It is estimated that 25 million Americans suffer from migraines on a regular basis or as much as 12 percent of the population. A classic migraine is a severe and throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head and often preceded by visual disturbances. Nausea and vomiting often accompany a migraine.
Life can get busy and stressful, and the “common” headache is sometimes overlooked or masked with a painkiller like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (which, especially when overused, can sometimes cause more serious health issues). A headache is a good indicator that your body is missing something – maybe you need to take a breather, drink some water or change the way you eat. You may have a vitamin or nutrient deficiency or a food sensitivity that is causing this built-up tension.
Headaches can be triggered by stress, fatigue, allergies, eyestrain, poor posture, alcohol or drugs, low blood sugar, hormones, constipation and nutritional deficiencies. Your body is telling you that something needs to change, so begin to heed those signals. You may be wondering; how do you make a headache go away?
Women suffer from this condition nearly 3 times more than men. Approximately one third of women who get migraines have them just prior to or during menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and progestin are thought to trigger these migraines.
In Dr. Christopher’s School of Natural Healing book, the cause of headaches is stated as the result of a disturbance in some other part of the body, such as digestive disorders in the stomach, liver or bowel; problems in the abdominal area; menstrual irregularities, impingements in the cervix; concussion, eye strain, nervousness, excitement, fatigue, etc. The headache is a mechanism which signals some serious problem elsewhere. The common headache is due to faulty elimination, and the waste matter causes problems until the toxic wastes reach the stomach nerves and affect them. Sometimes headaches are caused from panic, fear, or worrying about the unknown.
It’s all well and good to know what may cause your migraine, but what if you are looking for relief naturally without the use of drugs or other pharmaceuticals which may bring about side effects or other altering conditions? Below are some herbal treatments which have been used successfully in many cases.
Herbal treatments for Migraines
Feverfew (Tenacetum parthenium) is a well-studied herb for the treatment of migraines and has been used successfully. 1 to 4 fresh leaves can be eaten daily for prevention. Some people have noticed the fresh leaves cause mouth sores. A tea can be made of the fresh leaves to avoid getting mouth sores and capsules can also be used. Feverfew seems to work best when taken consistently over time. You may also buy Feverfew in tincture or capsule form.
Cayenne: This increases circulation to all parts of the body. Capsaicin in the juice of fresh peppers was applied to the nose of a group suffering from cluster headaches. This treatment significantly reduced the number of headaches and some were completely cured. Taking cayenne internally has also proven helpful for migraines which would be more preferable than using the fresh juice in the nostril. Crooked House Herbals has a wonderful sinus spray and snuff that contains Cayenne pepper and other healing and soothing herbs you may find beneficial. You may also obtain Cayenne Pepper Tincture from Crooked House Herbals.
Ginger: one study compared the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine headaches to Imitrex a top selling drug. It turned out that only one-eighth of a teaspoon of powdered ginger worked just as well and just as fast as the drug when given at the onset of the migraine. Using ginger daily also helped prevent migraines or decrease their frequency and intensity.
Nervine herbs: Stress is one of the triggers of a migraine. It is suggested by noted herbalists to use a strong nervine tea such as valerian or skullcap with lobelia tincture added. You may purchase Skullcap tincture from Crooked House Herbals.
Science is claiming that some migraines could be due to low serotonin levels. Using herbs such as valerian root, skullcap, rosemary, gotu kola, gingko biloba, lobelia, dandelion root, mullein and st. john’s wort is helpful as well as exercise, fresh air and sunshine to naturally increase serotonin levels. These herbs are all helpful with balancing serotonin levels and may provide great relief.
Crooked House Herbals has a tonic called Active Immune Tonic which contains several of these very potent herbs including Ginger, Cayenne Pepper and Garlic. Taking a dose of this daily to boost your immune system and provide blood flow and needed circulation to your body could be a great benefit.
You may also be able to get relief through chiropractic care from a NUCCA chiropractor. It may take a few treatments to feel the relief of the adjustments but is worth it.
Not all people who suffer from migraines will respond to one treatment because the cause can be from many sources as explained above. The important thing is to find out what triggers a migraine and work to prevent them and to help relieve the symptoms. They can be very debilitating.
As always, we support you in your desire to be well naturally by listening to your body, providing it with the tools it needs to heal itself. Because we believe, Nature Heals you Best!
Many Blessings!