Centipeda, particularly Centipeda minima, is an herb used in traditional medicine systems, especially within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and some other Asian ethnomedicinal practices. In TCM, Centipeda minima (also known as E Bu Shi Cao) is primarily recognized for its actions in "dispelling wind" and "clearing nasal passages." It is commonly used for conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal congestion, and sometimes for headaches, particularly when these are associated with upper respiratory complaints or sinus issues. The rationale is rooted in the traditional understanding that "wind" or "dampness" affecting the head may lead to headaches, and Centipeda is thought to counteract these factors.

However, there is minimal scientific research directly examining Centipeda's efficacy for tension-type headaches specifically. Most available studies and pharmacological explorations focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties, which may have indirect relevance. Clinical trials specific to headache, especially tension-type headaches, are lacking. Thus, its use for headache is primarily justified by tradition, and the evidence is considered weak (rated 1 out of 5) due to the absence of robust clinical data. Modern herbal practice may sometimes include Centipeda in formulas for headaches, but this is usually within a broader traditional framework rather than evidence-based guidelines.