Headaches-Migraine
Different Natural Migraine Remedies:
How Peppermint Oil works for migraines
Peppermint is known to be calming and numbing. It is believed that these properties make it helpful for people who suffer from migraines.
For some people, applying Peppermint Oil to the forehead and temples serves as a natural medication for migraine.
Peppermint oil has been used as a natural remedy and herbal treatment for headaches, nausea, gas, indigestion, cold symptoms, skin irritations, anxiety, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, muscle and nerve pain as well as stomach and bowel conditions. Peppermint can also be found in chest rubs.
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Butterbur
Butterbur comes from the Butterbur plant (Petasites hybridus), which is a perennial shrub found in Europe, Asia and parts of North America. It grows in wet, marshy soil, damp forests and along rivers and streams.
It has long been used as an herbal treatment for migraines, the plague, asthma, ulcers, wounds, allergies and skin infections. The best evidence, based on studies and trials, is for its use in migraine and allergy sufferers. Originally, the plant’s root was used. However, higher levels certain potentially toxic ingredients were found in the root. Now, supplements use only the leaves.
How Butterbur works
The substances petasin and isopetasin are found in Butterbur. They work to reduce spasms and reduce inflammation. These actions are thought to help prevent migraines and reduce migraine headaches.
Studies on Butterbur and Migraines
One 2004 study found that Butterbur worked better at relieving migraines than an inactive placebo treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the patients in the four-month study. These migraine sufferers said their migraine attack frequency was reduced by :
- 48% with Butterbur 75 mg
- 36% with Butterbur 50 mg
- 26% with Placebo
Formulations available
Butterbur is sold as
- Capsules
- Extracts
- Powders
- Tinctures (an alcoholic extract of the plant’s leaves)
- Softgels
Who should not take Butterbur
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or nursing, do not take Butterbur
If you are taking other agents that contain the same active ingredients as Butterbur, such as borage, gravel root and ragwort
If you have liver disease, congestive heart failure, are on blood thinners, barbiturates or blood sugar lowering medications
If you take any medications in the anticholinergics/antispasmodic class, which are used to relieve cramps or spasms in the stomach, intestines, and bladder
If you are allergic to any plants in the P. hybridus or Asteraceae/Compositae family
As with any natural remedy, prescription or over-the-counter treatment, you should first check with your doctor before taking Butterbur to learn if it might interact with anything else you’re taking or learn if it will have a dangerous impact on any condition you have.
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Magnesium for the treatment of migraine headaches:
Magnesium is a mineral. It is important for the production of protein, the production and transport of energy, the function of some of the body’s enzymes, normal muscle operation, keeps bones strong, keeps the heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and nerve function. Magnesium is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the human body. Half of the body’s Magnesium is in its bones, the rest is inside cells. About 1 percent of the body’s magnesium is in its blood.
Food containing Magnesium
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Seeds
- Hard tap water (water with a high mineral content)
- Green leafy vegetables
- Soy products
- Bananas
- Dried apricots
- Avocados
Magnesium to prevent migraines
Some research has shown low brain Magnesium levels during a migraine attack. Also, because Magnesium is needed for proper nerve function, it is thought that Magnesium deficiency and migraines may be related, making it an important vitamin for migraine aura and a natural remedy for migraines. Magnesium is also being studied to see how it can help prevent and better manage high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Studies on magnesium and Migraines
A 1996 study of 81 migraine sufferers compared the effects of 600 mg of Magnesium every day for 12 weeks with an inactive placebo dummy pill. Of those taking Magnesium, 18.6 percent had diarrhea and 4.7 percent complained of stomach irritation. Here are the results:
- Reduction of migraine attacks from weeks nine to 12 : Magnesium 41.6% , Placebo 15.8%
Another study, also conducted in 1996, didn’t find any difference in patients given Magnesium compared to placebo and experienced twice as many mild side effects such as soft stools.
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Feverfew for the treatment of migraine headaches:
Feverfew has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for many disorders such as headaches, menstrual irregularities, labor problems, skin conditions, stomach aches, asthma, fevers, insect bites, toothaches, psoriasis, allergies, ringing in the ears, dizziness, arthritis as well as nausea and vomiting. For migraines, feverfew, which has flowers that resemble daisies, is part of the sunflower family. Feverfew’s official botanical name is Tanacetum parthenium or Chrysanthemum parthenium. It is sometimes called bachelor’s buttons or featherfew.
Feverfew was originally grown in southeastern Europe in the Balkan mountains and is now grown all over Europe, North America and Australia. It blooms between July and October.
What part of the feverfew for migraine is used
For migraine, feverfew supplements typically use dried feverfew leaves. Sometimes leaves are eaten fresh. Also, some supplements use flowers and stems. Feverfew is believed to help migraine sufferers because of a substance in Feverfew called parthenolide, which helps relieve smooth muscle spasms. It also helps stop the brain’s blood vessels from contracting and prevents inflammation.
