Migraines are characterized by the Mayo Clinic as chronic headaches that can cause hours to days of pain. While standard pain medications are the most popular form of treatment, alternatives are sometimes used to ease migraine pain. There's some belief that ginkgo can help treat migraine headaches.
But like any herbal supplement, scientific evidence is often lacking on its actual efficacy. Taking precautions, like speaking to a doctor or other medical professional, before using ginkgo to treat a migraine is advised as well as following the instructions on the packaging.
Migraine
Migraines are headaches that result in moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head. It's often described as pulsating or throbbing in nature and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and visual disturbances. When left untreated, this type of headache typically lasts anywhere between four and 72 hours according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ginkgo
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen levels and preventing hypoxia to brain tissue. The Center also claims that ginkgo has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. It stimulates the release of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that may contribute to headaches when its levels decrease in the body. For these purposes, ginkgo is thought to ease the pain associated with migraine headaches.
Effects
Though ginkgo may increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and stimulate norepinephrine production, there's no proof that it can actually reduce the severity or eliminate the occurrence of migraine headaches. One of the potential side effects of ginkgo use is headaches, so taking this supplement may actually trigger a migraine in people prone to this condition.
Warning
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns if you use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, to treat migraines, they may adversely interact with ginkgo The combination of the medication and supplement could thin the blood, resulting in an increased chance of bleeding. Prochlorperazine, another medication commonly used to treat migraines, can cause seizures when taken in conjunction with ginkgo.
Treatment
To successfully treat migraine headaches, talk to your doctor. Medical professionals can suggest or prescribe the best medication to treat your condition. Analgesics, triptans, ergots, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and other prescription medications are all used to reduce the pain associated with migraines as well as prevent their occurrence.
