Plants used for stress-related ailments in traditional Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho medicine. Part 1: Plants used for headaches.

The usage and indications of possible therapeutic and harmful effects of 96 plants reported to be used for headaches in traditional Zulu, Xhosa and Sotho medicine are reviewed. Although few pharmacological studies have been undertaken on the plants used, related usage by other ethnic groups and known properties in related plants indicate significant possible analgesic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic or sedative properties. Observations made by healers indicate an acute awareness of some of the potentially toxic compounds likely to be found in the plants. Most of the medicines are snuffed or inhaled. Both the routes of administration and the plants used merit further investigation.