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

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Synopsis

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

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is commonly employed to address a variety of ailments, including pain and inflammation. For headaches, particularly those thought to arise from inflammation or tension, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties have been valued in folk remedies. The active compound, curcumin, is believed to modulate inflammatory pathways, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief. Historical texts and traditional practitioners have recommended turmeric in various forms (teas, pastes, or as a dietary spice) for general pain relief, including headache.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting turmeric’s efficacy for tension-type headaches is limited. Most modern clinical studies focus on turmeric’s effects on chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis rather than headaches. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest potential benefits, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials for headache-specific outcomes are lacking. While turmeric’s traditional use for headache provides a rationale for its continued application, evidence-based recommendations cannot be firmly established at this time.

In summary, turmeric is traditionally used for headache relief, especially in the context of its general pain- and inflammation-relieving properties, but scientific validation for its use in tension-type headaches remains preliminary.

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Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
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