Headaches are a common and potentially debilitating problem experienced by many people. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that there are four main types of headache: vascular, tension, traction and inflammatory. Migraine headaches are often considered vascular headaches, although the cause of migraine headaches is disputed by researchers. Herbal therapies for headaches are used to treat acute headache symptoms or decrease the frequency and severity of headaches over time. Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements for a medical condition.
Headache Information
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a headache is pain or discomfort in your head, neck or scalp. Most cases of headache, although painful in the moment, are not serious or caused by a life-threatening health problem. The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which is caused by tight muscles in your shoulders, neck and jaw region. Tension headaches are usually associated with stress, anxiety or depression. Adopting positive lifestyle changes and using relaxation techniques are often helpful for headache sufferers.
Herbal Therapies
Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that headaches can be difficult to cure. However, Balch recommends certain herbal therapies that may effectively treat this condition. These include brigham, burdock root, fenugreek, feverfew, lavender, lobelia, skullcap and thyme. Kava kava has been used for tension headaches, while guarana helps relieve cluster headaches. Other helpful herbal therapies include cayenne, chamomile, ginger, peppermint oil, ginkgo, meadowsweet, periwinkle flower, valerian root and rosemary.
A Powerful Herb
Skullcap is a powerful herbal therapy for headaches. According to Balch, skullcap possesses antispasmodic action and has a sedative effect. Skullcap is particularly helpful for headaches associated with muscular tension and spasms. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that skullcap has also been used to help treat nervous exhaustion, nervous breakdown, depression, insomnia and withdrawal from alcohol and other substances. Skullcap is a plant that is indigenous to North America.
Considerations
Although most headaches self-resolve over time and are not caused by life-threatening health problems, if you experience extreme pain or have consistently recurring headaches of severe intensity, visit your health care provider for an examination. Your physician can describe various treatment options for your condition. Ask your health care provider what herbal therapies may or may not be able to do for your headaches. Also ask about the risks and side effects associated with herbal remedies before using herbs.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Headache?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Headache - Overview
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
