Evidence supporting the use of: Bayleaf
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Mediterranean and South Asian cultures. It has been used in various forms—such as teas, poultices, or inhalations—to address symptoms of headache, including those linked to sinus congestion. The traditional rationale stems from bay leaf’s reputed anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties, as well as its aromatic compounds, which may help clear nasal passages when inhaled. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of bay leaf specifically for sinus headaches is sparse. Most available studies focus on the antimicrobial or general anti-inflammatory effects of bay leaf extracts in vitro or in animal models, without direct investigation into headache or sinusitis relief in humans. No clinical trials or systematic reviews have established bay leaf as an effective treatment for sinus headaches. Therefore, while its use is supported by historical and cultural precedent, the overall quality of evidence is low, and its efficacy remains unproven by modern scientific standards.
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 Bayleaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones