Evidence supporting the use of: Matapalo Tree
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The use of the Matapalo tree (often referring to species of the Ficus or Strangler Fig genus) for the treatment of headaches, including sinus headaches, is primarily rooted in traditional medicine practices across various regions in Central and South America. Ethnobotanical surveys document that indigenous and rural communities sometimes use the bark, leaves, or latex of the Matapalo tree in topical preparations or infusions for the symptomatic relief of headaches. Such uses are passed down culturally and may be tied to the tree’s perceived general medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects attributed to its extracts in folk medicine. However, there is a lack of direct scientific studies or clinical trials validating the efficacy of Matapalo specifically for sinus headaches or even headaches more broadly. Existing pharmacological research on Ficus species sometimes notes general anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity, but these findings are not specific to headache treatment and have not been translated into evidence-based clinical recommendations. Therefore, while traditional use exists, scientific validation is minimal, and the reliability of its effect for sinus headache relief is questionable.
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 Matapalo Tree
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)