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

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Synopsis

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

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has a long history of traditional use for various ailments, including headaches. More recently, scientific interest has focused on its potential role in preventing and alleviating migraine headaches rather than tension-type headaches. The active components, particularly parthenolide, are thought to inhibit the release of serotonin and prostaglandins and to modulate inflammatory responses, which could theoretically reduce headache symptoms.

Clinical studies on feverfew’s efficacy for migraine prevention have yielded mixed results, with some showing modest benefit and others finding no significant difference compared to placebo. However, regarding tension-type headaches specifically, the scientific evidence is scarce and largely inconclusive. Most trials and reviews focus on migraine, and there is minimal direct research evaluating feverfew’s effects on tension headaches. The few available studies do not demonstrate a clear benefit for this type of headache.

Overall, while feverfew is supported by traditional use and some scientific studies for migraine prevention, its use for tension-type headaches is not well validated by clinical research. Therefore, the evidence level for feverfew in treating or preventing tension headaches is low, and its use for this specific purpose is not strongly supported by current scientific data.

More about feverfew
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Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

ashwagandha
waterhyssop
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 feverfew

Fever
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Migraine