Evidence supporting the use of: Boswellia
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. While Boswellia is most commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma, there is some traditional use for headache relief, particularly in the context of headaches believed to be caused by inflammation or sinus issues. Historical texts and some ethnobotanical records mention Boswellia preparations being used to ease head pain and tension, though such uses are less prominent than its application for joint and muscle pain.
Regarding scientific evidence, there are few clinical studies directly investigating Boswellia's effects on headaches or migraines. Some mechanistic studies suggest that Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory action, through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and reduction of leukotriene synthesis, could theoretically help with headaches related to inflammation, such as sinus or tension headaches. However, robust clinical trials validating its efficacy for headache relief are lacking. Therefore, the support for Boswellia’s use in headache is primarily traditional, with only indirect or anecdotal scientific rationale, and the overall evidence is limited.
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 Boswellia
Abdominal PainAllergies (respiratory)
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bronchitis
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Crohn's Disease
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Fibrosis
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Memory and Brain Function
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores