Evidence supporting the use of: Ginseng, Oriental
For the health condition: Headache (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Ginseng, Oriental (Panax ginseng) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, where it is considered a general tonic and adaptogen. While ginseng has been used for a variety of purposes—including to increase vitality, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being—there is limited historical documentation specifically citing its use in the treatment of general headaches. Some traditional Chinese and Korean medical texts mention ginseng as part of multi-herb formulations for symptoms that may include headache, particularly when the headache is thought to be related to "qi" deficiency or overall weakness. However, these uses are not highly emphasized or specific to headache as a primary indication.
From a scientific perspective, there is currently little direct evidence supporting the use of ginseng for headache prevention or treatment. Clinical trials and systematic reviews on ginseng’s effects have focused mainly on cognitive function, fatigue, immune modulation, and glucose metabolism rather than headache relief. Any beneficial effect on headaches is likely indirect, possibly related to improved stress tolerance or reduced fatigue. Overall, while traditional use exists to a limited extent, scientific validation is minimal, and ginseng is not considered a primary remedy for headaches in either traditional or modern evidence-based practice.
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 Ginseng, Oriental
Addictions (general remedies for)Adrenal Fatigue
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Backache
Body Building
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (general)
Concentration (poor)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Sex Drive (low)
Stress
Strokes
Wrinkles