Natural Treatments for Migraine Headache
" More than 1.6 million U.S. adults are estimated to use complementary and alternative therapies to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping, according to the results of a national survey published in the September 18 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine."
Herbs
Current clinical data support the use of feverfew, butterbur, magnesium, and riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis; however, studies are limited but promising regarding the participants' perceived relief.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew, a member of the sunflower family, has been used for centuries in European folk medicine as a remedy for headaches, arthritis, and fevers. The term feverfew is adapted from the Latin word febrifugia or "fever reducer." Feverfew has been proven to reduce headache severity and frequency, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia when taken regularly. The leaves of feverfew contain an active ingredient called parthenolide, which inhibits the production of substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation. Feverfew is extremely bitter and can cause mouth or tongue irritation.
Feverfew gained popularity in Great Britain in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional medications for migraines. A survey of 270 migraine sufferers in Great Britain revealed that more than 70% of individuals felt substantially better after ingesting an average of two to three fresh feverfew leaves daily.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for the prevention and treatment of migraines. For example, one study examined the use of a feverfew extract or a placebo in 170 people with migraines. There was a significant decrease in migraine frequency with feverfew, which decreased by 1.9 migraines per month, compared to the placebo, which decreased by 1.3 migraines per month.
One of the more positive studies was published in 1997 (Palevitch, D. G. Earon, and R. Carasso. "Feverfew as a prophylactic treatment for migraine..."). This was a well controlled study which showed feverfew to not only significantly reduce pain, but also nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
However, not all studies have shown that feverfew is effective. A critical review of five studies on feverfew and migraines, involving a total of 343 people, concluded that results were mixed and did not convincingly establish that feverfew was effective for preventing migraine.
Side effects and warnings: Do not use feverfew if you are pregnant or nursing.
Occasional mouth ulcerations have been reported with the use of fresh leaves, but have not been reported with the use of dried leaves in capsules. The side effects of this herb usually include occasional gastrointestinal upset or nervousness.
Scientific evidence of Feverfew effectiveness
- Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention. PubMed
- The efficacy and safety of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): an update of a systematic review. PubMed
- Feverfew for preventing migraine. PubMed
- Efficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of migraine. PubMed
- Gelstat Migraine (sublingually administered feverfew and ginger compound) for acute treatment of migraine when administered during the mild pain phase. PubMed
- Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. PubMed
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Butterbur is an extremely popular herbal remedy in Germany, where it is widely used as a preventative for migraines. Research has shown that butterbur may reduce the number of attacks resulting in less pain intensity and shorter duration of attacks. Butterbur not only helps prevent attacks but can also ease migraine pain.
Butterbur's main active ingredients, petasin and isopetasin, inhibit the production of leukotriene, a substance that inflames blood vessels. Without that inflammation, migraines are less likely. Butterbur also inhibits the production of histamine, keeping your nasal passages open and relieving allergic congestion.
Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines. The largest study involved 245 people with migraine took either butterbur extract (50 or 75 milligrams twice a day) or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur, 75 milligrams twice a day but not 50 milligrams twice a day, was more effective than placebo for migraines.Side effects were mild and included mild digestive complaints, predominantly burping.
Side effects and warnings: Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur.
Scientific evidence of Butterbur effectiveness
- Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. PubMed
- Migraine prevention in children and adolescents: results of an open study with a special butterbur root extract. PubMed
- The first placebo-controlled trial of a special butterbur root extract for the prevention of migraine: reanalysis of efficacy criteria. PubMed
Ginger has a small amount of anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory action and that may be the basis for its effectiveness. Ginger is the natural and effective treatment for migraine nausea and vomiting.
Ginger may decrease the severity and frequency of headache symptoms. Because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties when eaten regularly ginger can help to prevent migraines. Ginger improves circulation, relaxes the blood vessels, and decreases the production of pain-causing prostaglandins. Fresh ginger may be the most effective form of the herb for preventing migraines, because the pungent oils in the raw herb have the most active properties.
Scientific evidence of Ginger effectiveness
- Gelstat Migraine (sublingually administered feverfew and ginger compound) for acute treatment of migraine when administered during the mild pain phase. PubMed
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in migraine headache. PubMed
- Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. PubMed
- Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. PubMed
Rosemary is a well-recognized folk cure for easing pain in the United States, China, and Europe. One of its constituents, rosmarinic acid, is an anti-inflammatory similar to aspirin and ibuprofen. Since rosmarinic acid is also an important constituent in sage, the two herbs are often combined to make a pain-relieving tea.
Scientific evidence of Rosemary effectiveness
- No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Rosemary effectiveness for migraine
Ginkgo biloba improves circulation, decreases inflammation, and inhibits the production of a substance called platelet-activating factor that may be linked to migraines. Because ginkgo helps to promote proper cerebral circulation, it may be effective in some cases of migraine headaches. Migraines are believed to be the cause of a malfunction in vasodilation and constriction of blood vessels in the brain. By heightening blood flow and oxygenation of brain tissue, this neuro-vascular disorder may be alleviated or even prevented.
