Headache Herbs

When a migraine headache strikes, you experience pulsating pain in your head for hours, even days.  This headache can leave you completely unable to function and perform your daily tasks.  Some sufferers may only experience a migraine a few times a year, while others may have one twice a week.  Migraines can be triggered by a number of different things:  stress, fatigue, emotional changes, hormonal changes, foods, and muscle tension.  Migraines may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as: nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and visual disturbances known as an aura.  An aura could appear as flashing lines, zigzags or dark spots in your line of vision.  In a few extreme cases, temporary loss of vision has occurred.  Finding an appropriate course for managing your pain is important.  At no time do you ever want to be left with no options and a pounding migraine.  Doctors have plenty of options to recommend to you for managing symptoms, but if you prefer to avoid excessive amounts of drug exposure, then following a more herbal plan may better suit you.

Herbal Remedies

Here are a few of the most common herbs used in alleviating migraine pain.

• Feverfew may reduce headaches and symptoms often associated with migraine attacks.  Feverfew contains parthenolida, which reduces inflammation in the body.  The recommended dosage is 50-80 mg per day.  Do not take feverfew if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or currently taking anti-coagulants.  There is an added risk of bleeding when taking this herb.
• Butterbur is thought to reduce the length and frequency of migraine episodes.  Butterbur has been found to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels and other tissues that may become irritated during an attack.  Additionally, it may correct the flow of neurotransmitters in the brain, which would reduce the number of migraines experienced overtime.  The recommended dosage is 50-75 mg twice a day.  Do not consume if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Also, only use the over-the-counter butterbur remedy as raw butterbur is toxic.
• Willow Bark contains a chemical similar to the ingredients found in aspirin.  This herb has long been used in the treatment of pain, fever, and headaches.  A study at the University of Michigan showed that it may take longer to experience the pain reliever effects of willow bark, however, the effect can last much longer than other herbal remedies.  The recommended dosage is 60-240mg per day.  Willow bark has less gastrointestinal impact than many over-the-counter medications.
• Ginger is believed to block prostaglandins, which stimulate muscle contractions, control inflammation and impact hormone levels.  Gingers slowing action of the prostaglandins may be able to stop or even prevent an impending migraine.
• Gingko is responsible for increasing blood flow to the brain and oxygen levels.  Additionally, gingko has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and encourages the release of norepinephrine into the body.  Norepinephrine is known to cause headaches when the levels in the body dip below normal.

Other Helpful Herbal Remedies

In additional to adding herbal supplements to your diet, some herbs may bring relief in different ways.  Here are some additional suggests for reduce your pain and finding a sense of calm.

• Soaking in an herbal bath
• Drinking a cup of hot tea – especially those with peppermint and lemon
• Use of aromatherapy, as it provides anti-inflammatory properties.
• Massage oils into your temples, neck or shoulders – rosemary, juniper and peppermint.
• Cayenne pepper may also be used by massaging into your temples or applying a small amount at the edge of your nostril to inhale.
• Valerian root can help to achieve a peaceful and deep sleep cycle, which may be triggering your migraine.

When looking at herbal remedies, not only can they bring your some level of relief from your migraine, but they may also help to reduce any stress or tension you are experiencing that could be an active trigger for your attacks.  If you plan to add any herbal supplements to your diet, consult your physician before starting a new plan.  It is critical to ensure that your body can handle the herbal treatment and that it will not counter act with any other medication or treatment options you may be using.

Tags: Feverfew, Ginger, Gingko Biloba, herbal ingredietns, Magnesium, Migraine Support Formula, natural migraine treatment, Riboflavin