Evidence supporting the use of: Litsea
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Litsea, particularly Litsea cubeba (also known as May Chang), has a history of use in traditional medicine systems in East Asia. In Chinese folk medicine, the essential oil or extracts from the plant have been used for their purported calming and analgesic properties, including applications for headaches, especially tension-type headaches. The traditional use is generally via inhalation of the essential oil, topical massage, or as part of herbal blends. The aromatic compounds, such as citral, are believed to have soothing effects that may help relieve mild tension or stress.
However, there is little in the way of robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Litsea for treating tension headaches. Most available data are anecdotal or derived from traditional practices. A few small studies and reviews suggest that the inhalation of citrus-scented essential oils, including Litsea, may promote relaxation and reduce subjective feelings of stress, which could theoretically help with tension-type headaches. Nevertheless, these studies often lack rigorous methodology, and Litsea is rarely singled out in clinical trials focused specifically on headache relief.
In summary, the use of Litsea for tension headaches is supported primarily by tradition, with only limited and indirect scientific support. As a result, its evidence rating is low.
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
AconiteAerva lanata
Agastache
Albizia
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
Anemone
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
ashwagandha
aster root
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
balsam
bayleaf
black cumin
Black Hellebore
black salt
black seed
Black willow
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
Campylandra fimbriata
Carthamus
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
cinquefoil
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coca
cola nut
commiphora
Corydalis
cucumber
Dichrostachys glomerata
divi-divi
dragonhead
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
fernbush
ferula assafoetida
feverfew
Galangal
Gardenia jasminoides
ginger
Gnaphalium
Greek mountain tea
Hempnettle
henna
Herb Robert
Horsemint
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
kudzu
labrador tea
Large-leaved linden
lavender
Ledebouriella
lemon
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
ligustilides
linalool
linden
Litsea
Loranthus
lotus
Macaranga indica
magnesium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Menthol oil
Moringa
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain mahogany
Mustard
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Onosma bracteatum
Osha
Osmanthus
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
passionflower
passionflower
peony
Peppermint
Pimpinella
Piper chaba
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
poppy
Premna
Pulsatilla
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
rue
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Sedanenolide
Self-Heal
Semecarpus anacardium
Sensitive Plant
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Stereospermum
Storax
Sweet Bay
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Triphala
turmeric
turmeric
Vervain
Water Pepper
Waterhyssop
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Yerba buena
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Litsea
Abdominal PainAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Herpes
Hypertension
