What Natural Remedies Can You Take for Migraine Headaches? Part 1
A natural remedy for migraine headaches might be anything from herbs to supplements, acupuncture to aromatherapy.
Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine
If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you might try something from one or more of these categories.
Seven Nutrients
These nutrients are listed alphabetically to avoid indicating a preference.
1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a compound the body produces from tryptophan, an amino acid. The body uses it to make serotonin. Since supplements that affect serotonin levels are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been put forward as an effective natural remedy for migraine treatment.
2. Butterbur
An extract of butterbur root has been found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine in children and adolescents. A clinical trial of this herb was reported in an early 2005 issue of the journal "Headache". Butterbur appears to relieve pain and spasms.
3. Fatty Acids
Research done in the U.S. suggests that fish oil combined with magnesium taurate may be a great natural remedy for migraine. Both reduce blood vessel spasms, which appear to be the main cause of migraines.
4. Feverfew
This herb has long been considered a natural remedy for migraine and other headaches. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets' release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances.
5. Magnesium
This mineral is one of the most promising natural remedies for migraine headaches. Contained in fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables, magnesium is needed for healthy muscle, nerve and blood vessel tone. As a natural remedy for migraine, it is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms.
6. Petasite (Petasites hybridus)
It was in Germany that Petasite was found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine. German researchers showed that people taking Petasite had fewer migraine attacks, and their attacks were shorter. They also had less pain than those taking a placebo.
7. Vitamin B2
Belgian researchers in a 1998 double-blind study learned that vitamin B2 (riboflavin) gave more effective migraine relief than a placebo. This natural remedy reduced both the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
Manual Therapy
Since no one treatment will work for everyone, you may want a natural remedy for migraine that involves manual therapy. Two possibilities are acupuncture and shiatsu.
1. Acupuncture
The Chinese art of acupuncture triggers relief by inserting delicate needles at specific points in the neck and head. Many people, including German researchers, have found it an effective natural remedy for migraine. Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines in Germany.
The researchers gave almost 900 patients one of three treatments: standard migraine drugs, traditional Chinese acupuncture, or "fake" acupuncture. Those who received "fake" acupuncture treatments had needles inserted in areas of the skin not used in traditional practice. In each group, virtually the same percentage of people cut in half the number of days affected by migraine each year.
2. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure rather than acupuncture. As a natural remedy for migraine, shiatsu massage helps relieve tension and reduce stress. Whereas migraine tends to block blood flow or cause "overflow" to the lower head, shiatsu massage releases the blood flow and energy, restoring natural flow.
You can learn to do shiatsu for your own migraines, and get almost instant relief. Or have a family member give you shiatsu. The technique is simple, and regular massages are both preventative and remedial.
In a future article, we will consider the value of additional natural remedies for migraine headaches. If you are pregnant, be sure you ask your health care professional before using this advice. All migraine sufferers should seek professional counsel on using a natural remedy for migraine.
Related Tags: migraine, migraine headache, acupuncture for migraines, natural remedy for migraines
© 2007, Anna Hart. Member of a "migraine family" and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about the treatment of migraine headaches at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com. You won't want to miss Anna's additional insights and perspectives on the use of acupuncture, a natural remedy for migraine.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- 4 Tips To Lessen Pain Of Headaches
If you always suffer from headaches for being cooped up in the office all day, you are not alone. Su - Pain - Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment for Severe Pain
Is this you? Experiencing severe pain all over your body. You feel exhausted all of the time. You ha - Pain - Plantar Fasciitis Pain Therapy To Relieve Your pain
If you experience foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis, you are most likely in search of successful - Do You Suffer From Irritable Bowel Syndrome Migraine Pain?
There have been a number of studies carried out about the impact of IBS symptoms, including irritabl - Prednisone and Massage
One of the most often presented conditions that massage therapists encounter is chronic pain, making - Headaches - Distressing If Not Serious
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Headache - Such A Common Complaint
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Headaches - Prevention Worth Considering
Headaches can be very distressing. They are a common symptom and many headaches are self-limiting an - Sinus Headache Relief In The Shape Of A Bed!
The sinus headache is unique in it's location. It primarily affects the face, but can also affect th - Pain - Shoulder Pain Causes, Tests, And Treatments
Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are common, and are caused by problems with the shou
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Is My Tension Headache Serious? How Do I Know?
Muscles in the back of the head and scalp tighten which decreases blood flow into the head and leads - Fibromyalgia Pain Management
Because of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and fibromyalgia (a painful autoimmune disease), I was ba - Can Migraine Headaches Be Caused By Driving?
Nowadays we all have to drive more than ever and if our car seats aren't set up properly it can lead - Migraines Headaches - What Are They And How Are They Caused?
A migraine is a recurring vascular headache - they happen again and again. It is much more than a ba - Neck Pain - Lower Back Pain: Should Treatments Be Focused Only To The Area That Hurts?
If a person has neck pain or lower back pain and treatments are directed only to the area involved, - Ease Your Back With Natural Pain Relief
It is a well known fact that many of us suffer with back ache in various degrees from simple aches t - How to Overcome Joint Pain with 3 Exercise Tips
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, then you must be eager to seek about joint pain c - Beating Fibromyalgia
As a sufferer of Fibromyalgia I believe that trying to beat Fibromyalgia is a healthy attitude to ad - Frequent Headache Symptoms Might Require Attention
Almost everyone suffers from a headache from time to time. But for those who deal with frequent head - Trigger Point Therapy
Many of the people that come to Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers are seeking someone to help them