Are there herbal remedies that can help migraines?

A number of supplements and herbal remedies are known to be used in treating migraines. They include:

• Riboflavin: Vitamin B-2, or Riboflavin, helps to strengthen and to heal brain cells. Riboflavin can be taken as a supplement or you can eat foods that are high in vitamin B.
• Coenzyme Q10 supplements: Coenzyme Q10 is produced by the body to help muscles and tissues function. Scientific studies differ on how effective this is in preventing migraines. Since migraine is a highly personal condition, some people respond well to this treatment, while others do not.
• Feverfew: Feverfew, an herbal supplement, has found to be successful in preventing migraines and in short-term treatment of migraines. This is an anti-inflammatory, somewhat like ibuprofen. It may be a good treatment to try. Like all medicines, however, taking too much of this can cause side effects.
• Butterbur: Butterbur is an herbal supplement that appears to be quite effective. However, it is possible this herb contains cancer-causing compounds, so pregnant women and people with a high risk of cancer may want to avoid this. Scientists are attempting to isolate the good parts of the plant and to eliminate the bad parts in order to create a better migraine treatment.

There are some nutrients and herbs that may provide some support against migraine headaches. Firstly, the mineral magnesium, which most people don't get enough of, helps relax blood vessels that may become constricted reducing blood flow to the brain in individuals with migraine headaches. Secondly, CoQ10 helps provide every cell in the body, including brain cells, with the support it needs for proper energy production.

Some studies show a high dose of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) can be of benefit for migraine headaches. One European study involving 55 migraine patients showed high dose riboflavin (400 mg per day) was effective in reducing migraines by at least 50 present in the majority of patients. There are two botanical extract that may also provide some relief, but be sure to look for a standardized European extract, the highest quality herbs available. The two herbs are Feverfew and Petasites (Butterbur). One study published in the respected Journal Neurology showed that over 4 months of treatment, in the per-protocol analysis, migraine attack frequency was reduced by 48% for Petasites extract at 75 mg taken twice daily.

So there are some options for migraine headaches, but they should be discussed with your physician so he or she can work with you if you are currently taking prescription drugs.

There are a few natural remedies that have proven to be extremely effective for both preventing and treating headaches and migraines. These include:

• Magnesium: Research suggests that magnesium supplements may shorten the duration of a migraine and reduce the amount of medication needed. I recommend taking magnesium glycinate or citrate, taken to bowel tolerance each night (approximately 200mg – 600mg). If you get loose stools you can reduce the dose.
• Coenzyme Q10: Take 100mg up to two times daily. Like magnesium, Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraines. 
• Eliminate your food allergies for two weeks: This includes the removal of all of the most common food allergies (all grains that contain gluten, dairy, citrus, peanuts, caffeine, sugar and soy). After the 14-day removal period you should slowly reintroduce the foods one at a time. By doing so, any physical or mental symptoms related to the food can be isolated. You can also follow The Hormone Diet or The Supercharged Hormone Diet for a complete detox meal plan and recipes. 
• Feverfew: Take a standardized herbal extract providing 250 mcg of parthenolide a day to help reduce the frequency, severity, and length of migraine attacks.
• Lastly, working with an osteopath, acupuncturist, chiropractor or massage therapist will help you to reduce muscle tightness and improve your posture - both can contribute to migraines. For best results, ask your practitioner for some homework to do in between treatments. This may include corrective exercises, ergonomic adjustments (particularly at work) and even relaxation techniques.

Wishing you perfect balance,

Dr. Natasha Turner ND