Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, including in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Within traditional herbal practices, it has been used to address a wide range of ailments, including inflammatory conditions, infections, and general pain relief. There are anecdotal and ethnobotanical reports that Spanish Needle has been used as a remedy for headaches, particularly tension-type headaches, by indigenous healers. These practices often involve preparing infusions or decoctions of the leaves or whole plant for oral consumption or topical application.
However, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for tension headaches is very limited. While Bidens pilosa does contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (such as flavonoids and polyacetylenes), there are no robust clinical studies or controlled trials demonstrating its efficacy in treating headaches. Most available research focuses on its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, or antimalarial properties, not directly on headache relief.
In summary, the use of Spanish Needle for tension headaches is primarily justified by traditional usage, with minimal scientific validation to date. The evidence rating is low due to the lack of targeted studies or clinical trials confirming its benefit for this specific condition.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
peppermint oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Spanish Needle
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Edema
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Kidney Infection
Labor and Delivery
Laryngitis
Lice