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Herbal Migraine Relief

A migraine occurs when blood vessels in the brain dilate or contract excessively, causing a severe headache that is often followed by nausea and vomiting. It is a condition that affects millions of people a year. Many factors can contribute to a migraine, including stress, hypoglycemia, poor diet, food allergies, hormonal changes, lack of sleep and liver malfunction. Fortunately, there are steps you can take for natural relief from migraines.

  1. Migraine Signs

    • It is essential to recognize the five phases of a migraine. Many people see a change in their mood, or have problems remembering the day before a migraine strikes. Numbness effecting the hands and mouth are also signs. When a migraine starts there is an intense throbbing pain that occurs on one or both sides of the head. Sensitivity to light, nausea and dizziness may set in; some people see flashes of light. Lethargy usually marks the end to a migraine. Recognize the signs the day before and be sure to take herbs with a track record with providing people with migraine relief.

    Herbs

    • Since stress is another contributing factor to migraines, herbs like valerian, kava kava, Jamaican dogwood and St.-John's-wort can help. Other effective migraine herbs include cayenne pepper, chamomile, fumitory, peppermint, rosemary, willow bark and wormwood. Ginger has been found to be very beneficial to migraine sufferers. This herb can be taken as a tea or in its powdered form to help ease nausea. Try taking 240 mg of ginkgo biloba a day to see if it affects the frequency or severity of headaches.

    Chinese Herbs

    • Head Q is a Chinese herbal formula that has been tested by the London Migraine Center, and found to be effective in relieving some migraine symptoms. These capsules have herbs that help ease nausea and body aches and pain. Head Clear is another formula that can alleviate many of the side effects of migraines such as toothaches, hay fever and ear pain. Likewise, Cordyceps, which is a species of fungus, is often used to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

    Warnings

    • Check with a physician before taking any herbs for migraines to avoid possible drug interactions with any prescription medications.
      Certain herbs like Bio-Rizin, which contains licorice extract, should not be taken for more than seven days. If you have high blood pressure, do not take this herb at all.

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