Evidence supporting the use of: Butea monosperma
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Butea monosperma, commonly known as "Flame of the Forest," is a traditional medicinal plant in Ayurveda and other South Asian systems of medicine. Its use for treating or alleviating headache, including tension-type headaches, is primarily based on traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific evidence. In Ayurvedic practice, various parts of the plant—such as the flowers, leaves, and gum—have been used in formulations aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. Specifically, Butea monosperma has been mentioned in some classical Ayurvedic texts as an ingredient in herbal preparations used for headache relief, often in combination with other herbs. However, these uses are anecdotal and not standardized.
As of now, modern scientific studies directly investigating the efficacy of Butea monosperma for tension-type headaches are lacking. Some pharmacological studies suggest that extracts of the plant possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief, but these findings are general and not headache-specific. No clinical trials or systematic reviews specifically validate its use for this indication. Therefore, while its use for headaches has traditional roots, the supporting evidence remains limited, and more rigorous research would be needed to confirm any therapeutic effect for tension headaches.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
peppermint oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Elephant's Head
Galangal
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Butea monosperma
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Epilepsy
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)