Medication Or Supplements?

There are two side of the migraine treatment coin one side is the use of prescription medications and the other side is the use of herbal supplements in the relief effort of migraine pain.

Triptans A Medication Approach                    

Triptans are used as a tool to prevent migraines from being successful in completely immobilizing an individual.  Because of triptans unique ability to attach to the serotonin receptors on the blood vessels and the surrounding nerves, they can help reduce and in some cases completely stop migraine headaches from occurring. Triptans are typically only prescribed to migraine sufferers that experience moderate to severe migraine pain and even then other forms of migraine treatment will be discussed and ruled out before a doctor will recommend or suggest a triptan.

The Negative Effects

Triptans have been useful in the treatment of migraine pain, however there are a few risks involved that those considering treating their migraines with triptans ought to be aware of. The role Triptans play in releasing migraine pain is due to the affect triptans have on the restriction of blood vessels or the narrowing of them to prevent them from enlarging and creating migraine pain. Though narrowing is part of their job, it can also have a reverse effect by not only narrowing the arteries in the head but also create a narrowing of the arteries in the heart. This becomes increasingly dangerous for those individuals that have already experienced some form of coronary narrowing. The narrowing caused by the triptans could lead to further narrowing resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

Supplements, The Safer Approach

The following are a few supplements that are highly effective in easing migraine pain.

Ginger

One reason why triptans have been so successful in relieving migraine pain is their innate ability to attach to serotonin receptors helping aid in reducing the triggers that cause migraine pain. We learned that though this might be helpful in relieving temporary migraine pain it is not a cure nor is it 100% safe. Ginger on the other hand is 100% natural, safe and has the ability to attach to human serotonin receptors to help reduce migraine triggers that cause migraine pain.

Ginger has also proven to help alleviate symptoms such as nausea and when combined with feverfew they are an effective tool against fighting off migraine symptoms.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 also referred to as CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance that helps generates energy in the body in the form of ATP. Almost 95%

Ginko Biloba

Ginko Biloba is a powerful antioxidant made popular by its ability to help improve blood circulation in both the body and the brain. Ginko Biloba is possibly one of most well-known herbal remedies and can be used in the treatment of migraine headaches. The reason that Ginko Biloba makes for such a great treatment options is its ability to hinder platelet aggregation. This powerful antioxidant possesses flavonoids and terpenoids which have been tested to show that they help dilate blood vessels which in return surges blood flow. After clinical studies were done on the use of Ginko Biloba as a treatment for migraines information was returned stating that migraine attacks were drastically reduced because of the use of Ginko Biloba.

White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark takes on the role of an anti-inflammatory as well as reduces pain caused by constraining prostaglandins.

Valerian 

Valerian is a root that has been uncovered as a form of muscle relaxer. The use of Valerian is helpful in reducing stress, anxiety and even insomnia.

Butterbur

Butterbur is an herb that when used in a clinical study showed that within sixteen weeks of use the number of migraine attacks were reduced by half. Research from this study also concluded that the severity of migraine pain typically felt was drastically reduced.

5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5 – Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5- HTP is an amino acid found in food and is a forerunner to the neurotransmitter serotonin. By adding more 5-HTP one can raise their serotonin levels in the brain while also increasing their endorphin levels helping aide in the overall improvement of their mood and disposition. It has been proven that those suffering with chronic migraines typically have low serotonin and low endorphin levels. The thought process is that low serotonin and endorphins levels make it extremely challenging to tolerate or endure pain.

Tags: Ergots, herbal supplements, Migraine Medications, Migraine Support Formula, Prescription medication, side effects, Triptans