Evidence supporting the use of: Self-Heal
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and European herbalism, for a variety of ailments, including headaches. In traditional Western herbal medicine, Self-Heal has been used as a general remedy for pain, wounds, and inflammation. For tension headaches specifically, its use is rooted primarily in its reputation as a nervine (soothing to nerves) and mild analgesic. Herbalists have recommended Self-Heal to help relieve headaches caused by stress or muscle tension, often in the form of teas or tinctures.
Despite this traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence to support Self-Heal’s effectiveness for treating tension headaches. Most modern studies of Prunella vulgaris focus on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but do not specifically address headache relief. No high-quality clinical trials have examined its efficacy for tension-type headaches. Thus, while the herb is still used by some herbalists for this purpose, it should be considered a traditional remedy with limited supporting evidence. Always consult healthcare professionals before using herbal treatments for headaches, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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 Self-Heal
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)