Many people are searching for alternative treatments to drugs to treat their headaches. If the right herbs are used, herbal headache remedies can be very effective. If the headache is mild, many herbs can be used to stop the headache in low doses. Some herbs can be used daily to prevent headaches and others can soothe upset stomachs. Remember that herbs can interact with prescription medications and that a small amount of herbs can be used to relieve pain and improve mood.

Did you know?

The FDA has not yet established standards for herbal preparations in the United States. You can ensure the quality of your herbs by purchasing them from a company that only produces organic products and adheres to standards.

• Ginger can be a great herbal remedy for nausea. Ginger in many forms has been proven to help settle the stomach. Many people prefer ginger teas, but remember that the sooner you get the tea in your system, the better. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, it is difficult to swallow any food. It is a natural anti-nausea agent that speeds digestion and increases salivary production. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can cause excessive sweating if taken in large amounts. Ginger was used to treat fevers by increasing sweating.
• Migrainers are well-acquainted with feverfew as a headache preventative herb. It is known for its mild anti-inflammatory properties, which may prevent some of the symptoms from getting worse. It is also used to treat arthritis. Feverfew may take up to three months to stop migraines. I have heard it said that the herb is not effective, but then they find out that they only took it for two to three weeks. Feverfew should not be taken if pregnant because it can cause bleeding. Feverfew is more effective for children and adolescents than it is for adults.
• Butterbur, a herbal remedy for headaches, has been in the news recently. Clinical trials of Butterbur have shown a 50% reduction on headaches for those who took it.
• Cayenne can be used to treat headaches as a nasal spray. You say? Do you want to spray this on my nose? Although it isn’t yet proven, there is a way to get around the madness. Capsician, which is a key ingredient in this process, hits the nerve plexus at its back when it’s sprayed up the nose. This nerve “talks to” the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible migraine. Unfortunately, the effect fades quickly and it is not very successful.
• Ginko is a popular herb in the headache community. Ginko has been promoted as a memory aid, based on the belief that it increases blood flow to brain. Although it doesn’t cause blood vessels to clot, it does thin the blood, which could increase flow. It doesn’t cause headaches or migraines, so that’s all good.

Remember

You could even get brain hemorhages if you take it along with feverfew or aspirin. This is why it is best to avoid this combination when dealing with headaches. Sleep problems are a common complaint among headache sufferers. It has been proven that Valerian and Camomille can be used before bed to relax.

Regular exercise before bed can help calm nerves. Perhaps a cup Velarian tea can help. Learn more about headaches and sleep. Many herbal supplements can be used to prevent migraines and treat other types of headaches. Before you combine these items with prescription medication for migraine, make sure to consult your doctor.