Synopsis

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

Salvia, a genus that includes many species such as Salvia officinalis (common sage) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has a long history of medicinal use across different cultures. For the treatment or support of tension headaches, the use of Salvia is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine. Historical texts, particularly in European and Chinese herbal traditions, mention the use of Salvia species for symptoms like headaches, nervousness, and general discomfort. For example, Salvia officinalis was often used in European herbalism for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists sometimes recommended sage tea or compresses for headache relief, especially when related to tension or stress.

However, modern scientific studies specifically investigating Salvia's efficacy for tension headaches are limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effects for certain Salvia species, which might theoretically help with headache symptoms. Yet, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly evaluating its effectiveness for tension headaches in humans. Thus, the justification for its use is mainly traditional, with low-level evidence from scientific investigations. Its recommendation for tension headaches today relies on historical precedent rather than clear, validated scientific results.

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