Dandelion as a Migraine Sublingual Remedy

Migraines are severe headaches that may be accompanied by a sensitivity to light, throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea and vomiting. Many things can trigger a migraine--certain foods or smells, hormonal changes, stress--and each sufferer must find their own personal triggers. Liver congestion could be another reason why some people experience migraines and dandelion root may help.

Keeping a Migraine Journal

• Many people who get migraines usually have warning symptoms, alerting them to the fact that a migraine is on the horizon. They may experience disturbance in vision such as blind spots, flashing lights or fuzziness. A metallic smell or mental confusion may also be present before the pain of a migraine actually starts. Most people do experience some pre-migraine pain symptoms, though some have no warning signs at all.

  Keeping a journal of your daily activities and all foods eaten may help you pinpoint migraine triggers.

Congested Liver and Migraines

• Mark A. Stengler, NMD of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic wrote an article titled: Liver Function Can Be at the Root of Migraine Pain. The liver is always busy processing nutrients and chemicals, as well as breaking down fats and eliminating waste products. If the liver becomes overburdened and congested, Dr. Stengler says that headaches in the temple area can signify liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion root is a good herb for clearing up liver congestion.

Purchasing Liquid Dandelion

• When buying liquid dandelion root, first check the expiration date to be sure the product is fresh. Next, look for dandelion root listed as the first ingredient. Companies must list their ingredients on the label in order of most to least amount used in the product. If dandelion root is listed first you'll know that it's stronger than a product that lists water or alcohol first.

Benefits and Use of Sublingual Dandelion

• The benefit of using a sublingual or liquid form of dandelion root over capsules is that by placing a few drops under the tongue, it speeds up absorption. Taking herbal supplements by capsule or tablet and allowing them to be absorbed through the digestive tract may only allow a small percentage of the product to enter the bloodstream.

  Dandelion root can help cleanse the liver and remove toxin build-up, which may be the reason for some migraines. To use, place a dropper full under the tongue, hold for 30 seconds, and swallow. Alternately, you can add a dropper full of the extract to a small amount of water and drink up to three times a day, or use as directed on label.