migraine herbal
Migraine Herbal
Using herbs to treat headaches and migraines is still very controversial. For each person who swears that herbs completely eliminated their pain there will be another person claiming ineffectiveness or even dangerous side effects. Honestly, there is truth to both point of views. Herbs can effectively treat headaches and migraines in some people, but the quality(purity and levels of concentration are well known to vary from product to product) and effectiveness of many herbal treatments is both unproven and unregulated.
If you are thinking about treating your headaches or migraines using herbs, be sure to let your doctor know. Just like other natural supplements – herbs can be dangerous when taken by people with certain health conditions (especially PREGNANCY), interfere with prescription medications, and cause unintended side-effects.
Note: Always wait a few months before taking the next “hot” herbal supplement. As herbal supplement companies are not required to prove the safety of their product before it comes to market, it can take a few months for dangerous side effects to surface.
Migraine Herbal Remedies
Bayberry tea
Early American colonists used bayberry leaves and berries to make candles. Bayberry did not become a common herbal remedy until the early 19th century.
Bayberry works as a circulatory stimulant.
Try a cup of bayberry tea when you feel a migraine coming on.
In large doses bayberry will cause stomach problems. Bayberry is not safe for pregnant or nursing women, anyone with gastrointestinal problems, cancer, or who need to keep track of their sodium/potassium balance (as bayberry will affect these levels.)
Chamomile tea
Chamomile can help reduce migraine pain and treat nausea. Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory, nervous system depressant, and a smooth muscle relaxant.
Chamomile should be avoided by anyone who has an allergy to plants of the Ragweed family.
Feverfew
Feverfew is probably the best known herb for treating migraines. Feverfew contains a compound known as parthenolide and is thought to affect the release of serotonin and prostagladins as well as reduce the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain thus reducing the affects of migraine attacks. Feverfew must be taken for four to six weeks for an effect to be noticed – feverfew is not effective at stopping a migraine attack once it begins.
Be sure to buy feverfew with a standardized dosage of 0.2% parthenolide to ensure that you get the same dose of active ingredients everytime you take a pill.
Pregnant and nursing women are NOT to take feverfew.
Ginger
Ginger is thought to reduce blood vessel inflammation, provide natural pain relief, and reduce nausea. Many people have success reducing migraines by adding more ginger to their diet, by drinking ginger tea, and by eating candied or raw ginger when they first begin to feel a migraine attack come on.
Ginkgo
Gingko is known for improving circulation. Gingko is also known for reducing the sensation of ringing in the ear and dizziness.
Gingko does not mix well with blood thinning medications, aspirin, lithium, or ergots with caffeine.
Lam Kam Sang Heklin
Lam Kam Sang is a Chinese medicine that contains a secret combination of herbs – a combination of Cynanchum Pariculatum (bunge) kitag, white chrysanthemum, western sunflower, kudzu vine root, pollen gastrodia, ginseng, ligusticum wallichii, paconia lactiflora, and pearl.
St. John’s Wort
The active ingredient in St Joh’s Wort is hypericin and in most cases it is recommended to buy a supplement standardized to 0.3% hypericin. St John’s Wort is thought to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin.
Why is an antidepressant herb recommended to help migraines and headaches? Doctors have long noticed that traditional antidepressants can seem to reduce migraines in certain patients. Imbalances in certain brain chemicals are believed to contribute to migraine attacks – much like with depression.
St John’s Wort is known to have many drug interactions – do not take while pregnant, nursing, taking oral contraceptives, or other antidepressants. However, if you take any prescription medication at all or have an existing medical condition, please consult with your doctor before taking St John’s Wort.
Valerian
Valerian works as a mild sedative, pain reliever, and anti-convulsant. While taking Valerian may have an immediate noticeable effect for some people, others may need to take a regular dose over a longer amount of time before effects are noticed. Since Valerian has a sedative effect, it is probably best to take only during times where mental alertness is not a high priority. Avoid taking too much Valerian because in higher doses people have noticed that it can cause agitation.
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