Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Balsam, particularly in the form of balsam oils or balms, has been traditionally used in various cultures for the relief of headache, especially those associated with sinus congestion. The use of balsam comes from historical practices in which its aromatic properties were believed to help open nasal passages, reduce sinus pressure, and provide a soothing effect. Balsam ingredients, such as Balsam of Peru or Balsam of Tolu, contain compounds like cinnamic and benzoic acids that have mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances were often incorporated into topical balms or inhaled as vapors to ease headache symptoms related to sinusitis or colds.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of balsam for sinus headaches is limited. Modern research has not extensively studied balsam specifically for this indication. The available information consists primarily of anecdotal reports and traditional medicinal texts rather than controlled clinical trials. Most of the benefit is presumed to derive from the soothing sensation of inhaling aromatic compounds, which may temporarily relieve sinus congestion and indirectly reduce headache discomfort. Given this, the use of balsam for sinus headache remains rooted in traditional and historical practice rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Headache (sinus)
alpha-pinenewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
betel
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
greek mountain tea
onion
horseradish
lemon
licorice root
moringa
mustard seed
parsley
pear
peppermint oil
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
chickweed
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
commiphora
myrrh
chrysanthemum
fern
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
soursop
Agastache
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Boswellia
black salt
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Centipeda
Costus
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Elephant's Head
Goldthread
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Potato
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Balsam
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting