Evidence supporting the use of: Pulsatilla
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Pulsatilla, derived from the Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), is a remedy widely used in traditional homeopathy and herbal medicine. Its use for sinus headaches is primarily rooted in homeopathic practice, where Pulsatilla is recommended for headaches that are described as shifting, congestive, or associated with sinus symptoms such as thick nasal discharge and a sensation of fullness in the head. These traditional applications are based on symptom profiles recorded in homeopathic materia medica rather than robust clinical research.
Scientific validation for Pulsatilla’s effectiveness in treating sinus headaches is extremely limited. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews supporting its efficacy for this indication. Most available evidence consists of anecdotal reports or low-level observational studies, which do not meet current standards for clinical evidence. The herbs from the Pulsatilla genus do contain some bioactive compounds, such as saponins and flavonoids, with mild anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects reported in laboratory settings; however, these findings have not been reliably translated into clinical outcomes for headache or sinus relief.
In summary, Pulsatilla’s use in treating sinus headaches is justified by longstanding traditional and homeopathic practice, not by scientific evidence. The overall quality and quantity of evidence supporting its use for this condition are weak.
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 Pulsatilla
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder (irritable)
Conjunctivitis
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mood Swings
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A