A migraine headache can cause excruciating pain and incapacitate you for hours as you lie in the dark for hours waiting for it to pass. A migraine may be preceded by an aura of flashing light or a blind spot, or may come on with no warning. The cause is unknown, but genetics and environment appear to play a part. They are recurrent, and there is no cure. There are some prescription medications used for migraines, but talk to your doctor about herbal teas that may also provide some benefit.
Feverfew
Feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium, is mainly known as an herb for reducing fevers. It is a member of the daisy family of plants, and its blooms do resemble a petite white daisy. The flower and aerial parts are harvested for use in making herbal teas. Feverfew has become known as a proven remedy for migraine headaches. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" states that feverfew contains compounds that decrease production of serotonin, which reduces blood vessel constriction and release of chemicals responsible for creating pain signals. When taken over time, a tea made from feverfew can decrease the severity and frequency of migraines.
Willow Bark
The willow is a tree that grows in many parts of North America, Asia and Europe whose inner bark can be used to make an herbal tea. Willow bark contains salicin, a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory compound similar to salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Although the effects of salicin in willow bark are not felt as quickly as those of aspirin, they do last longer because salicin maintains higher blood levels for an extended time. An added benefit is that willow bark does not have as much of an effect on blood platelets as aspirin does and is not as irritating to the stomach.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular herbs worldwide, used both in the kitchen and as an herbal remedy. Its tangled underground stem, called a rhizome, is harvested as a well-known treatment for stomach upset and other ailments. "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" states that an herbal tea made from ginger can be used to treat the nausea and vomiting that often accompany a migraine headache. You should not use ginger if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or barbiturates, or have gall bladder problems.
Linden Flower
Linden flower, or Tilia cordata, is also known as tilden flower and lime tree flower, although it isn't related to the lime. Its flowers have a pleasant, tangy flavor and are collected for use in making an herbal tea. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" says linden flowers contain the substance farnesol, which acts as a muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic. Linden flower can be used for migraine headaches associated with high blood pressure since it works to relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Linden flower is often used in combination with other herbs, such as willow bark, for migraines.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Migraine; June 2009
- University of Michigan Health System: Willow
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke; 2002
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Linden
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