Evidence supporting the use of: Coca
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Coca leaves (Erythroxylum coca) have a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples of the Andes for a variety of ailments, including headache and fatigue. Historically, coca leaves were chewed or brewed into teas to relieve symptoms such as headache, likely due to their mild stimulant and analgesic properties. The alkaloids present in coca leaves, most notably cocaine (in much lower concentrations than in illicit cocaine products), can produce local anesthetic effects and may contribute to the temporary relief of tension-type headache symptoms. However, while these traditional practices are well documented in ethnobotanical literature, scientific studies specifically investigating coca leaves for the treatment of tension headaches are lacking. Most modern research focuses on the pharmacology of purified cocaine rather than the traditional use of whole coca leaves. Consequently, the evidence for coca's effectiveness in treating tension headaches comes primarily from traditional use and anecdotal reports, rather than rigorous clinical trials. Safety concerns and legal restrictions also limit contemporary research. Therefore, while coca has a traditional basis for use in headache relief, scientific validation is minimal, warranting a modest evidence rating.
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 Coca
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Burning Feet or Hands
Circulation (poor)
Cold Hands and Feet
Concentration (poor)
Dizziness
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Motion Sickness
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Wounds and Sores