Aerva lanata, commonly known as "Mountain Knotgrass" or "Polpala," is a medicinal plant used extensively in traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Siddha, in India and Sri Lanka. Traditional uses for Aerva lanata include the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and as a general diuretic. Documentation in ethno-medicinal literature occasionally notes its use for headache relief, including headaches believed to be associated with sinus congestion. In these contexts, the plant's leaves or decoctions are sometimes applied locally or consumed, based on the belief that its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can provide relief from head pain.

However, while there are a few preclinical studies that report anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effects of Aerva lanata extracts in animal models, there is no direct scientific evidence—such as clinical trials or systematic pharmacological studies—specifically validating its efficacy for sinus headache or any headache in humans. The use for this indication is primarily rooted in traditional knowledge and anecdotal reports. Therefore, although Aerva lanata is sometimes used for headaches within traditional medicine, this application lacks strong scientific validation and should be considered as based on tradition with very limited supporting evidence.