Numerous herbs may help treat your migraine pain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, the pain of a migraine headache is usually described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one part of your head. In some cases, migraine headaches are accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Before taking herbs to help treat your migraine pain, visit your doctor to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
Feverfew
Feverfew is an herb that may help treat your migraine pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, feverfew, also known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a short bush with daisy-like flowers that is native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe. Feverfew now grows throughout Europe, North America and South America. Feverfew has been used to treat numerous conditions, including fevers, migraine headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and allergies. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that feverfew is a diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory that is effective for migraine headaches, arthritis, colds and flu. Before taking feverfew for your migraine headaches, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an herb that may be effective for treating your migraine pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that peppermint, also known as Mentha piperita, is a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste and tea, and is also used to treat numerous health conditions, including upset stomach, headaches, skin irritations, depression-related anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps and flatulence. According to Tilgner, peppermint is an antispasmodic, choleretic, carminative, external analgesic and diaphoretic. Peppermint should not be given to an infant or small child, as peppermint oil applied to the face of infants can cause life-threatening breathing problems. Peppermint is also contraindicated, or should not be used, if you are pregnant, have acute gallstones or a hiatal hernia. Before taking peppermint for your headaches, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo may be an effective herb to help treat your migraine pain. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginkgo, also known as Ginkgo biloba, is one of the oldest living tree species and is cultivated around the world for its medicinal properties and aesthetic value. The seeds and leaves of ginkgo have been used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including migraine headaches, respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, sexual dysfunction and hearing problems. Tilgner states that ginkgo is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic, and that it increases blood flow to your limbs and brain. Ginkgo has been successfully used to treat migraine pain, due to its ability to stabilize platelets and serotonin levels in your brain, which helps normalize cerebral blood flow. Before taking ginkgo for your migraine pain, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and possible side effects.
