Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as fish mint or chameleon plant, has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine. In folk practices, it has been employed for a variety of ailments, including inflammation, infections, and sometimes symptoms like headache, although its use for headache is not as prominent as for respiratory or urinary complaints. The rationale for its application in tension headaches stems from its purported anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties as described in traditional herbal texts, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese medicine. However, the specific evidence for its effectiveness in treating tension headaches is limited to anecdotal and traditional reports, rather than systematic documentation.

Scientific studies on Houttuynia cordata have mostly focused on its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models. While some components may reduce inflammatory mediators, there is no robust clinical trial or pharmacological evidence directly linking Houttuynia cordata to the alleviation of tension headaches in humans. Consequently, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal direct evidence supporting efficacy for headache relief.