Migraine Headache

Last Updated on Friday, 26 February 2010 11:12

What herbs are used in the treatment of migraine?

Alongside conventional treatments more and more people are looking at alternative and herbal treatments for migraines. Feverfew in particular has shown great promise in reducing migraine frequency and severity.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

An anti-inflammatory herb called feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) works for a lot of people. Clinical trials conducted by a doctor, who is a leading migraine specialist, found that:

• Approximately 72% of the 253 people involved, who were suffering from true migraine, found that feverfew was helpful for the prevention of their headaches

• 78% of the 23 people suffering from tension headaches also found that feverfew reduced headache frequency and severity

• Of the 242 patients who recorded the frequency, 33% no longer had attacks and 76% had fewer migraines each month compared to before taking feverfew

• Associated nausea and vomiting decreased or disappeared

• A proportion of patients experienced the migraine aura without the attack

• When attacks did occur, they responded better to conventional painkillers

• Feverfew users experienced no adverse interactions with their orthodox medication

• The onset of the effect was slow and gradual, often taking several months

What are the side effects?

• There are no known side effects to this herb, when given as a tincture. However, allergic contact dermatitis has been noted after contact with fresh feverfew leaves.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

This herb has muscle relaxant and painkilling properties. It is traditionally prescribed for migraine. It also reduces anxiety.

Science-based 21st Century Herbal Medicine enables us to identify the key active chemical constituents in a plant and understand their effect on the body’s biochemistry.

Treatment can take several months but the incidence and severity of migraine is usually reduced.

What are the side effects?

• None expected if taken within the recommended dose range.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap can be used as a mild sedative in the treatment of migraine. It has been traditionally prescribed for nervous tension and restlessness. It nourishes the nervous system and calms and relieves stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic action is useful where stress and worry cause muscular tension.

What are the side effects?

• None expected if taken within the recommended dose range.

These are just three of the herbs that may be used. A variety of others can be used depending on the individual patient and his/her needs. This is why an extensive case history is taken. For example, if the migraine is triggered by stress, herbs to support the nervous system are given along with herbs to help the body’s response to stress.

In cases where the trigger is hormonal, herbs to balance the hormones may be given. Patients are sometimes asked to have a blood test to ascertain hormone levels, which can usually be done through their GP.

Written by: Deborah Grant BSc(Hons) Herb.Med.MNIMH

For more information visit: London Herbal Medicine