Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabis
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cannabis has a long history of use for various types of pain, including headaches, but its application for tension-type headaches specifically is supported by limited scientific evidence. Some historical sources and anecdotal reports suggest that cannabis was used for headaches in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the bulk of modern clinical research on cannabis for headache has focused on migraine rather than tension-type headaches. A few small studies and surveys suggest that some patients report relief from headache symptoms, including those with tension-type headache, after using cannabis or cannabinoids. For example, a 2017 review in Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports notes that while patients anecdotally report benefit, controlled studies are lacking, and most evidence is low-quality or indirect. Proposed mechanisms include the modulation of pain pathways and reduced muscle tension via the endocannabinoid system. However, systematic reviews and guidelines, such as the 2021 American Headache Society position statement, generally conclude that there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to support the use of cannabis for tension-type headaches. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale and anecdotal support, rigorous scientific validation is limited, and more controlled studies are needed.
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 oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
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
Elephant's Head
Galangal
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Cannabis
Abdominal PainAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lupus