Managing migraine

Sufferers may be forced to take to their bed in a darkened room. Many migraine patients have found herbal remedies useful (and scientific evidence now backs this up).There are two stages to a migraine headache. First, the cerebral blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the brain. This is probably caused by unusual levels of certain hormones resulting from an abnormal or exaggerated response to stress, some foodstuffs or other factors. During this stage, some sufferers become aware of visual disturbance, or they have difficulty concentrating, which warn them that a migraine is approaching. This is called the 'aura'. At the end of this stage, the blood vessels dilate, then over-react and become much wider than normal. This causes the pain and other symptoms of a full-blown migraine.Recognising the triggers    The best way of treating migraines is to make sure that you never get them in the first place. It's therefore worth trying to identify the triggers in your own case. A reaction to foods containing substances called amines is known to play a role for many migraine sufferers. The most common trigger is chocolate, but other sources of amines include red wine, cheese, yoghurt, some nuts, and cured meats. You may react to some and not others, or have no reaction unless they are eaten in certain combinations. It may be worth giving an exclusion diet a try, but this is best done under the supervision of a professional nutritionist or medical herbalist.Herbal helpThe herb feverfew has been used for headaches since at least the 17th century when Nicolas Culpeper wrote, 'It is very effectual for all pains in the head.' It had fallen into some disuse, except among professional herbalists, but has recently come back into favour - with at least two double blind clinical trials proving its effectiveness for migraines. Feverfew has been found to reduce both the frequency and the severity of migraines even when taken on its own, although most herbalists usually combine it with other herbs to improve overall effects. Sufferers should take the equivalent of 125mg of dried herb daily for at least three months.Tonics for the liver and digestive tract are central to the herbal treatment of migraines. Bitter herbs such as centaury will stimulate the digestion so that less of the offending substances reach the bloodstream. Liver herbs like dandelion root or vervain will promote the work of the liver in removing toxins.Stress is important in most cases of migraine. For these people, the calming herbs such as skullcap, wood betony, and perhaps kava kava will help to ease the tension that is promoting migraines. These should be taken throughout the week, like the feverfew, not just at the time of the headache.Other herbs are useful taken during or at the start of a migraine to reduce the pain and return the bloodvessels to a normal size. Those people who are aware of an aura before the migraine may be able to stop it coming on by using a blend of cramp bark (to quickly release blood vessel constriction), valerian (a muscle relaxant and painkiller) and feverfew. These may be taken as tablets, tinctures or teas, always following the label's instructions on dosage. Lavender essential oil should be massaged into the temples at the first sign of an attack.Once the full-blown migraine begins, valerian on its own may still be helpful, as may feverfew. Jamaican dogwood is a more powerful analgesic, specifically used for pains in the head, but as it can be toxic in large doses, it should only be used under the guidance of a professional herbalist. Peppermint essential oil or tiger balm massaged into the temples at this stage will ease the pain.The different triggers of migraines seem to work together, so it is rare to come across someone with a single cause. Therefore you will need to take a holistic approach to treatment, and people with severe symptoms would be advised to seek a consultation with a professional herbalist. ***Publishing Guidelines***Permission is granted to publish this article electronically in free-only publications, like websites or ezine (print requires individual permission) as long as the resource box is included without any modifications. All links must be active. A courtesy copy is requested on publication (email: thinknatural@ikroh.com).Article Title:Managing migraine Article URL: http://www.thinknatural.com/articles.php?id=10484Author Name:Think NaturalContact email address: thinknatural@ikroh.com