natural remedies for headache

Headaches can be classified into two main categories: general tension headaches and migraine headaches.

Tension headaches are bilateral, relatively mild attacks of head pain. Migraines are usually accompanied by changes in vision, sensitivity to light, and sometimes nausea. They are thought to be related to abnormal dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the brain.

A variety of factors can trigger either type of headache, including hormonal changes, stress, and allergies to food and sunlight.

Headaches can be debilitating, but there are a variety of natural remedies to treat them. By taking preventative natural medicines or treating headaches 

There are several herbs that may be useful for headache patients. herbs have a wide appeal because of general safety and decreased side effects.
However, virtually everything has possible side effects and many of these herbs interact with
other drugs and various medical conditions. Patients must tell their doctor exactly what herbs
they are taking, as there can be significant interactions.
The primary herb that has been utilized for migraine prevention is feverfew. Ginger has been an
effective antinausea herb for the nausea associated with migraine. Valerian is utilized as a
natural tranquilizer and sleep aid, which is occasionally helpful for headache patients. In addition
chamomile may be useful as a mild sedative as well. Kava may also function as a mild sedative
and sleep aid.

• FEVERFEW

Feverfew (Tenacetum parthenium) has been utilized as a fever reducer since 78 A.D. Its use in
headache dates back to the early 1600s. Feverfew is a wildflower (chrysanthemum family) that is very
easy to grow in the backyard. This herb has been demonstrated to be mildly effective in
reducing the frequency and/or severity of migraine headaches in a number of reasonably
controlled studies. The active ingredient appears to be parthenolide, which is a sesquiterpene
lactone. This compound inhibits or decreases the clumping up of platelets in the bloodstream,
and it may affect prostaglandins. The result of parthenolide activity in the blood may be that we
have decreased release of serotonin in the bloodstream. Serotonin is a key in headache. WhileWhile
many people chew the leaves of feverfew, it is easier (but possibly no more effective) to obtain
the standardized capsules or tablets. The usual dose is 125 mg of the dried feverfew, containing
at least 0.2% parthenolide, once per day. The standardized extract is also available in 200-mg
doses, containing up to 0.7% parthenolide. Liquid extract and whole-herb capsules are also
available. Patients usually have to take two capsules or tablets per day, because one may not
have the potency that is necessary. An adequate daily dose of parthenolide is 250 mcg. While
this amount should be contained in the 125-mg capsule or tablet, taking two would usually ensure that we
have at least the minimum necessary to help headaches.
Feverfew may take as long as 6 or 8 weeks to become effective. Occasionally we utilize capsules of
feverfew with caffeine, or feverfew with guarana (which is essentially caffeine), either as prevention or to
treat a headache in progress. Although
feverfew has primarily been utilized to prevent headaches, it will
occasionally help to ease a headache in progress. The usual dose would be two or three
capsules or tablets, and taking caffeine with the feverfew may increase the effectiveness.
Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy or by women who are nursing.

• GINGER

Ginger, in capsule form, has been used to offset nausea. The usual dose is one or two capsules
every 4 hours, as needed, four per day at most. The whole herb capsules are usually 500 mg,
and the standardized dried extract is often available in 150-mg doses. Ginger may also be
effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness

• VALERIAN

Valerian is probably the most effective herbal tranquilizer and sleep aid. Valerian has been a
relatively safe herb, with few interactions or side effects. The usual dose is one or two capsules
every day as needed, or one teaspoon in one cup of water (prepared as tea).

• CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is a mild sedative or relaxant that may help with nausea of migraine. Chamomile may also be
useful for other digestive problems, since it is a mild antispasmodic (smooth muscle of the digestive tract
relaxant). There are a number of forms of Chamomile, primarily the German versus the English (Roman)
variations. In the United States, German Chamomile is most commonly available. As with most herbs,
there may be differences in effectiveness among the various species. The whole-herb capsules are often
available in 355-mg doses, and liquid extract or tea bags are also available.

• GINGKO BILOBA

Gingko has not demonstrated any clear efficacy in headache. It is most likely better utilized for
memory disturbances, circulation problems, or possibly to counteract the sexual side effects of
antidepressants.

• WILLOW BARK

Willow Bark (white willow bark is commonly used) has salicin, an aspirin-like compound that
inhibits prostaglandins. While safe in recommended doses, this compound is probably not
effective because it is too difficult to achieve the sufficient doses that are necessary.

• GUARANA

Guarana contains caffeine in the seeds. It is usually used in the form of crushed (powdered)
seeds. It is effective for headache primarily because of the high caffeine content.

