Feverfew– NOT the only Migraine Remedy.

Recently, a relative asked me for herbal solutions for migraines. My go-to-solution for migraines is always the herb feverfew.  Not only can feverfew stop a migraine in progress, more importantly,  it can stop migraines from occurring at all when used regularly. Feverfew has been used as effective headache relief. Modern science, along with modern use has proven feverfew to be an effective migraine remedy.Recently, a relative asked me for herbal solutions for migraines. My go-to-solution for migraines is always the herb feverfew.  Not only can feverfew stop a migraine in progress, more importantly,  it can stop migraines from occurring at all when used regularly. Feverfew has been used as effective headache relief. Modern science, along with modern use has proven feverfew to be an effective migraine remedy.

My second suggestion was to take a long, honest look at her diet. Most migraines are caused by a reaction to something in the diet or environment. Common culprits include sugar, chocolate, some nuts, MSG, aspartame, saccharine, wheat, corn, and gluten. Certain scents cause migraines. It’s also common for soaps, detergents, and cleaning solutions to cause migraines in some people. My recommendation is to avoid most store purchased cleaners and to make  your own. Personally, I use soap nuts for most household cleaning because they are natural, and non-toxic. Sometimes finding the underlying cause of migraines (or any other chronic problem) takes a bit of detective work, but it’s worth the hassle to find out.

She was looking for additional natural solutions so I came up the the following list.

Valerian root – can make you sleepy. It’s a muscle relaxant, and mild sedative. Helps relieve pain during a migraine. In some people, valerian can stop a migraine in the early stages.

Ginger – especially effective when combined with feverfew. Ginger is a good overall tonic for the body.

Ginko Biloba – effective against migraines with aura.

Magnesium – magnesium is a muscle relaxant.Magnesium deficiency can cause migraines.

Fish Oil –  reduces inflammation through out the body, and helps stop blood vessels from constricting.

Vitamin D – Studies have shown that fully 42% of Americans who experience Migraines are deficient in Vitamin D. Another study found that people deficient in D experience unexplained pain.  Consider getting more direct, bare skin, sun exposure, or taking a good supplement.
Licorice root – anti-inflammatory that works similar to the drug prednisone.  Use sparingly if you have high blood pressure.

Catnip – this herb is in the mint family. It’s also called catmint. Catnip is calming and relieves stress. It can also relieve pain.  I don’t know that it will do anything for a migraine in full swing, but it might be helpful if taken early.

Water – a surprising number of headaches, including migraines are caused by dehydration.

Tryptophan – has been proven effective against many different types of pain, including migraines.

Kava Kava – another muscle relaxant and stress reducer. I use this one regularly for muscle spasms.

Recipe for a headache/migraine tea:
Use equal portions of:
Skullcap, Valerian, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Chamomile

Place herbs in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.When the water boils, turn it off, cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Longer is better. Strain and drink 1/2 cup every hour or so.

Aromatherapy:

Some scents can cause migraines, and others can relieve them.

Try rubbing a drop of one of the following essential oils on temples. If the scent is too strong to during a migraine, try using an oil diffuser.

peppermint oil

ginger oil

Wintergreen

Basil

Chamomile

Eucalyptus

Lavender —this can cause headaches in some people, so be aware. RosemaryMarjoram

____References:
University of Maryland Medical Center: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/feverfew
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/feverfew
Migraine : www.migraine.com
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, L.A.c., O.M.D., published by Pocket Books
The Vitamin D Solution, Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D.
The Art of Aromatherapy, Robert B. Tisserand
Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Elson Haas, MD