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

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Synopsis

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

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to support the treatment of tension headaches. The use of passionflower for headache is rooted largely in its historical application as a calming and anxiolytic herb. Traditionally, it was believed to relieve nervousness, anxiety, and the muscular tension that can contribute to tension-type headaches. Early herbal texts and ethnobotanical records mention passionflower as a sedative and relaxant, which aligns with the common triggers for tension headaches such as stress and anxiety.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of passionflower for tension headaches is limited. Most modern research on passionflower focuses on its effects on anxiety, insomnia, and mild stress, with several small clinical trials suggesting potential benefits in these areas. The plant contains flavonoids and alkaloids believed to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity in the brain, which may produce mild sedative and muscle-relaxant effects. These mechanisms could theoretically help with tension headaches, which are often associated with muscle tightness and stress. However, clinical trials specifically examining passionflower for headache relief are lacking.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis for the use of passionflower in relieving tension headaches, and some plausible mechanisms based on its anxiolytic and muscle-relaxant properties, rigorous scientific validation is currently insufficient. Thus, its use for this purpose should be considered as a traditional remedy with limited scientific evidence.

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