Difference between revisions of "Treat a Headache with Herbs"

[[Category: Herbal Health]]

#Determine if you have a tension headache. This is the most common type of headache and it tends to be on both sides of the head, most often starting at the back of the head. The headache may “move” forward and affect the eyes. The pain is most often described as dull or feeling like a tight band is around your head.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-with-aura/basics/symptoms/con-20030404</ref>

#* Tension headaches are often caused by tightened or strained muscles in the head and neck. These headaches can be related to stress, depression and mood disorders, injuries and the position that the head is held at for long periods of time.<ref name="rf2">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003024.htm</ref>

#Figure out if you have a migraine headache. They tend to be on one side of the head, but may spread to both sides. The pain tends to be worse with movement, light, sounds, and can be triggered by a variety of things including food, drug withdrawal, alcohol, coffee, or a lack of sleep. Migraine pain tends to be pounding or throbbing.<ref name="rf1" />

#* Migraine headaches are often associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound, light and smells. Migraines may also be associated with “auras” or warning signs that a migraine is on its way. These auras are visual (flashes of light, blind spots), sensory (tingling in the face, hand) or associated with smells. Migraines with or without auras are treated in similar ways.<ref name="rf1" />  

#Decide if you have a cluster headache. These are very painful, with the pain usually described as sharp, piercing or stabbing.<ref name="rf1" /> Cluster headaches occur in groups or clusters over several times a day, lasting days, weeks or months. They tend to occur at the same times during the day but last for an hour or less. Cluster headaches usually go away for days, weeks or months.<ref name="rf1" />

#Consider if you have another type of headache. Other types of headaches include sinus headaches, associated with pain at the front of the head, often around the cheeks, eyes and forehead. A sinus headache is associated with infections and allergies.<ref name="rf2" />

#Look for herbs that have sedative and antispasmodic elements. Herbs such as kava-kava, valerian, passionflower can act as relaxing agents, relieving the tension of tension headaches within hours.<ref name="rf3">Ivker, R. T. (2002). How to Stop Headaches for Good. Natural Health, 32(2), 64.</ref> Chamomile, mint or rosemary, while not proven to help headaches, can help you relax and feel less anxious.

#Use Kava-kava. Kava-kava has pain-relieving properties, reduces anxiety and improves sleep.<ref name="rf4">http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/kava-kava</ref> It is important to choose an extract done with water and not alcohol. This may reduce the potential of liver damage, which is a risk of kava-kava. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, but in general, take about 75 mg of kava-kava.<ref name="rf5">http://www.drugs.com/npp/kava.html</ref> The main side effect reported with kava is drowsiness.

#Take valerian root. This remedy has been used for centuries and works by increasing the calming neurotransmitters in your brain.<ref name="rf6">http://umm.edu/system-hospital-sites/shore-health/health/medical/altmed/herb/valerian</ref> In general, take 150-300mg of valerian.<ref name="rf7">DeGrandpre, Z. (2010). Botanical Therapeutics: Actions, Interactions and Indications, Lulu Publishing.</ref> Valerian should not be taken if you are allergic to it or have been diagnosed with liver problems. Side effects such as upset stomach, headaches and drowsiness have been reported.

#Use passionflower. Passionflower has not been very extensively studied, but has a long history of use. It also appears to increase increase calming neurotransmitters in the brain.<ref name="rf8">http://umshoreregional.org/health/medical/altmed/herb/passionflower</ref> This can reduce tension and anxiety and may directly reduce pain.<ref name="rf9">Enna, SJ., McCarson, KE., The role of GABA in the mediation and perception of pain. Adv Pharmacol. 2006;54:1-27.</ref> In general, take 100-150mg of passionflower.<ref name="rf10">http://www.drugs.com/npp/passion-flower.html</ref>

#* You can add about 150mg of hops as well. Hops is known in botanical medicine as a tonic and sedative, working to strengthen your whole system and helping you relax.<ref name="rf11">http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hops--32.html</ref>

#Look for Hepataplex. If you have a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner near you, ask for Hepataplex (long dan xie gan tang containing beets, milk thistle, parsley, dandelion, boldo, greater celandine and other minor ingredients). This is a traditional combination of Chinese herbs that has been shown to be very effective in relieving tension headaches by reducing inflammation and strengthening the liver and kidneys which are important for overall health. Take 2 pills three times a day as needed (with or without meals).<ref name="rf12">Zhang, M., & Xiong, Y. (2006). Treatment of tension headache with Chinese herbs and acupuncture--a report of 40 cases. Journal Of Traditional Chinese Medicine = Chung I Tsa Chih Ying Wen Pan / Sponsored By All-China Association Of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Academy Of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 26(2), 125-126.</ref>

#Take 25 to 75mg of feverfew twice a day. Feverfew contains anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmotic compounds and works to reduce inflammation. This may dilate the constricted blood vessels that may be underlying migraine pain.<ref name="rf13">Pareek, A., Suthar, M., Rathore, G., Bansal, V. (2011). Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011 Jan-Jun; 5(9): 103–110.</ref> Feverfew is well-known for treating the pain of migraines, and reducing their frequency.

#Take 50 to 75mg of butterbur twice a day. This is one of the best studied herbs and shown to be effective at treating migraines.<ref name="rf14">Levin, M.(2012). Herbal treatment of headache. Headache. Suppl 2:76-80.</ref> It works much the same way as feverfew, by reducing inflammation. Butterbur should not be used if you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

#Try willow bark, skullcap, or ginkgo biloba. These are often recommended by naturopathic physicians. Willow bark acts like a sort of natural aspirin, without the side effects.<ref name="rf15">Khayyal, MT et al. (2005) Mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of a standardized willow bark extract. Arzneimittelforschung, 55(11):677-87.</ref> Skullcap appears to increase local levels of oxygen in the blood<ref name="rf16">http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/scutellaria-baicalensis.html</ref> and ginkgo functions as an anti-oxidant and protects brain cells.<ref name="rf17">http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0901/p923.html</ref>