Migraines are severe headaches. They are often debilitating and recurrent. Symptoms include slurring and loss of speech, distorted sight that may include "shooting stars" or kaleidoscope color patterns, nausea and sensitivity in the neck and scalp. Since estrogen plays a role in the blood vessel changes that occur during an attack, women are more vulnerable than men. Natural remedies can complement standard treatments as well as each other. With the exception of cayenne, which is taken at the start of an episode, the herbs listed should be taken on a regular basis to help prevent migraines.
Beneficial Herbs
Cayenne powder makes changes in nerve fibers that stop them from transmitting migraine pain. Take at the start of a migraine by mixing with a starchy food.
Donq quai prevents migraines, especially ones linked to PMS. Take 500-1,000mg daily.
Feverfew stops attacks by inhibiting the release of serotonin. Take 25mg daily and increase to 100mg daily after two weeks.
Gingko increases cerebral circulation. Take the extract as directed on the label.
Quercetin prevents migraine attacks. Take 125mg to 250mg three times a day between meals.
Tilden flower fluid extract prevents and treats migraines linked with high blood pressure. Take 1 tsp. three times a day.
Chinese Medicine Formulas
Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction are used frequently in Japan to treat migraines. Four Substance Decoction relieves migraines associated with dizziness, blurred vision and muscle tension. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction are especially helpful for preventing migraines that cause severe visual disturbances. Major Bupleurum Decoction relieves migraines that are accompanied by fever and chills and nausea.
Caution about Herbal Treatments
Do not use feverfew if you are pregnant or if you develop an allergic reaction. If you are taking Neoral, Sandimunne or Procardia, avoid quercetin. Do not take Chinese formulas containing Bupleurum if you have a fever.
Diet
Do not eat foods containing the amino acide tyramine. This includes anchovies, beer, hard cheese, chocolate, corned beef, dried meats, fava beans, fermented beans such as miso and soy sauce, lima beans, pickled herring, red wine, sardines, sauerkraut and yeast. A single serving of the above foods will most likely not provoke a migraine, but consistent and excessive consumption can increase frequency of an attack.
Some beneficial foods are almonds, cherries, watercress, parsley, fennel, garlic and fresh pineapple. Do not binge on sweets and starches. The temporary sugar rush is followed by hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is a well-known trigger for this condition. Avoid coffee and other types of caffeine. Once you are free of caffeine, coffee can be an effective treatment for migraine. At the beginning of an attack, drink one or two cups and mover to a dark, quiet room to rest.
Suggested Supplements
Take fish oils containing DHA and EPA. An effective dosage is 1,000mg per 10 pounds of body weight. It affects the production of prostaglandins, which can aggravate migraine symptoms.
Take 800-1,000mg of a calcium and magnesium supplement. A European study published in the 1998 issue of Neurology found that 400mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2) a day for three months reduced the frequency of migraines by half in two-thirds of the people who participated. However, you should consult with a physician before starting this sort of treatment, and it takes about a month to be effective.
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