Migraine Herbal Medicine: Fast Relief Today.

Nearly 18 percent of American women will suffer at least one migraine headache in a given year. These painful headaches are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting and/or visual symptoms such as flashing lights or dark circles in the field of vision. Migraine headaches are caused by expansion of the blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches are prevented by reducing stress, which can lead to the reactive expansion of blood vessels. Migraine headaches are treated, in part, by causing these blood vessels to contract or by simple analgesic effects.

Migraine Herbal Medicine—Common remedies and how to find them

Some migraine herbal medicine supplements have been shown to prevent migraines. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) rhizome extract, 50 mg or 75 mg/day, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the incidence of migraines. Feverfew leaves (Tanacetum parthenium), magnesium citrate, chamomile (German chamomile- Matricaria recutita, Roman chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile), and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) are also thought to reduce the incidence of migraines. Long term use of chamomile may worsen seasonal allergies. Also, raw butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which are associated with liver toxicity. A refined butterbur, without the pyrrolizidine alkaloids, is available under the trade name Petadolex.

Tidbit #2: Throughout history, ancient civilizations in Egypt, India and China used herbal medicine for all illnesses as well as for taking care of their injured warriors. Over the years they perfected their practices but unfortunately, most of the botanicals that were compounded were not written down and subsequent generations had to rely on the memories of their elders to carry on the practice of herbal medicine in those cultures.

Other migraine herbal medicine supplements treat the symptoms once the migraine has materialized. Domestic Cannabis (marijuana) is thought to reduce nausea often associated with migraines. It, however, has the drawback of being illegal in the United States. Willow bark (Salix alba, nigra, purpea) and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) are thought to relieve migraine pain. Willow bark has a chemical composition similar to that of aspirin, and should not be used by persons who have a sensitivity to aspirin. Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) is thought to alleviate the symptoms of menstrual migraine by mimicking estrogen.

Many persons find that oils of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or sandalwood ease migraine symptoms. Extract oils can be created by rubbing the leaves of these plants between your fingers and then applying the oil directly to your forehead.

Most of these migraine herbal medicine supplements are available in tablet form from online suppliers of herbal remedies or from health food and nutrition stores. Skullcap, chamomile, willow bark, feverfew and kudzu root may also be made into a tea or already blended into store-bought herbal teas. Oils of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and sandalwood can also be purchased online or from health food and nutrition stores.

Of course, your first consultation about your migraine should be with your health care provider. He or she can insure that any migraine herbal medicine treatments you take are safe and effective and do not interact with any other medications you may be taking. Migraine herbal medicine remedies can be an important component of stress reduction and pain relief from your migraine headaches.