Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the health condition: Headache (sinus)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Its use for treating headaches—including those associated with sinusitis—is primarily grounded in ethnomedicine rather than rigorous scientific validation. Traditional healers often prepare decoctions or infusions from the leaves or aerial parts of the plant, applying them topically or consuming them to alleviate headache symptoms.

Phytochemical studies reveal that Bidens pilosa contains flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and other bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties could theoretically provide relief for sinus-related headaches, which are often caused by inflammation of the sinus mucosa. However, while laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effects, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically investigating the efficacy of Spanish Needle for headache or sinusitis in humans.

In summary, the use of Spanish Needle for sinus headaches is primarily supported by traditional knowledge and a plausible pharmacological basis, but direct scientific evidence in human populations is lacking. Therefore, its use is best characterized as traditional, with limited (but not zero) supporting evidence from non-clinical studies.

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