Five Reasons You Should Be Taking Ginger For Migraines

For anyone looking for all-natural treatments for migraines, ginger is emerging as a promising new herb in the fight for relief.  Long used as a medicinal herb to treat gastrointestinal problems, recent studies have revealed ginger to posses other therapeutic qualities of particular benefit to migraine sufferers.  Here’s an in-depth look of the new evidences being discovered:

Reduces Pain Triggers

Researchers have discovered nine different chemical properties in Ginger which bind to human serotonin receptors, thereby helping to reduce migraine triggers.  Several clinical trials have been performed using feverfew and ginger in the treatment of migraines. The conclusion of one recent study stated, “Sublingual feverfew/ginger appears safe and effective as a first-line abortive treatment for a population of migraineurs who frequently experience mild headache prior to the onset of moderate to severe headache.” (Headache Care Center, Springfield MO.)

Powerful Antioxidant

You will find ginger on or near the top of any list of herbs with powerful antioxidants.  In a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ginger was found to contain over 50 antioxidant compounds.  These antioxidants fight harmful free radicals in the body and remove them from the bloodstream.  If left unchallenged by antioxidants, free radicals create oxidative stress in the body, which will damage or kill cells and can result in various chronic illnesses.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection.  It is a defense mechanism designed to protect the body from foreign invasion.  Sometimes this defense mechanism triggers when there is no injury or infection, resulting in unnecessary pain and often triggering a migraine.  Ginger’s rich supply of antioxidants make it a powerful herb in the fight against inflammation.  Ginger works to block prostaglandins, which is a chemical compound that plays a key role in the generation of the inflammatory response.  By blocking these chemical compounds, ginger reduces the risk of inflammation and swelling in the brain, which is a leading cause of migraines.

Reduces Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are yet another dreadful symptom for many people who suffer from migraines.  New research indicates that Ginger may be effective in reducing these symptoms.  Various studies have looked at the effect of Ginger in reducing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, etc. and some of the studies have shown promising results.  Though research is still in the early stages and more needs to be done, many health professionals confidently recommend Ginger to prevent or treat nausea or vomiting.

As Effective As Prescriptions, Without The Side Effects

According to another study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Ginger was as effective as the prescription drug Sumatriptan in relieving the symptoms of the 100 migraine sufferers who participated in the study.  The study also concluded that the adverse side of effects of ginger were less than Sumatriptan. So not only were the results of Ginger comparable to a powerful prescription drug, its side effect profile was significantly better.

Conclusion

While we’ve always enjoyed ginger as a spice and flavor enhancer, the new evidences of its wide array of potential benefits for migraine sufferers excites us.  From migraine pain to nausea and vomiting, this powerful herb shows great promise in its ability to provide us with natural forms of relief. Do you take a ginger supplement?  Have you noticed any improvements?  We want to hear from you.  Comment below or share your story on our Facebook Page.