Evidence supporting the use of: Borneol
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Borneol has been traditionally used in Chinese and other East Asian medicine for the treatment of headaches, including tension-type headaches. It is a bicyclic monoterpene found in several medicinal plants and has a long history as a component in formulas for clearing the mind, relieving pain, and promoting circulation. Ancient texts and materia medica such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Bencao Gangmu) cite borneol as beneficial for various neurological symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and a sense of heaviness in the head, often in combination with other herbs and aromatics. The rationale in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often involves its purported ability to "open the orifices" and "dispel wind," metaphoric concepts related to alleviating blockages or stagnation that can lead to headache.

However, scientific evidence supporting borneol's efficacy for tension-type headache is limited. While some laboratory studies have demonstrated borneol’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects in animal models, direct clinical trials in humans for tension headache are lacking. Most modern research focuses on borneol's role as a penetration enhancer for drugs or its general effects rather than specific headache relief. Therefore, while borneol's use is rooted in tradition and supported by historical documentation, scientific validation for this indication remains minimal.

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