Herbs for Migraine Relief

Triggered by everything from food to weather to chemical imbalances in the body, the majority of migraines are the result of a hyper excited brain releasing chemicals that cause pressure and swelling of the blood vessels. The result---a throbbing headache with nasty side effects. Thankfully, there are a number of herbs that can effectively treat migraine headaches.

Oral Remedies

• Of the number of herbs purported to help, the majority are taken orally. The most commonly used herbs include dong quai, ginger, feverfew, passionflower, ginko, willow bark, meadowsweet, valerian, skullcap, chamomile, peppermint, cayenne and butterbur. They can be taken in dried form, or as tea, fluid extracts or tinctures. The recommended doses vary, as do the methods of ingestion. For example, dong quai is a root that is often boiled or soaked in wine before it's consumed. Ginger can be eaten sliced, swallowed in the form of ginger ale, or sprinkled into squash biscuits. Willow bark is most often brewed into tea. The majority of herbs used for migraines have anti-inflammatory properties, and reduce the amount of swelling in the blood vessels. Some increase the flow of blood and, as a result, the flow of oxygen to the brain. Others have a calming, relaxing effect, significantly reducing anxiety. Nearly all can be classified as natural painkillers.

Topical Remedies

• Two herbs are better used topically. While peppermint tea relieves the unpleasant side effect of the nausea which often accompanies a migraine, peppermint tincture---a 10 percent peppermint oil to 90 percent ethanol concoction---applied to the forehead in a thin layer, eases the pain. Cayenne, a pepper used widely by Native Americans, can help the stomach also, but works miracles on a migraine when administered through the nose. Once caveat, cayenne can physically burn the lining of the nostrils if not used properly, so check with a physician for proper administration.

Precautions

• One thing you should always do before using any type of herbal remedy is bone up on your research. Herbs can and do have side effects. Sometimes they react poorly with other herbs or prescribed medications, and you may need to limit the amount of herbs you are taking or using. For example, butterbur should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, and a standard dose is 50 to 75 mg twice a day. A small amount when compared with ginger's daily maximum allotment of 4 grams. The best thing to do is check with your doctor before you start taking any herbs to ensure proper dosage and that there are no contraindications.