Migraine is a sudden burst of severe headache that generally occurs on one side of the head. It happens when a person undergoes severe mental stress and is often associated with the disorders of digestion and vision. Herbal remedies are effective in curing migraine because they ease the blood vessel constriction associated with migraine as well as treat the causes and symptoms of migraine headaches.
11 Herbal Remedies for Migraine
Ginger
Ginger has great anti-inflammatory properties. It improves the blood circulation, relaxes blood vessels and reduces the production of pain-causing agents. Therefore, daily intake of Ginger will help prevent migraines.
For treating migraine, take fresh ginger, because the pungent oils present in the raw herb are more effective. You can eat one-quarter inch slice of fresh ginger root daily, either raw or slightly cooked one. If you do not like to have it directly, you can take good-quality dried and powdered ginger, in a dose of 1,000 mg daily. In severe migraine attacks, take 500 to 1,000 mg of ginger every two hours, up to six times a day.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaf, also called sweet bay and laurel leaf, is one of the most used traditional herbs for migraine problems. The herb contains special compounds called parthenolides that can cure migraines effectively. Apart from migraines, Bay leaf helps in processing your body insulin more efficiently, which in turn helps in lowering the blood sugar levels.
Bay leaf comes as an essential oil that can be massaged into the temples to relieve headaches and other symptoms of migraine.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an anti-oxidant that improves oxygen and blood flow to the brain and can relieve migraine easily. It inhibits the platelet aggregation and can dilate the constricted blood vessels to relieve you from migraine pain. It also improves your mental alertness and memory.
Ginko biloba extract is available in the form of tablet, capsule, tea and other supplement products. For treating migraine, 120 to 240 mg of the herb is prescribed. When you are using supplements, make sure it contains 24 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones. Note that Ginkgo biloba can interact with other medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Consult a doctor when you are using it with other medications.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a very common herb used in the prevention and treatment of migraine. It works by reducing the chemicals that cause the spasm of blood vessels in your head. Feverfew leaves contain parthenolide that inhibits dilation of blood vessels and inflammation.
Eating two fresh leaves of Feverfew everyday can treat your migraine to a great extent. If you do not like to have these bitter leaves directly, you can wrap them in a piece of fresh bread and eat. Capsules of Feverfew are also available as standardized parthenolide extract. To prevent migraine, take between 0.25 and 0.5 milligrams of parthenolide everyday. In case of acute attack, you can take up to two grams.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains essential oils that are very effective in relieving a migraine headache. It works by relaxing the local blood vessels and tight muscles in the neck and head region.
Peppermint can be taken internally or used externally. You can drink peppermint tea 2-3 times a day, or as and when symptoms persist. You can mix several drops of peppermint oil with a lotion or body oil and massage it onto the temples. For effectiveness, you can inhale the vapors of few drops of Peppermint added in a bowl of boiling water.
White Willow
White willow bark is a great herb to treat migraines, that works similar to aspirin. It relieves the pain and reduces inflammation caused by migraines. The herb has been used for centuries in treating muscular cramps, spasms, joint pains and headaches.
If you are using White willow to treat your migraine, you should speak with your doctor for appropriate prescription. Note that it can interact with other migraine drugs and should not be taken for longer periods.
Butterbur
Butterbur plant is an ancient herb that was used to treat fever, body pain and spasm. Today, it is used for preventing and curing migraine. Some of the active constituents of this herb are Isopetasin, petasin, sesquiterpenes which cure headaches and migraine.
For treating migraines, Butterbur rhizome extract can be used in the doses of 50 to 100 mg, twice daily with meals.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another herbal remedy for migraine. It is a natural sedative that will relieve tension and will gradually reduce the nervousness and irritability, the common symptoms of migraine.
Take a cup of Chamomile tea as soon as you notice the symptoms of migraine. For effectiveness, you can rub mint over your temples and base of your skull.
Yucca Root
Yucca root is very effective in the treatment of migraine related pains and other headaches. It provides important nutrients like vitamins B, C, as well as calcium and iron. It is also helpful in curing arthritis pain and can relieve high blood pressure.
You can bake the Yucca root in an oven and eat it directly. You can also use it as a substitute to potato in your food recipes.
Bangle rhizome
Bangle rhizome is a special anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb that is stronger in combating migraine. It works by smoothing your blood stream flowing to the brain.
For treating migraine, you can make a juice of 0.5 grams of dried bangle rhizome powder and drink it twice a day. You can even apply a paste of freshly grated Bangle rhizome and water over your forehead.
Vegetable Juices
Fresh combination of vegetable juices like Carrot with beet root and cucumber or spinach can treat migraine very well. This is accomplished by normalizing the health of blood stream, especially in brain.
Mix 300 ml of carrot juice with 200 ml of spinach juice, or mix 100 ml each of cucumber and beet juices with 300 ml of carrot juice. Both these combinations of vegetable juices can treat your migraine problem efficiently.
Tip:
To prevent migraines from recurring, you should avoid foods that can trigger an attack, such as wheat, cheese, caffeine and chocolate. You should also reduce your day to day stress and maintain healthy sleeping habits.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
