Evidence supporting the use of: Birch (unspecified)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Birch (Betula species) has a history of traditional use in various folk medicine systems, particularly in Europe and North America. Traditionally, preparations made from birch leaves, bark, or sap have been used as remedies for a wide variety of ailments, including headaches. The rationale for its use in tension headaches is based primarily on its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been attributed to compounds such as methyl salicylate and betulinic acid found in birch bark and leaves. However, direct scientific studies specifically evaluating birch for the treatment of tension headaches are lacking. The traditional usage is not well documented in authoritative herbal medicine texts with regard to headache, and most references are anecdotal or generalized to pain relief rather than specifically tension-type headaches. There is minimal clinical evidence to support its efficacy, and the use remains rooted in folk practices rather than validated research. Overall, while birch has a place in traditional medicine for various types of pain, its use for tension headaches is not scientifically substantiated and should be considered as supported by tradition rather than evidence-based medicine.
More about Birch (unspecified)
More about Headache (tension)
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
Peppermint
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
Szechuan lovage
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Linden
Ligustilides
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Loranthus
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mustard
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Onosma bracteatum
Osmanthus
Premna
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pluchea
Pimpinella
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Plectranthus amboinicus
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubiaceae
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sedanenolide
Tamarind
Vervain
Water Pepper
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Birch (unspecified)
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cellulite
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Hair Care (general)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores