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)

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

Products containing Matapalo Tree

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