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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including as a remedy for headaches, particularly tension headaches. In folk medicine, sage was often made into teas, tinctures, or poultices to help relieve pain and calm the nerves. The aromatic compounds in sage, such as thujone and camphor, were thought to provide a soothing effect, potentially reducing the discomfort associated with tension headaches. Some herbal traditions recommended inhaling sage vapors or applying sage oil to the temples as a means of easing headache symptoms.

However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of sage specifically for tension headaches is very limited. Most modern research on sage focuses on its cognitive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. While its mild anti-inflammatory effects could theoretically play a role in reducing headache discomfort, no high-quality clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness for this specific use. Therefore, while there is a traditional basis for using sage to address tension headaches, current scientific validation is lacking, and its use today is primarily rooted in historical practices rather than robust evidence.

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