Evidence supporting the use of: Camphor
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

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

Camphor has a long history of traditional use in the relief of headaches, particularly tension-type headaches. In various systems of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, camphor is often incorporated into topical preparations—balms, oils, and ointments—to ease headache symptoms. The application typically involves massaging the camphor-containing product onto the forehead or temples, where it is believed to provide a cooling sensation and mild numbing effect, which can distract from or temporarily reduce headache discomfort.

Despite its widespread traditional use, scientific evidence to substantiate camphor’s effectiveness for treating tension headaches is limited. The mechanism proposed in traditional uses is largely based on the counterirritant effect: camphor stimulates nerve endings sensitive to cold, which may mask pain. However, robust clinical trials or systematic reviews directly supporting camphor’s efficacy for tension headaches are lacking. Most available data are extrapolated from its use as a topical analgesic for minor aches and muscle pains. Thus, while its use in this context is rooted in tradition, the quality and quantity of scientific evidence supporting camphor for headache relief remains low.

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