Feverfew for migraines
Feverfew has been used to prevent migraines, as a migraine herbal supplement.
Side effects and other precautions
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Nervousness
- Digestive problems
- Bloating
Side effects associated with chewing raw Feverfew leaves or drinking Feverfew tea
- Mouth ulcers, canker sores
- Loss of taste
- Swelling or irritation of the lips, tongue or mouth
Who should not take Feverfew
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must consult your doctor before taking Feverfew. Feverfew may cause the uterus to contract and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery.
People who are allergic to members of the daisy family, Chamomile, Ragweed or Yarrow should not take Feverfew, since they are more likely to be allergic to Feverfew as well.
Young children, particularly those under age 2, shouldn’t take Feverfew because it hasn’t been adequately studied in children.
Do not take Feverfew if you have a bleeding disorder or if you take a blood thinner.
Inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take before taking Feverfew, it may affect the way your other treatments react in your body.
If you have taken Feverfew for more than a week, you should not stop taking it abruptly because it may cause withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, difficulty sleeping, headache, anxiety, fatigue, muscle stiffness and joint pain.
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Valerian for migraines
Valerian is an herb that is often used as a dietary supplement, most commonly as a sleep aid. The official name is Valeriana officinalisand is a perennial plant that is originally from Europe and Asia, but is now grown in North America also.
Valerian has also been used, applied to the skin to help with sores and acne. When it is swallowed it has not only been used for insomnia, but also anxiety, congestive heart failure, chest pain, digestive problems and gas.
Most supplements of Valerian, for migraines and other uses, are made from the roots, underground stems and horizontal stems of the plant.
Valerian for migraines—how does it work
Scientists and researchers are not sure how Valerian works to ease migraine symptoms in some sufferers. Many of the compounds present in Valerian are believed to have sedative and relaxing effects on people who take it. This may lead to the relief of migraine headache symptoms.
Side effects and other precautions
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Stomach problems
- Unsteadiness
- Low body temperature
- Excitability, uneasiness
Although Valerian is used for sleep problems, when used for longer than a couple of months it may cause more sleeping difficulties.
Who should not take Valerian
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you must consult your doctor before taking Valerian because the supplement’s impact on the developing baby has not been studied.
Young children, particularly those under age 3, shouldn’t take Valerian because it hasn’t been adequately studied in children.
Inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take before taking Valerian. It’s interactions with other products hasn’t been widely studied, so it could affect the way your other treatments react in your body.
Valerian may also make it difficult to concentrate. People must also be careful when driving or operating machinery.
Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if Valerian is stopped suddenly.
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Ginger for the treatment of migraine headaches
Ginger, a commonly-used cooking spice, has been used for at least 2,000 years as a natural remedy for nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach and to aid digestion. Some research suggests that as early as the 1500′s ginger was used in Asian cultures. Ginger is well known for combating nausea. In fact, numerous supplements designed to combat nausea contain ginger extract.
It has also been used to treat headaches, including migraines. Because nausea and vomiting are common migraine symptoms, ginger is also helpful in offering some migraine sufferers relief of their stomach upset.
Ginger root to stop migraine – how does it work
Ginger contains more than 200 substances in its oils, which is why it has so many different uses. It is believed that ginger may block prostiglandins, which stimulate some muscle contractions, control inflammation and impact some hormones. Therefore migraines may be prevented and stopped by ginger stifling the action of prostiglandins.
Studies on Ginger and Migraines
One over-the-counter remedy containing ginger and feverfew is called GelStat Migraine. The product is applied and absorbed under the tongue, for faster delivery. GelStat’s makers say sublingual treatments take eight minutes to reach their peak level in the body, compared to 70 minutes for a tablet or capsule. One study of 40 migraine sufferers released at the 2006 American Academy of Neurology annual meeting compared GelStat with an inactive placebo. Here are the results:
- Some pain relief after two hours : GelStat 65%, Placebo 36%
- Complete freedom from pain at two hours : GelStat 19%, Placebo 7%
Side effects and other precautions
There are not many side effects linked to ginger when it is taken in small doses.
Powdered ginger and ginger supplements have been associated with:
- Gas, belching
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Irritation or bad taste in the mouth
- Heartburn
Who should not take Ginger root to stop migraine
Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take large doses of ginger nor should they take ginger for long periods of time. A doctor should be consulted before beginning to take ginger.
People with gallstones, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines as well as those taking medicines that weaken the immune system should check with their doctor before using ginger and should avoid large amounts of freshly cut ginger.
Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, although this has not been proven in clinical study. It may also increase the effects of medications that slow thinking or cause drowsiness. Ginger may interfere or interact with heart medications, vasodilators, any drugs that are broken down by the liver, as well as drugs for nausea, vomiting, arthritis, blood disorders, high cholesterol, blood pressure, allergies, cancer, inflammation, stomach acid or weight loss.
Ginger may have a negative impact if taken with large amounts of calcium.
