Herbal Remedies- for Migraines and Headaches

For any sufferer of migraine headaches, the unbearable mind numbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and the feelings of nausea are all too familiar. As we lay there in the dark with our eyes covered with cool cloth- it seems sometimes that there is no relief, even from prescription medications or acupuncture. Some people who experience these vicious headaches have found herbs bring some relief. I personally am a fan of herbs to help minimize the symptoms of headaches, especially herbal eye packs! They are very easy to make (or buy if you don't have the time.)

Herbs for Migraines & Headaches

Feverfew- (Tanacetum pathenium) long associated with headache relief. Feverfew is a member of the sunflower family and is native to Eurasia. The name comes from the Latin "febrifugia" meaning fever reducer and it limits the inflammation of blood vessels in the head.

Bay Leaf- The term "bay leaf" can be associated with any number of plants, including the California and Indonesian bay leafs. Bay leaf is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and is alleged to help ease the symptoms of many health issues, including migraines.

Butterbur- (Petasites hybridus)should also be included on any list of herbs for migraines, as recent studies show it can reduce the frequency of the headaches by up to two-thirds. This herb was used to treat such conditions as pain, fever, and spasms until recently and is now mainly used for migraine prevention as well as to treat headaches and asthma.

Cayenne Pepper- is also known to help with migraines. Cayenne is a hot pepper in the chili family and is used both as a spice and for medicinal purposes. The name of this herb comes from Cayenne, a city in French Guyana, and it is part of the nightshade family.

Lavender- is also thought to help migraines and other medical conditions. The name lavender refers to a genus of 39 flowering plants in the mint family, "Lamiaceae". These plants are native to the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Aruba, and India.

Garlic and Onions- are both home remedies for headaches, though garlic in particular is believed to have many qualities beyond its use as a spice. These two increase the amount of blood flow to the head which reduces the severity of a migraine or other type of headache.

Ginkgo- also known as the Maidenhair tree. Ginkgo is the single living species of what is widely known as a living fossil, and the correct name is Ginkgo biloba. Studies are not proving its efficacy, but it has many testaments to its healing properties and is commonly used as a memory and concentration enhancer.

Dong quai-

Devil's Claw-

Ginger- Helps with the nausea

Jamaican dogwood-

Linden-

Peppermint-

Valerian- (Valeriana officinalis)

Lemon Balm - (Melissa officinalis)

Herbs for Headaches

There are a more than a multitude of herbs that can be used for medicinal purposes, especially for calming nerves and headaches. Many of them haven't had enough studies done to really prove anything, but are still known to work.

Some of these herbs are great in a tea form, although when they are mixed together they tend to work better. Other herbs can be used in a pill form. You can even chew it if you really want to, but there may be side effects like mouth sores and stomach irritation.

There are herbs that only have a calming, relaxing effect, while others also relieve pain and nausea. The natural caffeine in a few herbs actually combats migraines, and some specifically target sinus'.

One of the most common herbs for headaches is called Feverfew which calms. The platelets in the blood that may block serotonin (body's natural pain reliever) is dissolved with Feverfew. This herb is better if mixed with another herb because if you have too much, there could have side effects.

Another known herb used widely is Chamomile. The tea has a slightly sweet taste, and is naturally relaxing so that tension headaches diminish. It also helps with an upset stomach and nausea caused from migraines. This mild sedative is the best choice for children because there are no side effects, it is easy to drink, and has many benefits.

Believe it or not, both Ginger and Peppermint can be used for headaches, although you can't use Peppermint for infants (can cause life-threatening breathing problems). A good way to take Ginger is by adding a little to a tablespoon of milk, or it is good on food. If you have migraines, this herb works well. Peppermint can be applied to the forehead and temples to relax and relieve tension.

If you would like to grow herbs for headaches you can try White Willow Bark, Devil's Claw, and Skullcap. Valerian is another bushy herb that promotes relaxation and sleep, but more studies need to be done on this. All of these work the same way and not only do they ease tension and muscles, but also helps with sinus headaches.

Guarana, Ginseng, and Ginkgo Biloba all have natural caffeine that actually calms stress and tension. This kind of caffeine is good for you and will help to relieve headaches also. St. John's Wort is popular too, but more research needs to be done.

All in all, herbs in general will get you relief from any kind of headache; working just like aspirin, sometimes even better. Most of these are easy to find (just look for tea or in special organic sections or stores for pills). Hopefully this information will be useful and help anyone who would rather use natural remedies.

How to make an easy lavender eye pack

From a piece of soft cotton fabric cut two pieces 12" long by 4" wide. When selecting the fabric keep in mind what would feel nice against your eyes, I love to use chenille, minkey dot or organic quilters cotton.

Place your fabrics right sides together and pin along three sides. Stitch up the three sides leaving one of the short sides open. Remove the pins, and turn the fabric "tube" right side out.

Fill the inside with lavender buds. You want it to be full enough so that it has shape but not so full that it's firm and difficult to stitch up the ends.

Fold over the raw edges of the fabric towards the inside of the "pillow" so you can top stitch or whip stitch the end closed.

French Lavender Super Blue, Loose Flower Buds

Seeds to grow a headache relief garden

Old fashioned White Feverfew - Medicinal Seeds

Sweet Bay Laurel Herb -Laurus nobilis- 4" pot plant

Seeds of Change S10695 Certified Organic German Chamomile, 200 Seed Count