Evidence supporting the use of: Self-Heal
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and European herbalism, for a variety of ailments, including headaches. In traditional Western herbal medicine, Self-Heal has been used as a general remedy for pain, wounds, and inflammation. For tension headaches specifically, its use is rooted primarily in its reputation as a nervine (soothing to nerves) and mild analgesic. Herbalists have recommended Self-Heal to help relieve headaches caused by stress or muscle tension, often in the form of teas or tinctures.
Despite this traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence to support Self-Heal’s effectiveness for treating tension headaches. Most modern studies of Prunella vulgaris focus on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but do not specifically address headache relief. No high-quality clinical trials have examined its efficacy for tension-type headaches. Thus, while the herb is still used by some herbalists for this purpose, it should be considered a traditional remedy with limited supporting evidence. Always consult healthcare professionals before using herbal treatments for headaches, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
AconiteAerva lanata
Agastache
Albizia
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
Anemone
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
ashwagandha
aster root
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
balsam
bayleaf
black cumin
Black Hellebore
black salt
black seed
Black willow
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
Campylandra fimbriata
Carthamus
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
cinquefoil
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coca
cola nut
commiphora
Corydalis
cucumber
Dichrostachys glomerata
divi-divi
dragonhead
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
fernbush
ferula assafoetida
feverfew
Galangal
Gardenia jasminoides
ginger
Gnaphalium
Greek mountain tea
Hempnettle
henna
Herb Robert
Horsemint
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
kudzu
labrador tea
Large-leaved linden
lavender
Ledebouriella
lemon
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
ligustilides
linalool
linden
Litsea
Loranthus
lotus
Macaranga indica
magnesium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Menthol oil
Moringa
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain mahogany
Mustard
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Onosma bracteatum
Osha
Osmanthus
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
passionflower
passionflower
peony
Peppermint
Pimpinella
Piper chaba
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
poppy
Premna
Pulsatilla
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
rue
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Sedanenolide
Self-Heal
Semecarpus anacardium
Sensitive Plant
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Stereospermum
Storax
Sweet Bay
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Triphala
turmeric
turmeric
Vervain
Water Pepper
Waterhyssop
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Yerba buena
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Self-Heal
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eczema
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Fever
Fungal Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gingivitis
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
