According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 28,000 Americans suffer from migraines. These are more than just your average headaches, causing debilitating symptoms such as throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting. Without treatment, a migraine can last up to 72 hours, and can interfere with normal activities. Prescription medications are often the first solution, but there are also several clinically proven natural migraine remedies.
Feverfew
One of the most promising natural migraine remedies is the native European herb, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). It has been used in folk medicine for centuries as a remedy for headaches, migraines, fever, and even arthritis. In addition to the many anecdotal accounts of its efficacy, several scientific studies have also examined feverfew’s effectiveness in treating migraine pain.
A study published in the 1985 edition of the British Medical Journal provides evidence that feverfew prevents attacks of migraines, and reduces pain and nausea. A later clinical trial published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, in 1988 concluded that the daily use of feverfew reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Conflicting evidence has also been reported, including a study published in Cephalalgia, an International headache journal, which states that the effectiveness of feverfew could not be proven without a reasonable doubt. However, all clinical studies came to one similar conclusion. No serious side effects occur from taking the herb on a daily basis.
The typical dosage of feverfew for treating migraines is up to three 400-milligram capsules, two average sized leaves, or 15-30 drops of tincture per day. Feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy, but appears to be safe for all other situations.
Bay
Bay (Laurus nobilis), also known as bay laurel, is another of the most commonly used natural migraine remedies. It is a large, aromatic Mediterranean shrub which contains parthenolides, the same compounds found in feverfew. Researchers believe these compounds prevent brain vessel constriction by inhibiting the release of serotonin from blood platelets.
James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, recommends using the herb in conjunction with feverfew to prevent migraine headaches. However, a standard dosage of bay to treat migraines has not been well established. A medical doctor or herbal practitioner should be consulted prior to taking this natural migraine remedy.
Butterbur
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a small shrub found growing in Asia, North America, and Europe. It’s an herb with a reputation for healing, and it has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat migraines, asthma, coughs, and allergies. Although it’s one of the lesser known natural migraine remedies, there has been some scientific evidence to support its long-time use in folk medicine.
A 2004 study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that patients taking 75 milligrams of standardized butterbur root extract twice per day experienced a 48 percent decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks. Patients who took only 50 milligrams of the extract twice per day saw a 36 percent drop in migraine frequency.
Side effects of butterbur include indigestion and mild gastrointestinal events. This herb should not be taken by anyone with ragweed allergies, liver or kidney disorders, or pregnant women. The raw herb should never be taken, as it contains toxic levels of alkaloids that can harm the kidneys and liver.
Warning
Natural migraine remedies may help combat attacks, but should always be taken under medical supervision. Speak to your physician before trying any of these natural migraine remedies to discount possible drug interactions or allergies.
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