Vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol, is fat-soluble substance found naturally in foods such as eggs, fruits, wheat germ oil, cereal and poultry. It is also sold in health food stores and supermarkets as supplement or multivitamin products. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the use of vitamin E can prevent or significantly reduce the severity of headaches, especially menstrual migraines. A study published in the "International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research" in January 2009 reported the effectiveness of vitamin E in treating headaches.
Step 1
Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables that include foods with high vitamin E content. Seeds, vegetable oils and nuts are goof sources of natural vitamin E. The recommended dietary allowances, or RDA, for vitamin E is around 15 mg for adults and 7 mg for children ages 4 to 8.
Step 2
Mix wheatgerm oil and essential oil for a deep scalp massage. Many natural oils, such as wheat germ oils, are natural forms of vitamin E. These oils can be used in many ways to help reduce headaches. Deep scalp massage can be performed by a professional massage therapist or at home by family, friend or yourself.
Step 3
Make a warm compress with a cotton face cloth soaked in wheat germ oil and chamomile tea. Place on the forehead or on the area where the headache is located. Relax in dim, quiet surroundings. The wheat germ oil can also be used in a facial steam bath together with a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender. Inhaling the vapors through the nasal passages will relax the muscles of the face and scalp and help to release the tension in the head and neck areas.
Step 4
Add vitamin E drops to a glass of fresh fruit juice, or take vitamin E supplements with healthy beverages. Vitamin E can help prevent migraine headaches in women and build strong immune function, since it is a known antioxidant. A study published in "American Headache Society" in April 2006 concluded that the use of vitamin E together with pine bark extract helped to significantly reduce frequency and severity of headaches in the tested subjects.
References
- Pubmed.gov; The effect of vitamin E on the treatment of menstrual migraine; Medical Science Monitor; Ziaei S et al; Jan 2009
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin E; US National Library of Medicine, NIH; December 2010
- American Headache Society; Use of a Pine Bark Extract and Antioxidant Vitamin Combination Product as Therapy for Migraine in Patients Refractory to Pharmacologic Medication; Sirichai Chayasirisobhon MD; April 2006
- Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin E; NIH; December 2009
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