Herbal Remedies for Migraines

Many people suffer from migraine headaches, including myself. Migraines tend to run in families and are more common in women then men. In fact women are three times as likely to get migraines than men.

Symptoms

Pain on one side of the head, can be severe or mild.

A short period of depression, irritability and/or loss of appetite

Sensitivity to light and sound

Nausea/Vomitting

Seeing an aura.

You may experience one or more of the symptoms , and it is possible to have symptoms not listed above.

Possible Triggers

The underlying cause of migraines is not known. Were it known, there would more likely be a cure. However, various researchers have discovered possible triggers of migraines:

Low levels of seratonin

Certain foods

Stress

Not enough sleep

Bright light

Various changes in the weather

Changes in one's blood sugar

Possible liver problems

Hormonal swings, including menstruation

Loud sounds

High blood pressure.

　

Treatments

Modern medicine has come a long way in the last few years. Medicines such as Imitrex have come on the market. However, in talking with various people who have migraines bad enough to need medication, some built up a tolerance to the medication. This means their bodies no longer react to the medication, causing the migraine to still be as strong.

There are many herbal remedies for migraines. Remedy does not suggest cure. It means that it might be able to relieve some or all of the pain you are experiencing for that moment.

NOTE: BEFORE TRYING ANY HERBAL REMEDY ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING. SOME REMEDIES MAY INTERFERE WITH MEDICATIONS YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING. SOME REMEDIES MAY HAVE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS FOR SOME PEOPLE. PLEASE ASK A PEDIATRICIAN BEFORE GIVING ANYTHING TO CHILDREN UNDER 18. PLEASE ALSO CONDUCT YOUR OWN RESEARCH. BECOME INFORMED. MOST OF THESE HAVE OTHER USES AS WELL.

Cayenne Pepper. It is said that if you sprinkle some in water, juice or in food it will help with your migraine pain. I do not recommend this if you have an ulcer and other like diseases because peppers of any sort can upset the stomach.

Feverfew. This is supposed to work only if you take it every day. It is preventative and needs to build up in your system. You can get feverfew pills, but there are various brands of tea out there as well. This is one of the plants you do not want to take if you are nursing or pregnant. You should NOT give this to children under two years of age.

Ginkgo. Gingko is used to increase circulation to the brain. It is also called the "memory drug" because it helps us to remember things.

Passion fruit. This has been used since the 1800s for nervous conditions. However modern research suggest that it can also help with migraines and anxiety. Passion fruit often comes in tea form, but you can buy it whole or in pill form as well.

Tilden flower. This is good for migraines that might be associated to high blood pressure.

Ginger. Again you can buy this whole or get a tea. It also comes in powder.Alvita makes some of the best ginger tea. Research suggests that frequent use of ginger leads to decreased frequency and intensity of migraines. Ginger is also good if you sinus problems.

Valerian. I never recommend using valerian to anyone unless they see a physician first because valerian can easily-very easily-be overdosed. It is usually given to people who suffer insomnia. I figure if you have severe enough head pain you are willing to try almost anything, so I am putting it here. Valerian is recommended from recurring migraines and other headaches due to stress. Use only a standardized extract and follow the label. DO NOT drive or operate machinery while under the effects of valerian.

Fenugreek. Alvita, again, makes a fenugreek tea. It is recommended the patient take 1 cup hot or cold, during the day to relieve migraines.

Peppermint. I call peppermint the cure all. I use it for stomach aches, nausea,to help open my sinuses,etc. Peppermint oil, three times daily or peppermint tea (Twinings, Alvita, almost any brand makes it) three times daily. Also keep Altoids around. Peppermint Altoids are very strong and have helped me with a variety of problems.

Rosemary. You can rub a diluted form of Rosemary on your forehead and temples and it will help ease the pain. You can also drink Rosemary tea, 2 oz worth, three times daily.

Chamomile. Chamomile is great for relaxing. Chamomile (or Camomile) is said to help prevent the frequency of migraines.

Lavender. Lavender is another great plant to help you relax. Take some lavender oil and rub it on your temples and forehead.

Other Remedies

Cabbage Leaf Compress. If you can stand the smell of cabbages, be my guest and try this. Crush a few cabbage leaves and leave them on your forehead for X amount of time.

Lemon Crust. Grind lemon crust and apply as a paste on your forehead, or as if you were going to give your self a facial.

Vegetable Juices: Carrot, spinach, beet, and cucumber juices to be exact.

Avoid white flour, sugar, tinned, or preserved foods.

Try an all fruit diet. 3-5 fruit based meals for 2-3 days can help relieve migraine pain.

Hot baths. I think that's self-explanatory.

Cold compresses. That's self- explanatory too.

Sources:

http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/migraine/mig_herbal.htm
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/migraine.html
http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com/Migraines.html