Evidence supporting the use of: Castor
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Castor oil, derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including headaches. In particular, traditional Ayurvedic and folk remedies have employed castor oil, either as a topical application (such as on the forehead or scalp) or in the form of castor oil packs, with the belief that it can help alleviate tension and pain associated with headaches. The rationale in these traditions is often related to castor oil's purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and its use as a calming agent. However, scientific validation for the topical use of castor oil specifically for tension-type headaches is lacking. No robust clinical trials or systematic reviews have established its efficacy or elucidated a clear mechanism by which it would relieve headache symptoms. The available evidence supporting its use for headaches is therefore primarily anecdotal and rooted in tradition, rather than scientific evaluation. Caution is advised with topical use, as castor oil may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. In summary, while castor oil is used in traditional practices for headache relief, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak and not substantiated by modern clinical research.
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 Castor
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (tension)
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Lice
Liver Detoxification
Mastitis
Nerve Damage