In 2003 the World Health Organization estimated that 303 million people suffered from migraines worldwide. Of these, 25% of all migraine sufferers are women and 8% are men. Many people who suffer from migraines do not know that they have migraines and believe they are other types of headaches. Fifty percent of all people with migraines suffer from anxiety and one in five suffer from depression.
There are a number of symptoms that migraine sufferers experience. Not all symptoms occur for all people. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- aura - wavy lines, bright light like a flashbulb, flashing lights, zig zags of light
- pain - on one side of the head
- nausea - usually at the beginning or end of the headache
- sensitivity - to smell, light, loud noise
- mental and behavioural changes - confusion, irritability, restlessness
Other symptoms may include euphoria, stomach cramps, diarohea or constipation. Migraines generally last anywhere from a few hours to three days.
Feverfew for Migraines
One of the best known herbal remedies for migraine is feverfew. Feverfew is used as a preventative for migraines. This is achieved by taking a small dose of feverfew daily. One positive study of the effects of feverfew on migraine showed that two thirds of those taking feverfew regularly experienced relief.
Feverfew is thought to act by preventing the release of serotonin and other chemicals which cause blood vessels in your head to spasm.
If you are allergic to chamomile, do not take feverfew. Some side effects are sore mouth and rashes. Feverfew also acts as a blood thinner so if you are taking medication for thinning the blood do not take feverfew without consulting your doctor.
Magnesium and Migraines
With 80% of the population magnesium deficient, it is not surprising that this mineral is related to migraines.
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the efficiency of magnesium on the prevention of migraines. One study showed that after nine weeks people taking 600 milligrams per day experienced a forty one point six percent reduction in the frequency of their migraines.
Magnesium has many important uses for preventing migraines. Some of them are:
- maintaining and improving blood vessel health
- reducing sleep disorders
- maintaining nerve and muscle function
- decreasing blood coagulation and reducing blood pressure
- normalizing heart rhythm
There are supplements on the market that combine magnesium and feverfew. They combine the best properties of both remedies for effective prevention of migraine. Not all magnesium is the same however, so do some research before deciding which is best for you. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
Magnesium levels may also be increased by eating magnesium rich foods which include:
- cacao
- green leafy vegetables
- soy products
- legumes
- whole grains
- avocados
- shrimp
Migraines are painful, debilitating headaches which interfere with day to day life. Although there are many treatments for migraine, prevention is sure to be the most beneficial.
Related Articles
Magnesium Deficiency Your Heart and Your Brain - A look at the symptoms of magnesium deficiency and the importance of magnesium to your body.
References:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery (a member of Penguin Books), 375 Hudson St New York
Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Thomas Bartram Marlowe and Company New York
Joy Borthwick - Joy has been a Chartered Herbalist since 2001 and obtained her Herbal Consulting degree in 2005 from Dominion Herbal College. She has been ...
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