A migraine, a common type of headache, often involves a throbbing pain on one side of your head. Migraine headaches may cause other symptoms besides pain, according to PubMed Health, including nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to noise and light. Some people experience a group of unusual symptoms, including vision disturbances, before a migraine. This is known as an aura. Not everybody who experiences a migraine headache experiences an aura, however. Discuss herb-related issues with your doctor before using these substances to treat your migraine without aura.
Migraines Without Aura
There are two principle types of migraine, says the National Health Service of the United Kingdom -- classical and common. Classical migraine occurs with warning signs, or aura, and approximately 33 percent of people who experience migraines experience this variety. Common migraine is migraine without an aura. The severity and frequency of migraine headaches vary among individuals. Some people may develop migraine headaches several times per week, while other people experience migraines several times a year or less.
Appropriate Herbal Treatments
There are several herbs that have traditionally been used in treating common migraine headaches. In his book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. says that two of the most frequently prescribed herbal remedies for this condition are ginger and feverfew, as these herbs may help decrease the frequency and severity of your migraines. Other herbs that may help treat your common migraines include ginkgo, chamomile, white willow bark, valerian and rosemary. Not all herbs used in treating common migraines have been scientifically studied.
A Powerful Botanical
Rosemary may be a powerful botanical remedy for the treatment of common migraines. Rosemary, says Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," has long been used to help treat headaches, decreased cerebral or brain blood flow and both high and low blood pressure. The leaves of the rosemary plant or bush, when used medicinally, may also be helpful in treating various circulatory disorders and poor digestion.
Disclaimer
Migraine is associated with several serious mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Migraine headaches are also associated with a slightly increased risk of ischemic stroke. If you suffer from migraine headaches, schedule an appointment with your family doctor to be properly diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor about using herbal remedies as an adjunct therapy to other, more conventional types of treatment for this potentially debilitating condition.
References
- PubMed Health: Migraine
- National Health Service: Migraine
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., N.D.; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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