Please note that this is an article. It is an opinion, which I hope may be found useful. It is not a substitute for a visit to your chosen healthcare practitioner. The causes of migraine, if they are known is the place to start when looking at ways to get rid thereof, or to prevent it in the first place. Some migraines, however, seem to defy determining a "cause" and just exist.
Migraines, specifically, seem to fall into this latter category a large part of the time. Migraines often fall into one of two classifications: those that seem to be caused by 'extra blood' going to the head/brain area and those that seem to be caused by 'too little blood' going to that region. The interesting part of this is that some treatments for migraines (and headaches in general) work by increasing the flow of blood to the brain, while others generally work by decreasing the flow of blood to that area. So if you know that your headaches are caused or respond best to one method of treatment, by all means focus there; if that doesn't work, however, you may want to try the other focus. So often, trial-and-error is the 'best' approach for dealing with this complaint.
Some generally accepted 'helpful factors' that hopefully will prevent, or at the very least reduce the frequency of migraines, are the B vitamins, Magnesium, and Calcium. The B vitamins should be taken in a B-100 (B-Complex) formula in addition to any regular multi-vitamins you might take. This type of formula provides 100 mg. of all the B vitamins, and should be taken twice a day.
Magnesium and Calcium can be taken separately - again in addition to any multi-vitamins being taken - but for a first attempt, try a combination Magnesium, Calcium, & Zinc supplement. This particular combination is good because the individual components work together and aid each other to be better absorbed by the body. The recommendation of dosage that is suggested to specifically treat and prevent migraines and other headaches is: magnesium 500-700 mg. daily; calcium 1000-1500 mg. daily.
In the way of herbs and 'natural remedies' for dealing with migraines and headaches, there are a couple of herbs that are useful. Some you can take regularly to help prevent the headaches, while most are suggested for treatment as/when one starts.
A product called Fenu-Thyme which is a combination of Fenugreek & Thyme in one capsule. This is one that seems to work well as a preventative measure. (And which might be noted is also good for several other things that our bodies need as well.) Dosage can be as much as two capsules three times a day. Try starting with two capsules once a day, for prevention therapy.
At the onset of a headache, a little higher dosage could be taken for a brief period of time. You may like to keep these herbs in dried form, and use them (sometimes in combination with other herbs) to brew a tea for drinking at the onset of, and during, a bout with a migraine or headache; liquids and tea, of course, being more quickly absorbed into the system.
An added note here: sublinguals are especially good for quick absorption. They are placed either in liquid form or special tablet form under the tongue and held there. Special sublingual tablets are allowed to dissolve there; liquids are held for 30-60 seconds under the tongue, and then swallowed. The benefit from using sublinguals under the tongue is that they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and as such, are very quickly processed into use in our systems.
Unfortunately, readily-available sublinguals are hard to come by; especially in the herbs needed to treat migraines and other headaches. The "regular" herb liquids available from most health food stores, while not being sublingual can sort of "impersonate" them. Try using Gingko Bilboa in this form by putting the desired number of drops in a minute amount of pure water, and holding the solution under the tongue for several seconds before swallowing. It does seem to be speeding up the time to absorption at least a little bit. So experiment with this as you see fit.
Feverfew is another herb that is highly recommended for treating migraines and headaches. Again, tea form is strongly urged along with capsules.
Also, it has been suggested that you might try adding 1 drop of liquid Rosemary in ½ glass of water to drink. One has no idea of how often they suggest you drink this; so use your own judgment.
Another suggestion is Ginger, best used in powdered or capsule form. The suggested dosage was as follows: 500-600 mg. (generally what you'll find in 1 capsule) at the onset of the "aura" which often precedes a migraine, or at the first indication of a headache; 2 capsules every 4 hours thereafter for the next 4-5 days (apparently even after the migraine has gone away); then use daily (1-2 capsules) to prevent or greatly reduce the occurrence of migraines.
Many herbs can be used frequently and for long periods of time, but some are not recommended for extended periods of time, so do be aware of this. Do your own research, and listen to your body. As in all things, please act wisely!
Heat and Cold are two options often suggested for treating a migraine and/or headache. Here's where we come into the "flow of blood" discussion. Placing Hot Packs on your temples and/or the base of your skull will cause the vessels to expand and increase the flow of blood to the brain. On the other hand, placing Ice Packs in those same spots will cause the vessels to constrict and reduce the blood flow. So, again, experiment to see which works and feels better. (Note: if when you bend over, the intensity of pain increases, then it is suggested that you'd want to use ice and constrict the flow of blood.)