Ginkgo biloba has been shown to offer some promise for the management of migraines in two small French clinical trials. The daily dose ranged from 120 to 240 mg may be beneficial in preventing migraine due to its ability to inhibit platelet activating factor.
Scientific evidence of Ginkgo biloba effectiveness
- No clinical studies on humans have been conducted to prove or disprove Ginkgo biloba effectiveness for migraine
Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. It's clinical value is in it's ability to increase production of serotonin, and it has been used clinically for more than 30 years. 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.
Some research indicate that 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. In one study, 124 people were given 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide. After six months, 5-HTP was found to be as effective as methysergide in reducing the severity and duration of migraines.
Scientific evidence of 5-Hydroxytryptophan effectiveness
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. PubMed
- Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine. PubMed
- 5-OH-Tryptophane in migraine: clinical and neurophysiological considerations. PubMed
Magnesium is a mineral needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. An increasing number of doctors believe that some of the most severe cases of migraines may actually be caused by an imbalance of key minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
Recent studies have shown that magnesium concentrations in the serum, red blood cells, and saliva of patients with migraine are lower than those of healthy subjects, both during and between migraine attacks. Lowered magnesium levels have been observed in patients who experience migraine with or without aura. It has therefore been hypothesized that reduced magnesium levels may contribute to the causation of migraine headaches.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium for migraine and have had promising results. In one study, oral magnesium (600 mg per day) or a placebo were given to 81 people with migraines. After nine weeks, the frequency of migraines was reduced by 41.6% in the group taking magnesium, compared to 15.8% in the group taking the placebo.
Magnesium is far safer, cheaper, and often more effective than many expensive, side-effect prone drugs that doctors readily prescribe to migraine sufferers.
Side effects and warnings: High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.
Scientific evidence of Magnesium effectiveness
- Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. PubMed
- Intravenous magnesium sulphate in the acute treatment of migraine without aura and migraine with aura. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. PubMed
- Efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. PubMed
- Intravenous magnesium sulphate relieves migraine attacks in patients with low serum ionized magnesium levels: a pilot study. PubMed
- Serum and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and migraine. PubMed
- Serum and salivary magnesium levels in migraine and tension-type headache. Results in a group of adult patients. PubMed
- Blood magnesium levels in migraine. PubMed
- Magnesium content of mononuclear blood cells in migraine patients. PubMed
- Magnesium in migraine. Results of a multicenter pilot study. PubMed
- Magnesium prophylaxis of menstrual migraine: effects on intracellular magnesium. PubMed
Omega-3 fatty acids have well known vascular effects. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (OPFA) have beneficial effects on inflammatory reactions and production of cytokines. They decrease the release of 5HT by platelets and possess vasorelaxant activity. This led them to be tried in the prophylactic treatment of migraine.
American researchers suggest that a combination of magnesium taurate and fish oil may help prevent migraine headaches, based on the ability of both to reduce blood vessel spasms. A 1997 study showed that gamma-linolenic (GLA) and alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acid supplements reduced the severity, frequency and duration of total migraine attacks by 86%. During the six-month study, 22% of the 168 patients no longer had migraine attacks, and 90% experienced less nausea and vomiting
Scientific evidence of Fatty Acids effectiveness
Coenzyme Q10 looks to be an excellent choice for initial therapy for prevention of episodic migraine. It can be given to almost any age group without fear of significant side-effects.
As with most Migraine preventives, it takes time to achieve optimum results. Data from the studies suggest that it takes 5 to 12 weeks to achieve more than a 50% reduction. Coenzyme Q10 is effective for both Classic Migraine (with aura) and Common Migraine (without aura).
Scientific evidence of Coenzyme Q 10- CoQ10 effectiveness
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It functions as the precursor for two coenzymes that are important in energy production. There's a belief that people with migraines have low levels of energy in their brains, which causes hypersensitivity to things like light or noise. Because riboflavin increases energy production in the mitochondria, it was theorized that administration of riboflavin might have an impact in migraine prophylaxis in patients with reduced energy production within the mitochondria of cerebral blood vessels. Although not FDA approved, the results of three trials of high-dose riboflavin in subjects with a history of migraine demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this agent in migraine prophylaxis.
High doses of riboflavin (400 mg is recommended) can reverse cells "energy crisis" during migraine attacks and decrease the frequency of migraines in some people. In particular, vitamins B2, B3 and B6 help prevent vasoconstriction (narrowing of the arteries) and also inhibit blood platelet clumping which can occur during an attack.
Scientific evidence of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) effectiveness
- Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial. PubMed
- High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis: an open study in a tertiary care centre. PubMed
- High-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic treatment of migraine: results of an open pilot study. PubMed
Dehydration plays a major role in bringing on migraines. Dehydration causes stress, and stress causes further dehydration. Migraine headache is a sign of water need by the brain and the eyes. The type of dehydration that causes migraine might eventually cause inflammation of the back of the eye and possibly loss of eye sight.
Scientific evidence of Avena sativa effectiveness