[toc]You have experienced the debilitating pain of migraine. Migraine results in tremendous pain commonly on one side of the head, and it lasts for more than 2 hours and can last upto 72 hours at a stretch. The pain is generally recurrent, and can be moderate to severe in intensity. It may be accompanied with a feeling of nausea and vomiting. You may also be experiencing an increased sensitivity to light and sound.
The pain sometimes aggravates with activity.Several factors can lead to migraines, however the exact reasons have not yet been pinpointed. Moreover, the treatment for migraine is generally symptomatic. You will be prescribed analgesics for the pain and antiemetics for nausea. However, this line of treatment does not address the root of the problem. On the other hand a herbal approach may be able to address the root cause. Let us explore some of the herbal remedies for migraine.
Herbal Remedies For Migraine
Feverfew
This herb can be utilized to prevent migraine attacks, however, once the headache has begun the herb is not able to stop it. So once you have had an attack you can use this herb to prevent further attacks. Feverfew contains an active ingredient named parthenolide which has the property of inhibiting brain chemicals that cause dilation of cranial blood vessels. Dilation of blood vessels leads to a herd of pain sensation rushing to the area. Feverfew can stop this. It is available in both powder and capsule form.
Butterbur
This is another herb that has a preventive action on migraines. However, the role of butterbur is not confined to preventing attacks only. It has been found that this herb is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory in nature. So once an attack takes place you can bring down the severity of pain with this herb. The herb is available in both capsule, tincture and powder form.
Caynne Pepper
This hot spice is excellent in stimulating the stream of blood to flow through the veins and capillaries. It also has an analgesic nature. It desensitizes the nerve endings and that results in blunting the pain messages to the brain. It depletes the supply of a chemical in the nerves that is responsible for communication of pain symptoms. So take a regular portion of caynne pepper so that the throbbing pain is blunted and the symptoms are alleviated.
Chamomile
This herb is very useful in relieving tension and the excited state of the nervous system. It has been used to this effect for centuries. It is also anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic in nature. So the sedative nature of chamomile along with its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic nature can be quite a match for migraine. Take chamomile tea every day to bring down the symptoms of migraine.
Peppermint Oil
This herb has been used for centuries to treat headaches, nausea and nerve pain. It has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Moreover, it has a calming and soothing effect. Regular application of peppermint oil on the temple and forehead region of your head can ease migraine to a considerable extent.
