Can I take Naoxintong for headache?

Generally speaking, Naoxintong is a traditional Chinese medicine available in various common formulations such as Naoxintong capsules, Naoxintong tablets, and Naoxintong pills. Whether it is appropriate to take Naoxintong for headache depends on the underlying cause. If the headache is caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, Naoxintong may be taken under a doctor's guidance. However, if the headache results from other causes, Naoxintong may not be effective. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Qi stagnation and blood stasis is a pathological condition in traditional Chinese medicine, referring to impaired flow of qi that leads to obstructed blood circulation and the formation of blood stasis. This condition can affect the overall circulation of qi and blood, including in the head. Naoxintong primarily consists of ingredients such as Huangqi (Astragalus), Chishaoyao (Red Peony Root), Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), and Taoren (Semen Persicae), which help regulate qi and blood and promote blood circulation to resolve stasis. It can improve blood flow, facilitate the dissipation of blood stasis, and thereby relieve headaches caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.

Headaches have various causes. Besides qi stagnation and blood stasis, they may also result from external factors such as wind-cold invasion, hyperactivity of liver yang, or deficiency of qi and blood. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind these types of headaches differ from those of qi stagnation and blood stasis. In such cases, taking Naoxintong without proper diagnosis may fail to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and could even delay appropriate treatment due to incorrect medication use.

In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy habits, engage in moderate exercise to promote the circulation of qi and blood, avoid prolonged poor posture or excessive fatigue, and include foods with blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties—such as hawthorn and black fungus—in the diet to support overall health regulation.