Evidence supporting the use of: Banyan
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) for treating headaches is primarily grounded in traditional medicine, especially in Ayurvedic and folk practices of India. Historically, various parts of the banyan tree—including its leaves, bark, and latex—have been employed in home remedies for a range of ailments, including general headaches. In Ayurveda, poultices made from banyan leaves or bark are sometimes applied to the forehead to relieve headache symptoms, and the latex has been used topically as well.
However, the scientific evidence supporting these uses is scant. There are few, if any, robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically investigating banyan’s efficacy in headache treatment. Most references are anecdotal or found in traditional medicine compendia. Some phytochemical analyses suggest that banyan contains flavonoids, tannins, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief. Nonetheless, these findings are preliminary, and direct evidence of effectiveness for headaches in humans is lacking.
In summary, while banyan’s use for headaches is well documented in traditional practice, scientific validation is limited. The evidence rating reflects the gap between traditional claims and contemporary clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Headache (general)
alpha-pinenegreen chiretta
apple
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
betel
black cumin
black tea
Indian frankincense
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
fennel
feverfew
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
guayusa
jujube
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
lovage
magnesium
mint
moringa
mustard seed
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
purple butterbur root
quail egg
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
triphala
watermelon
white willow
zhejiang fritillary
cardamom
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
punarnava
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
root tuber
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
flowering quince
fern
ganoderma
sweetgums
morinda
birch
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
yerba mate
wood betony
paw paw
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
geranium
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black willow
black salt
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corktree
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Chinatree
Corydalis
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Carthamus
Colocynth
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Orchid
Potato
Prickly Pear Cactus
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Banyan
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Menopause
Migraine
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores