alternative treatment > Herbal and Nutrition Suppliments...

Migraine headache cures

The current favourites are Butterbur, Cannabis, Coenzyme Q10, Feverfew, Kudzu Root and Magnesium Citrate.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) rhizome extract was shown in a controlled trial to reduce the number of migraines by half. Native butterbur contains some carcinogenic compounds, but a purified version, Petodolax, does not.

Cannabis was a standard treatment for migraines from the mid-19th century until it was outlawed in 1937 in the USA. It has been reported to help people through an attack by relieving the nausea and dulling the head pain. There is some indication that semi-regular use may reduce the frequency of attacks. Further studies are being conducted.

Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers of migraines. In a well-controlled trial results showed that the number of days people suffered with migraine was cut in half, a full 50% reduction. It is often more effective than most prescription medications for migraine. Fewer than 1% of poeple trying Q10 reported any side effects.

The plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Clinical trials have been carried out, and appear to confirm that the effect is genuine (though it does not completely prevent attacks).

Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has been demonstrated to help with menstrual migraine headaches and cluster headaches. While the studies on menstrual migraine assumed that kudzu acted by imitating estrogen, it has since been shown that kudzu has significant effects on the serotonin receptors.

Magnesium citrate has been shown to reduced the frequency of migraine in a controlled experiment. After taking magnesium citrate for 9-12 weeks, the frequency of attacks was reduced by over 40%.