There are many herbal remedies for headaches, but for the massive pain caused by migraine headaches, few remedies guarantee relief. Feverfew and white willow bark attack the symptoms of migraines on two fronts. White willow bark may help with the pain and inflammation that are present with migraines, while the feverfew may aid in fighting the constriction of blood vessels that appear to be the cause of the condition. While the use of herbal remedies may help some sufferers, they should never be used in place of treatment by licensed medical practitioners.
Migraines--What Are They?
Migraine headaches debilitate people more than any other form of headache. They bring immense pain, distortions in vision and nausea. Your thinking becomes confusing and prevents your concentration. Life itself may feel unbearable. Migraine episodes result from events that trigger your body’s response. Triggers fall into categories such as smell, stress or hormonal changes. Genetics can play a part in migraines, as they tend to run in families. It is a neurological disorder, and an association to chemical changes in the brain is evident, most likely a reduction in the level of serotonin.
White Willow Bark and Feverfew
One of the components isolated from white willow bark fights pain and inflammation in much the way aspirin does. This component was what lead researchers in 1800 to the development of aspirin. When used in conjunction with feverfew, the mixture can be an effective combatant to the symptoms of migraine headaches as was shown in a clinical study that ran for 12 weeks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The patients that were given the combination of both herbs found a reduction in the frequency, duration and intensity of pain.
Treatment of Migraines
The best plan of attack to alleviate the pain and other symptoms of migraines is preventative action. According to Natural Health Magazine, feverfew may prevent migraines when taken on a daily basis. Feverfew takes anywhere from four to six weeks to saturate your body tissue; once your body is saturated, you should experience fewer episodes of migraines.
If you are in the throws of a migraine, taking white willow bark and feverfew may fight the pain and dilation of blood vessels that seem to be the main source of pain with these headaches.
Both herbs should be used with caution, as they can interfere with other blood thinning agents being taken by increasing their effectiveness.
Side Effects of Feverfew
Although natural remedies are less toxic than pharmaceuticals to the body, they aren’t without side effects or cautions. Using feverfew for your condition carries the advisory that if you are pregnant or nursing, you should not use feverfew. Feverfew can also increase the tendency to bleed, so if you are using any blood thinners doctors advise that you use extreme care when taking feverfew. When taking feverfew, do not abruptly stop taking it, to avoid withdrawal syndrome.
Side Effects of White Willow Bark
White willow bark has the same cautions that aspirin carries. If you have any bleeding problems, white willow bark will enhance any blood thinners that you may be taking. If you are allergic to salicylates, do not take white willow bark. As always, advise your health care provider that you are interested in taking white willow bark to ensure that you will not have any interactions with other drugs you take. Do not use white willow bark when using the following classes of drugs: anticoagulants, beta blockers, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate or Dilantin.
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