A migraine is a severe headache that usually affects the front or one side of the head and may be triggered by a number of things including bright light, stress, dehydration and tiredness. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, migraines usually start in young adulthood and are more likely to affect women than men. Although there is no cure for migraines, over-the-counter painkillers are often enough to reduce symptoms. Some herbs may also help to alleviate symptoms. However, there is little scientific evidence to prove that they are effective.
Examples
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, feverfew, also known as petasites hybridus, is often used as a headache treatment and may help to prevent and treat migraines. Butterbur is another potentially helpful herb that may reduce the severity of migraine symptoms. It may also reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Use
Butterbur and feverfew are available as dietary supplements in capsules, tablets or as liquid extracts. The leaves of the feverfew plant may also be eaten fresh. The University of Maryland suggests taking 50 mg to 75 mg of a standardized extract of butterbur twice daily or 50 mg to 80 mg once daily. These dosages should be used as a guideline only. Talk to your doctor about the right dose for you.
Efficacy
According to the results of a study published in the August 2005 issue of the medical journal, "Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headache," feverfew reduces migraine frequency by 1.9 attacks per month, compared to 1.3 attacks in the placebo group. However, an analysis of clinical data published in January 2004 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews notes that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that feverfew is any more effective than a placebo treatment in preventing migraines. The results of a study published in January 2004 in "European Neurology" found that butterbur reduced the frequency of migraine attacks, but it was only a small trial of 33 patients.
Side Effects
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that feverfew is not associated with serious side effects; however, it may irritate the tongue and lips and cause loss of taste. It may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Toxicology Program, butterbur may cause bad breath, stomach upset, headache and drowsiness.
Contraindications
Do not take feverfew if you are pregnant as it may cause a miscarriage. Many herbs interact with other medicines and either heighten or lessen their effects. Butterbur, for example, can exacerbate the effects of anticholinergic drugs and other herbal remedies. If you are taking any other medication, talk to your doctor before using feverfew or butterbur as a migraine treatment.
References
- NHS Choices: Migraine
- UMMC: Migraine
- NCCAM: Feverfew
- PubMed: Efficacy and Safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. Feverfew CO2-Extract (MIG-99) in Migraine Prevention--a Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicentre, Placebo-Controlled Study
- PubMed: Feverfew For Preventing Migarine
- PubMed: The First Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Special Butterbur Root Extract for the Prevention of Migraine: Reanalysis of Efficacy Criteria.
