newlifeoutlook
Treatments

3 Herbal Treatments for Migraine Relief

Apr 15, 2015
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Medical Information
  • Practical Solution
herbal leaves, ground herb powder and medicament pills on bamboo spoons, white wooden table

Migraine Herbal Treatments

I had my first migraine headache when I was nine years of age. The migraines were incapacitating at times. However, I rarely get migraines now.

Part of the reason for the decrease in migraine occurrence is that I use herbal treatments to prevent them from starting.

Herbs may also reduce the severity of migraine headaches. There are several herbs which may help you if you suffer from migraines. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones.

Butterbur (Petasites Hybridis)

Several research studies confirm the efficacy of this herb for relieving migraine headaches in children and adults.

Experts believe that butterbur works by dilating the veins in the brain and relaxing muscles. The herb also relieves other types of pain, anxiety, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which sometimes accompany migraine headaches.

The root is the part of the herb most commonly employed to treat headaches, however the whole plant may be used.

The herb’s ability to reduce frequency of migraines is recognized by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society. Experts at both organizations reached this conclusion after reviewing several research studies.

Much of the research was conducted on a commercial extract of butterbur. The health care experts determined that butterbur herbal extract was as effective as prescription medications commonly used by sufferers of migraine headaches

They found that 150 mg/day of butterbur extract offered benefits comparable to the following prescription medications: propranolol, metoprolol, flunarizine, valproic acid, topiramate and gabapentin.

You May Also Like:Benefits of Hypnotherapy Treatment for Migraines
Related Search Topics (Ads):
  • Migraine Symptoms & Treatment
  • Migraines Pain Medicines
  • Drugs For Migraine Relief
  • Help with Migraine

Additionally, the safety level of butterbur is higher than that of those medications, according to an American Botanical Council study. The researchers concluded that butterbur was a safe and effective preventative treatment for migraines. Participants in the study took 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily. It decreased the average frequency of migraine occurrence by 50%.

While butterbur contains compounds that can cause liver damage, researchers in the study used a butterbur extract called Petadolex (Linpharma Inc., Orlando, FL; manufactured in Germany by Weber & Weber of Inning, Germany). Petadolex has been safely used in Europe for over 25 years. It is manufactured using a process that removes the compounds which may harm the liver.

Another research project was conducted that evaluated the effectiveness of butterbur for children who had migraine headaches. After four months of taking butterbur, over 90% of the children improved. The frequency of migraines among children decreased by 50%.

If you choose to use butterbur, purchase a product labeled as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) free.

  • 1
  • 2
Next

Next page: feverfew and ginger. 

Patricia Bratianu
Patricia is a registered nurse with 40 years of experience. She has a PhD in natural health and is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. See all of Patricia's articles
More Articles by Patricia
Print This

We all have a voice,what's your story?

We learn from each other. Share your story to let others with know they’re not alone.

Share Your Story

MigraineNewsletter Sign-up

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community!

Subscribe Now

Join our private Facebook Group

to ask questions, get answers, and find support from fellow Warriors!

Join the Discussion
Print This
ConnectWithUs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook™ All rights reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook | Migraine