Evidence supporting the use of: Mentha haplocalyx
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mentha haplocalyx, commonly known as Chinese mint or field mint, is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various ailments, including headaches—particularly those attributed to tension or wind-heat syndromes. Its use for headache relief dates back centuries, with classic texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and subsequent materia medica describing its cooling and dispersing properties. It is typically included in herbal formulas to "clear the head" and "dispel wind," both metaphoric concepts in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating headache and associated symptoms.
From a phytochemical perspective, Mentha haplocalyx contains menthol and other volatile oils that may exert mild analgesic and vasodilatory effects. However, while these constituents are known to produce a cooling sensation and may provide subjective relief from discomfort, rigorous scientific studies specifically addressing the efficacy of Mentha haplocalyx for tension-type headaches are lacking. Most modern research focuses on the general analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of menthol-containing plants, but clinical trials targeting headache relief are sparse and often use peppermint oil (Mentha × piperita) rather than Mentha haplocalyx.
In summary, the use of Mentha haplocalyx for tension headaches is well-anchored in traditional practice, but scientific validation remains limited. The evidence supporting its use is primarily historical and empirical within the TCM framework, with only indirect scientific support based on its phytochemical profile and the established effects of similar Mentha species.
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 Mentha haplocalyx
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bronchitis
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Stress
Wheezing