Alternative Medicines For Headaches

According to the American College of Physicians, seven in 10 people experience at least one headache a year and 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches. The most common types of headaches include tension, migraine and cluster headaches. Tension headaches result from poor posture, which tightens the muscles in the neck and scalp. Migraine headaches, the most severe type, cause intense pain and sensitivity to light and noise. Cluster headaches usually occur on one side of the head behind the eye. Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications can alleviate the pain quickly, but several effective alternative medicines for headaches are also available.

Butterbur

Butterbur, a small Eurasian herb often used in traditional herbal medicine, may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. A study published in the journal Neurology in 2004 found that patients taking 75mg butterbur extract daily over four months experienced a significant decrease in migraine headache attacks. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 50mg to 75mg of butterbur extract twice daily for headaches. The standardized extract contains alkaloids that may potentially damage the liver, so consult your doctor for a safe extract and dosage before self-treating with butterbur. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid butterbur completely.

Feverfew

A common herbal medicine used for treating headaches, fever and migraines, feverfew may help reduce the frequency of headaches and the intensity of accompanying symptoms. A systematic review published in the December 2000 edition of Public Health Nutrition examined six different clinical trials. After careful review, researchers found that feverfew worked better than a placebo in treating migraine headaches, with few adverse side effects. Take 50mg to 80mg of feverfew daily to ward off chronic headaches and reduce symptoms. Do not take feverfew with anticoagulant medications, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Also, pregnant and nursing women should not take feverfew.

Cayenne

Cayenne contains capsaicin, a compound that blocks chemicals involved in the nerve transmission of pain. The herb also contains salicylates, natural aspirin-like compounds that may help reduce headache pain. In her book "The Herbal Drugstore," Linda B. White recommends eating cayenne-spiked food at the first sign of a headache or swallowing a capsule if you can't take the heat. For the best results, take up to three 400mg to 500mg capsules of cayenne daily to help prevent and treat headaches. You can also rub a topical capsaicin cream, found at drugstores or natural health stores, into your temples to relieve headache pain, but wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Lavender

Lavender, a soothing and calming herb often used for treating nervous tension, may also help alleviate a headache. In his book "Herbal Remedies," Asa Hershoff suggests using lavender essential oil externally to ease painful headaches and relax muscle tension. Massage the oil into your temples at the first sign of a headache for the best results. Lavender water yields similar results when rubbed into the temples, though lavender oil works best. Adding 15 to 20 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath and soaking for 10 to 15 minutes may also get rid of a mild to moderate headache.