A migraine is a severe, pounding headache that usually affects one area of the head and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Although the exact cause of migraines is unclear, they may be caused by a number of factors or "triggers," including caffeine, alcohol, bright lights and hormonal fluctuations. If you experience migraines, you may find that resting in a dark room and taking over-the-counter painkillers relieves your symptoms. Some herbs may help prevent or treat migraine. However evidence to prove that they are effective is limited. Consult your doctor before using any new migraine treatments.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the herbs butterbur and feverfew may help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Feverfew contains a chemical called parthenolide, which may help to reduce factors within the body that may contribute to migraines, while butterbur contains substances that may help to relieve spasms. UMMC suggests taking 50mg to 75mg of a standardized extract of butterbur twice daily, or you may prefer to take 50mg to 80mg of feverfew daily. Check with your doctor that these doses are OK for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a study published in the December 2004 issue of "Neurology" found that over four months of treatment, butterbur reduced the frequency of migraine attack by 48 percent, compared to a 26 percent reduction in the placebo group. In contrast, an analysis of data from five clinical trials involving feverfew, published in the 2004 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concluded that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that feverfew is more effective than placebo in preventing migraine. However, the authors acknowledge that feverfew is not associated with any major safety problems.
Side Effects
Using feverfew for up to four months is likely safe for most people, according to Medline Plus. However, it may cause side effects including flatulence, nausea, stomach upset and bloating. You may also find that you gain weight and have trouble sleeping while taking this herb. Short-term butterbur use is also likely safe, RxList says, although it may cause diarrhea, a stomach upset and itching. Ensure that you choose a butterbur supplement that states that all pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been removed. These chemicals may damage the liver and lungs, and may even cause cancer.
Considerations
Feverfew and butterbur may not be appropriate migraine treatments for you. Do not use either herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid both herbs if you are allergic to related plants, including marigolds and daisies. Feverfew may add to the effects of anti-coagulants, while both herbs may interact with drugs that are modified by the liver, such as rifabutin and carbamazepine.
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