Natural Herbal Medicine For Migraine

Migraine headaches are a common health complaint. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that migraine headaches may be caused by inherited gene anomalies that govern the activities of certain brain cells. Migraine headaches occur much more commonly in women than men, and they can significantly affect your quality of life. Review your treatment options with your physician before taking natural herbal medicines to help treat your migraine headaches.

Migraine Headaches

According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. Migraine headaches can last from several hours to several days. In some cases, they may last longer than three days. Common migraine headache triggers include emotional stress, sensitivities to certain chemicals and food preservatives, caffeine, changing weather conditions, menstrual periods, tension, fatigue, skipping meals and alterations in sleep patterns. Migraine headaches, notes the Cleveland Clinic, tend to run in families.

Natural Herbal Medicines

According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the incidence of migraine headaches has increased by 50 percent in the last 20 years. Certain natural herbal medicines, notes Balch, may help treat your migraine headaches, including cordyceps, feverfew, ginkgo, cayenne, chamomile, fumitory, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, valerian, willow bark and wormwood. Natural herbal medicines for migraine headaches help alleviate pain, enhance circulation and help reduce anxiety and stress.

A Popular Herb

Feverfew is one of the most popular natural herbal medicines in the treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew has been used to treat many ailments, including mild and transient migraine headaches, arthritis, colitis, fever, menstrual problems, muscle tension and pain. Feverfew helps reduce inflammation and muscle spasms and it helps stimulate your appetite. The dried leaves of the feverfew plant, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, are used in herbal preparations.

Considerations

Natural herbal medicines may help treat your migraine headaches, but you should always visit your doctor to discuss treatment options before taking herbs. Certain herbal remedies are not appropriate for everyone, and some herbs can even cause harm if taken inappropriately. If you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder, provide your doctor with this information before using herbal remedies. A qualified health care professional can help guide you in the use of herbal medicines for your migraine headaches.