 | | |
Migraines
(2 of 9)
Bryonia alba (White Bryony, can be toxic) for a frontal migraine,
with pain around the eye sockets, for right-sided headache, tenderness on
pressure, and made worse with any motion.
Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) is good for congestive migraines,
such as from colds, rheumatism, menstruation.
Cnicus benedictus: (Blessed Thistle) is specific for strenthing the
function of the liver. This botanical is useful for migraines due to hepatic
problems, such as with a history of hepatitis or alcoholism.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine, which may be toxic in high
doses) is for migraines with acute excessive cerebral bloodflow, which
presents with restlessness and excitability.
Lavandula officinalis: (Lavender flower) is great for calming the
nervous system. It works through the sense of smell. Rubbing a little
lavender oil on yourr temples, or dropping some in the bath water can be
extremely soothing. For the migraine associated with depression or poor
digestion.
Melilotus officinalis: (Melilot flower) for migraines with no known
cause which come on in the cold and leave the entire head sore and tender
to the touch.
Nepeta cataria: (Catnip) for a nervous headache, because it acts
as a sedative for both cats and humans!
Passiflora incarnata: (Passion flower) is for the migraine due to
an attack of nervousness, which presents with great fatigue and where the
head feels "full."
Piscidia erythrina (Jamaican dogwood, can be toxic) for all kinds
of head pain.
Rosmarinus officinalis: (Rosemary) for the migraine associated with
hypertension (high blood pressure).
Salix spp.. (Willow, both black and white) for the inflammatory migraine.
This is the plant from which aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) was first
derived, and like aspirin it reduces pain and inflammation.
Scutellaria lateriflora: (Skullcap) is a sweet-tasting nerve soothing
medical plant.
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) is for the migraine which improves
with warm applications. This is a common garden plant and many people with
chronic migraines can prevent them by eating two or three of the Feverfew
leaves every day.
Valeriana spp. (Valerian root), similar biochemically to valium,
this plant is both sedative and stimulating and works well for the migraine
due to nervous excitability.
Viscum flavescens, album (Mistletoe. Beware, this plant is toxic
in quite small doses) reduces the increased flow of blood to the brain typical
of migraine states and works well for frequent headache with flushing of
the face.
A terrific herbal tea formula to detoxify the system (often the only treatment
needed to prevent or reduce migraines) is:
1 part Chamomile
1 part Hops
1/2 part Skullcap
1/2 part Catnip
1/2 part Oatstraw
1/4 part Peppermint leaf
Your local herbalist can mix up this blend for you, or you can order it
ready-made from Frontier Herbs (1-800-669-3275). Brew one heaping tablespoon
to 1 cup just boiling water. Steep for 3-5 minutes then drink with a touch
of honey 2-3 times daily.
Can Diet and Nutrition Be Used Effectively To Help Migraines?
Yes, absolutely. It may be helpful to begin with a short (5-7 day) therapeutic
fast to rid the body of toxins. Some specific nutritional ideas are:
- if headache is in left side, squirt carrot juice into left nostril;
if on right side, squirt into right nostril, if both sides affected, squirt
into both nostrils
|
|
|
|
Tell A Friend
Printer friendly version 
on 
A graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle, she completed both the Naturopathic and Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine programs. Her preceptor work (similar to residencies) took place in Seattle, West Virginia and China, 
