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

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Synopsis

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

The use of the Matapalo tree (commonly referring to species in the Ficus or Clusia genera, often called "strangler figs") for headaches, particularly tension headaches, is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than scientific validation. In various regions of Central and South America, indigenous and local communities have utilized different parts of the Matapalo tree, such as its leaves, bark, or latex, for a range of medicinal purposes, including the alleviation of headaches. Ethnobotanical records indicate that poultices or infusions made from Matapalo parts have been applied to the forehead or consumed as a remedy for headache relief. However, there is a lack of rigorous scientific studies or clinical trials investigating the efficacy or mechanisms behind Matapalo tree preparations for tension headaches. The traditional use is often based on empirical knowledge passed down through generations rather than pharmacological evidence. Some phytochemical studies have identified bioactive compounds in the Ficus genus that exhibit anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief, but this connection has not been specifically established or studied in humans for this purpose. In summary, while there is a tradition of using Matapalo for headache relief in some cultures, scientific evidence supporting this practice is minimal to nonexistent, and current knowledge is limited to ethnobotanical documentation rather than validated clinical efficacy.

More about Matapalo Tree
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Aconite
Aerva 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
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Waterhyssop
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Products containing Matapalo Tree

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.