use is documented in ethnobotanical literature, but it remains anecdotal, and dosage, preparation, and safety are not standardized or well studied. Therefore, while milkweed has a limited traditional use for headache relief among certain groups, this use is not supported by scientific studies.

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