Evidence supporting the use of: Evodia
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Evodia (Evodia rutaecarpa), also known as Wu Zhu Yu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used historically for the treatment of headaches, particularly those associated with cold or deficiency syndromes in TCM theory. The fruit of Evodia is believed to have warming properties and is included in classic herbal formulas such as Wu Zhu Yu Tang, which is prescribed for headaches, migraines, and associated symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The traditional rationale is based on the herb's purported ability to dispel cold and alleviate pain, as well as to improve circulation of Qi.
In terms of modern scientific evidence, there are limited pharmacological studies on Evodia and its alkaloids (such as evodiamine and rutaecarpine) that suggest potential analgesic or anti-inflammatory effects. However, robust clinical trials specifically evaluating the efficacy of Evodia for headache in humans are lacking. Therefore, the primary justification for its use in headaches is grounded in traditional usage rather than scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects a strong historical precedent but only preliminary scientific investigation.
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 Evodia
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Colds (general)
Congestion (lungs)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Injuries
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
PMS (general)