1. Have a Chew
People have been using the herb feverfew for many years. By chewing the leaves, people found relief from fevers, arthritis pain and menstrual cramps. Later, someone discovered feverfew's effects on migraine headaches. Feverfew for migraine treatment has been popular in Europe for over 25 years. Most studies prove that taken regularly, feverfew works very well in preventing migraines. People who experienced migraine attacks after taking feverfew daily for four to six weeks reported the number and/or intensity of migraines dropped. For people in the throes of migraine pain, feverfew has no effect, though; it's only a preventive agent. Most commonly dispensed in a capsule, a common dosage is 200 to 250 milligrams daily. If you prefer herbal tea, try one teaspoon of dried feverfew in a cup of boiling water. Drink after steeping for 5 to 10 minutes and straining. People who take anti-inflammatory pain relievers (Motrin) or blood thinning medications (Coumadin) should not take feverfew without first talking with a medical or holistic health practitioner.
2. Ease Nausea and Migraine
One herb that's getting more migraine attention lately is ginger. Long used for nausea and motion sickness, some people report relief from migraine headaches with ginger powder or ginger tea. One study reported on a middle-aged female who had migraine pain in the front of her head took 500 to 600 milligrams. of ginger mixed with water and felt better after 30 minutes. Continued use of ginger worked similar to feverfew, with migraines occurring less often and less intensely. At this time, ginger as a migraine remedy needs more study. Regardless of its effect on headache pain, using it should help the nausea that often accompanies migraines.
3. Brain Candy
Odd looking trees that live up to a thousand years just may be an elixir for the brain. Ginkgo biloba takes root in the southeastern United States, France and parts of Asia. Medicinally, gingko increases circulation to allow more blood to reach the brain. Improved blood flow leads to better memory and perhaps, fewer vascular headaches. Studies in France show some success in preventing migraines with daily doses of 120 to 240 milligrams of gingko biloba. Like other herbs, ginkgo can take 4 to 6 weeks to start working, with optimum results at six months. Some people reported mild headaches only in the first week of use. Take ginkgo biloba as an extract, in capsule form or as tea.
4. Smell Relief
Aromatherapy uses the oils of herbs as an holistic treatment that may be effective against migraine headaches. Lavender's reputation for calming is well-known, but its antispasmodic properties may help migraine pain when rubbed into temples. Other herbal aromatherapy oils that may promise relief are rosemary and peppermint. Try a couple of drops in a bath or a diffuser. If that's not possible, put a couple of drops on a tissue and inhale. Check with holistic practitioners for recommendations for aromatherapy massage. There's no reason you can't enjoy your remedy.
5. Handle With Care
Herbal remedies can be very effective for people experiencing migraine headaches, particularly people who have had no success with traditional remedies. However, it's important to remember that herbs are medicine, just like the prescription you pick up at the drug store. Whether grown or manufactured, medicines sometimes have side effects. Consulting with an herbalist is a good idea. In addition, an herbal health practitioner can point you to a reliable brand of herb to use with migraines. Herbs receive very little regulation, so the effectiveness varies among manufacturers.
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