Evidence supporting the use of: Notopterygium
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Notopterygium, known as Qiang Huo (羌活) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for treating headaches, particularly those associated with wind-cold invasion and sinus congestion. In classic Chinese herbal texts, Qiang Huo is described as effective for "wind-damp" conditions, which often manifest as headaches, body aches, and nasal congestion. It is commonly included in formulations such as Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, which targets headaches located in the upper part of the body, including the occipital region and those aggravated by cold or damp weather. The traditional rationale is based on the herb's purported ability to dispel wind, dry dampness, and alleviate pain.
Scientific studies validating these traditional uses are limited. Some laboratory research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Notopterygium extracts, but clinical trials specifically addressing its efficacy for sinus headache are lacking. Thus, while its use for this indication is well-rooted in TCM practice and historical literature, robust scientific validation is minimal. The best available evidence for its use in sinus headache is therefore traditional, supported by centuries of empirical use rather than modern clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Headache (sinus)
alpha-pinenewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
betel
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
greek mountain tea
onion
horseradish
lemon
licorice root
moringa
mustard seed
parsley
pear
peppermint oil
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
chickweed
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
commiphora
myrrh
chrysanthemum
fern
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
soursop
Agastache
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Boswellia
black salt
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Centipeda
Costus
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Ephedra
Elephant's Head
Goldthread
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Potato
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Notopterygium
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Cancer (prevention)
Chills
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Edema
Emphysema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Migraine
Muscle Tone (lack of)