Herbal therapy for headache in women with gynecologic disease

Abstract

  In response to the clinical question of whether herbal therapy is effective for treating headaches, the Japanese Headache Society’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Headache Disorders 2021 stated the following: “Herbal therapy is an empirical treatment derived from traditional medicine. Various forms of herbal therapy have been used empirically for headaches, with demonstrated efficacy. Recent scientific evidence has further confirmed its effectiveness.” The guideline evaluates herbal therapy as a ”Weak Recommendation; Evidence Level: Grade B.” Five specific herbal medicines were cited: Gosyuyuto, Keishininjinto, Chotosan, Kakkonto, and Goreisan. While the efficacy of Gosyuyuto for migraines and Chotosan for tension headaches is well recognized, a total of 15 herbal formulations are listed in National Health Insurance price listings as effective against “headaches.” Migraines are closely linked to fluctuations in female hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, while tension headaches frequently occur in women undergoing menopause. Consequently, herbal therapy is often considered not only for headaches but also for gynecological conditions. The author presented on the relationship between herbal therapy for headaches and gynecological diseases from the perspective of an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in headache management.