Herbal Remedies For Migraine - Treatments & Cure For Migraine

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A migraine is characterized by intense and throbbing headache in one part of the head. During a migraine headache, the blood vessels dilate in the brain and draw together. Also, the stimulation of nerve ends near the blood vessels is affected. These changes are probably the reason behind the pain. Migraine headaches are triggered due to various factors like emotional upset, fatigue and muscle tension.

Although, it is easy to cure occasional headaches, it is quite difficult to heal chronic and crippling pain of migraines. Menstruation, pregnancy, alcohol, stress and ingestion of tyramines (beer, wine, chocolate has high amounts of these amino acids) are some of the commonly known causes of migraine headaches.

There are many herbal remedies that provide relief from such headaches. It is essential to know that just like the warning signs and triggers are different for each individual, the herbs also work differently. Therefore, migraine sufferers may have to follow a trial and error method to find out the best migraine treatment option.

Also, it is important to carefully consider these herbs, as there are chances of interactions, if they are taken in combination with other medications. Many studies indicate that the following herbal remedies are beneficial and successful options for migraine treatment.

13 Herbal Remedies For Migraine

Butterbur

Various studies have shown that butterbur can drastically decrease the severity and pain felt by the person and hence, it is an effective treatment for migraine.

Also, it is noted that with continued use of butterbur the migraine attacks were decreased by almost half.

Ginkgo Biloba

The blood circulation is increased by taking this herb. About 240 mg is the daily recommended dosage. Various clinical trials have shown that ginkgo biloba is effective in managing migraines. A daily dosage ranging from 120 – 240 mg is beneficial in preventing the headache due to its platelet activating ability. Although, it can cause headaches initially, it subsides within a week of its usage.

Ginger

This herb contains elements that inhibit the aggregation of platelets. The ginger tea works well for migraine headache. A study published in “Ethnopharmacology” reports that a woman in her early forties found relief from her migraine by taking about 500 – 600 mg of powdered ginger (mixed in water) every 4 hours for 4 days.

The intake of this herb was started at the beginning of visual aura and it was noted that within 30 minutes there was improvement. Also, the intensity and frequency of migraines were decreased, when the woman continued to use ginger.

Kava Kava

The herb has a mellowing effect, which is useful while treating stress-related migraines. About 140 – 210 milligrams of kavalactones is the recommended dosage.

Jamaican Dogwoods

This is considered to be a powerful remedy for neuralgia as well as migraine. You can drink a good tasting tea prepared from this herb. Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Bay Laurel

It is one of the familiar culinary herbs that contains pathenolides (a phytochemical) and is effective in treating migraine headaches, when used in combination with another herb feverfew.

Valerian

It has been used traditionally at bedtime for relaxation and is effective in reducing the frequency of recurring migraine headaches due to pressure and strain. About 300 – 500 mg is the suggested dosage. It is advisable to use standardized extract. Driving vehicle must be avoided while you are under the effect of valerian.

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Feverfew

This herb is specially used for treating migraine headache. The plant contains parthenolide, which is known to inhibit the chemicals in the brain that causes dilation of blood vessels. Moreover, the herb has anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin, but without the side effects of this medication.

The herb has to be taken for many weeks before you experience its positive effects. It works mainly as a preventive medication and not to combat pain, when the migraine headache is in progress. Research has proved that feverfew can be used for long-term management of migraine headaches.

A double-blind study conducted at the health center ‘London Migraine Clinic’ has reported that the patients were helped by this herb and when the group was given the placebo, the symptoms deteriorated with an increase in severity and frequency of the attack. It is recommended to use this herb every day, but avoid it during pregnancy or in children below two years.

Rosemary

The infusion of this herb (2 oz.) can be taken 3 times daily. About 1 to 3 drops of the oil is used externally 3 times every day. The diluted oil (rosemary oil – 1 part and vegetable oil – 10 parts) is rubbed on the temples and forehead. The nasal vapor bath using this herb is also effective.

Peppermint

The extract of the herb is taken 3 times daily (1-2 tsp). Steep the herb in boiling water for 5-15 minutes and this mixture is taken 3 times daily (6 oz.) About 5-10 drops of oil can be used thrice every day.

Chinese Herbal Remedy

This herbal tea is prepared using herbs such as mastic, asarum, myrrh, cnidium, gypsum, polygala root, and trichosanthes root. Nine grams of each herb are combined and ground to a fine powder. You need to sniff a small quantity of this herbal powder into the right nostril, if the left part of your head is hurting.

Sniff it up the left nostril, if the right portion of the head hurts. In case, both sides of your head hurt then use the powder in both the nostrils. This must be done only for 3 times in a day. It is quite effective for people dealing with stressful jobs. Polygala root, myrrh, mastic and cnidium improve the blood circulation in the brain while gypsum and asarum help the herbal medication to penetrate, wherever it is required.

Trichosanthes root is included to draw the bad energy. The chemicals present in myrr stimulates the circulation, which makes it effective for treating migraine. Mastic is a type of resin obtained from the mastic tree and is known to prevent swelling and pain.

Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, Kola, Damiana

These herbs are suggested if the migraine attack is due to lassitude, fatigue and general debility.

Other Herbs

Black willow (taken in the form of decoction), wood betony, black horehound, fenugreek, caraway seeds, St.John’s wort, marjoram are some of the herbs that help in relieving the symptoms of migraine headaches.

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