Synopsis

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

Orchids have been used in traditional medicine systems, especially in Asia, for a variety of ailments, including headaches. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), certain orchid species (such as Dendrobium and Gastrodia elata) are credited with calming the spirit, nourishing yin, or dispelling “wind,” which can be interpreted as easing headache or migraine symptoms. Gastrodia elata, in particular, is a well-known TCM herb for treating headaches, dizziness, and convulsions, though it is botanically distinct from most ornamental orchids and is sometimes called "Tian Ma." However, the term "orchid" encompasses thousands of species, and most have not been specifically studied or used for headache relief. Scientific evidence supporting the headache-relieving properties of orchid extracts is minimal and largely limited to basic research on Gastrodia elata, which has shown some neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. No robust clinical trials exist for orchid extracts in the treatment of headaches in humans. Thus, while some orchids have a documented traditional use for headache, there is little to no modern scientific validation for their efficacy, and the strength of evidence is weak.

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