You also need to be aware of other aspects and areas of your body when you're working with this one. High blood pressure and High Cholesterol (or hardening of the arteries) are both directly related to blood flow, and can be affected by this treatment. So do be cautious, if you have either of these, or similar, conditions.
One source also suggests an "old-time remedy" for migraines and other headaches is to hold a cool compress of Apple Cider Vinegar on the forehead.
Acupressure is another method for treating problems naturally:
"Deeply press the Ho Ku point on the bone at the edge of the web between index finger and thumb. Then, with 2 thumbs, deeply press the point at the top of the neck in line with ears, just on either side of the centre of the skull."
Reflexology is often beneficial for easing and getting rid of certain kinds of headaches. That's hard to describe here, but you may wish to follow this up from other sources.
Aromatherapy is another 'natural method' of treating many ills. This uses Essential Oils (EOs) and their aromas to work naturally with the body to supplement and trigger the body's own coping mechanisms. EOs are made from many flowers and plants by a certain process, and are readily available in most, if not all, health food stores and metaphysical stores. There are many ways to use EOs; inhaling the vapours direct from the bottle, using during a massage, using in the bath water, and using in a 'burner' with water are just a few.
EOs are never used directly on the skin. When using during massage, or in any way that they touch the skin, they must be diluted with a 'carrier oil.' In a bath, just a very few drops would be used; and in a 'burner' only a couple of drops are added to the water. EOs are very concentrated, and will burn, etc. if used full strength. A recommended dilution in a 'carrier oil' is 1-2 drops of EO per 5 ml of oil (1 oz. = approx. 30 ml). [Carrier oils are sold in health food stores as well; there are several different ones that are good: almond oil is one that comes to mind.]
One thing to keep in mind with EOs is that there are many "impostors" out there. Some companies are selling oils for Aromatherapy that are not "pure EOs." Some are already diluted in a carrier oil, while others have been obtained from the flowers and plants with methods of distillation that are not ideal. So do a little research, and be alert to what you're buying. Price is one really good clue to whether or not you're getting a true EO! (My personal note: I can assure you that any oils I sell are up to scratch, but if you specifically need top of the range oils, please email me and say that they are for migraine and I will quote you for the Russian oils which I carry. These are some of the best available - Natalya)
EOs recommended for treating migraines and headaches include:
Rosemary EO rubbed on the temples. (Again dilute with a carrier oil first!)
Lavender EO: use in a burner in close proximity to where you are, inhale by adding to hot water and covering head with towel to facilitate breathing vapours, and/or add to warm bath water.
A good mix of EOs for this: 1 drop each of Marjoram, Lavender, and Peppermint.
If you have a vaporizer, you could add the EOs to the water in there with good results.
A disclaimer: I must add here that I am not a doctor and I cannot prescribe or recommend treatment of any kind. Use wisdom and caution when using any form of alternative medicine or treatment for any ailment. If you feel comfortable doing so, or feel it best, then consult with your chosen healthcare practitioner. Alternative medicines and treatments are never to replace traditional or mainstream treatments; they are meant to be used as a complementary, holistic treatment (that is, for the whole self). Further, I do not claim the credit for writing this article, it is adapted from an article I came across whilst researching other topics. I wish I had kept the source, so if you are the original author, please let me know so that I may offer true and proper credit. Natalya Harrold, 23 June 2006.
migraine - an article
supplements
herbs
alternative therapy
Migraines can be experienced from as little as once or twice a year, or as often as two or three times a week. The pain is severe, throbbing and usually on one side of the head. A migraine attack can last from four hours to three days.
Migraine symptoms are different
A migraine headache has different symptoms to other types of headache. Some of the symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Affected vision, such as an aura
Sensitivity to smell and touch.
A combination of triggers
No one really knows what causes migraine. There is some evidence that migraine is an inherited condition. The medical community believes migraine attacks are almost certainly triggered by a combination of factors, such as:
Diet - cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, alcohol (especially red wine).
Sleep - too little or too much.
Menstrual cycle - migraine occurs two to three times more frequently in women than men.
Physiochemical - excessive heat, light, noise or certain chemicals.
Emotional - stress, excitement and fatigue.
Migraines vary greatly from person to person and so does the treatment. There are four treatment options available to migraine sufferers:
Avoid the trigger factors - this can be difficult, since migraines are often triggered by a combination of factors. Drug treatment - including pain killers and drugs to alter pressure on blood vessels.
Preventative treatment - medication taken on a daily basis to reduce the number of attacks.
Non-drug therapies - including acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, goggles, hypnotherapy, exclusion diets, relaxation, yoga, meditation, herbal or homeopathic remedies.
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