• PEPPERMINT

Peppermint has occasionally been utilized to help certain digestive problems. Peppermint may
be useful for the upset stomach associated with migraine. Peppermint is available as the leaf, in capsules, liquid extract, or as the oil extract

VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Several vitamins and minerals have been found to be useful for the prevention of headache. The most
successful mineral or vitamin in studies has been magnesium. Others that may help include vitamin B2
(riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), calcium, and certain long-chain fatty acids that are contained in
compounds such as fish oil or flaxseed oil.

• MAGNESIUM

A number of studies have indicated that magnesium is deficient in the brain of migraine sufferers
Magnesium is important for arteries and serotonin function. The arteries tend to constrict or become
smaller when magnesium levels are too low. Magnesium infusions have been helpful for severe acute
migraine. However, the primary use of magnesium is as a daily supplement to prevent or decrease
headaches. Magnesium is present in higher amounts in the following foods: dark green leafy vegetables,
whole-grain breads or cereals, seafood, legumes, and nuts. However, certain legumes and nuts can also
increase headache. As a supplement, magnesium has been utilized in 250-, 400-, 500-mg doses once or
twice per day. We utilize magnesium oxide, not magnesium sulfate. Some of the supplements can cause
diarrhea, but magnesium oxide usually does not. It is possible that the slow release or chelated form of
magnesium has advantages over the regular magnesium supplements, primarily because of improved
absorption With kidney problems, people should not be on magnesium supplements. However, in the
usual does (500 mg per day or so) magnesium has been safe. We do not usually continue the
magnesium for more than a number of moths at a time, as long-term side effects have not been firmly
established. Because of safety, we usually recommend the lower dose magnesium oxide, 250 or 500 mg
once per day. Magnesium may be particularly helpful in preventing menstrual migraine.

• VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)

Large doses of this B vitamin (400 mg per day) have been utilized to prevent migraine headache.
Several studies have indicated that this works more effectively than placebo. in general, the B vitamins are safe.

• CALCIUM

Calcium has been reported in at least one study to decrease PMS symptoms and menstrual
headache. If patients take calcium and magnesium, they should take them at different times of
the day, as the calcium may inhibit the absorption of magnesium. Food sources of calcium
include dark green leafy vegetables, dairy products, seafood, and certain fish. Supplements are
usually necessary, 750 to 1,000mg per day.

• VITAMIN B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 has been utilized as a preventive for migraine, particularly menstrual migraine. It is
usually dosed at 50 or 100 mg per day. Vitamin Be is very safe in these doses. Many people
have found that taking a B complex (B-100) helps their headaches. There have been no
scientific studies on most of the other B vitamins other than B2 and B6 in regard to headache.
However, it is known that the B vitamins, particularly folate and B12, can help prevent heart
disease and possibly stroke.

• LONG-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS (PRIMARILY OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6 FATTY

ACIDS
Certain types of fatty acids that are present in fish oil concentrate and flaxseed oil may help
headache. These have also been demonstrated to be useful in certain types of anxiety or mood
disorders. Because of the problems with fish oil, we usually recommend flaxseed oil, 1,000 mg capsules, one or two per day. This is a fairly low dose; much higher doses have been used.
These may be beneficial for prevention of heart disease as well

AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy may work both because of absorption of the small molecules of essential oils into
the skin or respiratory tract, and direct stimulation of the small sense nerve (olfactory nerve). This nerve is
widely distributed with connections throughout the brain. Aromatherapy may be useful for milder
headaches, such as the usual tension headaches. In some people, less medication is utilized because of
the use of aromatherapy. The oils should be in dark glass bottles and have the words distilled and pure
on them. It is necessary to keep these oils out of sunlight and intense heat. These essential oils should
not be used orally, but rather inhaled or applied to the temples, neck, or shoulder muscles. Since the
essential oils are very potent, very small amounts are all that is necessary. For instance, one drop of the
oil is usually diluted in a teaspoon of almond oil (or another carrier oil). This is then rubbed into the skin.
Alternatively, four to seven drops of the oil may be out into warm water for a bath. The most commonly
utilized oils for headache are peppermint, lavender, and chamomile. The Roman chamomile (English
chamomile) has been utilized more than the German chamomile in aromatherapy. Lavender and
peppermint may be the most useful in this group. In addition to these, tiger balm is a powerful
herb that has been utilized extensively in China. Eucalyptus has been a popular aromatherapy
for sinus-type headaches. If aromatherapy is being used for migraine, the intense smell may actually increase nausea