Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Balsam, particularly in the form of balsam oils or balms, has been traditionally used in various cultures for the relief of headache, especially those associated with sinus congestion. The use of balsam comes from historical practices in which its aromatic properties were believed to help open nasal passages, reduce sinus pressure, and provide a soothing effect. Balsam ingredients, such as Balsam of Peru or Balsam of Tolu, contain compounds like cinnamic and benzoic acids that have mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances were often incorporated into topical balms or inhaled as vapors to ease headache symptoms related to sinusitis or colds.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of balsam for sinus headaches is limited. Modern research has not extensively studied balsam specifically for this indication. The available information consists primarily of anecdotal reports and traditional medicinal texts rather than controlled clinical trials. Most of the benefit is presumed to derive from the soothing sensation of inhaling aromatic compounds, which may temporarily relieve sinus congestion and indirectly reduce headache discomfort. Given this, the use of balsam for sinus headache remains rooted in traditional and historical practice rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Headache (sinus)
AconiteAerva lanata
Agastache
Agrimonia pilosa
Allicin
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
anise
Arani
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aster root
atractylone
balloon flower
balsam
basil
bayleaf
Belamcanda
beta-pinene
betel
black cumin
black nightshade
black salt
black seed
blackthorn
Bombax
borneol
Boswellia
Broussonetia
cajuput
camphor oil
cardamom
carry me seed
Carthamus
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
chrysanthemum
Cinnamomum
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
commiphora
coriander
costus
cucumber
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
divi-divi
dragonhead
elderberry
elephant\'s head
Ephedra
eucalyptus
Evodia
fang-feng
fern
ferula assafoetida
Galangal
giant blazingstar
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
goldthread
Greek mountain tea
henna
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
labrador tea
Ledebouriella
lemon
licorice root
ligustilides
linalool
Litsea
Macaranga indica
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Mentha haplocalyx
Menthol oil
Momordica
Moringa
Mustard
mustard seed
Myrrh
onion
Osha
Osmanthus
parsley
pear
Peppermint
Phellodendron
Pimpinella
Piper nigrum
Piper retrofractum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
Premna
prepared aconite tuber
Pulsatilla
rue
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Semecarpus anacardium
Sensitive Plant
Solanum indicum
soursop
Southernwood
Spanish Needle
spearmint leaf
Storax
Sweet Bay
turmeric
Vervain
Waterhyssop
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Wulinshen
Yerba buena
Other health conditions supported by balsam
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
