Glechoma hederacea, commonly known as ground ivy, has a history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for respiratory conditions such as sinus congestion and headache. Historical sources from Western herbalism, dating back to the Middle Ages, describe its use as a remedy for “headaches from catarrh” and as an “herb for the head,” often attributed to its supposed ability to clear blocked sinuses and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. The British herbalist Nicholas Culpeper (17th century) and other early texts mention ground ivy for head-related complaints, including headaches believed to be linked to sinus issues. Preparations were typically in the form of teas or poultices.

However, contemporary scientific research does not provide substantial evidence supporting these traditional uses. There are no well-designed clinical studies or robust pharmacological data specifically investigating Glechoma hederacea for sinus headaches. Its traditional use is likely related to its astringent and mild anti-inflammatory properties observed in general in vitro or animal studies, but these effects have not been clearly linked to headache or sinus relief in humans. Therefore, while its use for sinus headache is well-documented in folk medicine, modern validation is lacking, resulting in a low evidence rating.