Natural Migraine Ingredients: 9 Must-Take Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

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Some of the best natural migraine ingredients are available in the vitamin aisle of your supermarket. Magnesium tops the list as one of the most effective nutrients, followed by butterbur root and vitamin B2. Below are nine complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that promote neurological health in migraine patients.

MANAGING MIGRAINES: 9 MUST-TAKE VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND HERBS, MIGRAVENT

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that affects more than 300 biological functions, including protein synthesis and energy production.  Numerous double-blind studies conclude that magnesium is one the best natural ingredients for brain health.  By affecting serotonin receptors, magnesium interacts with your brain chemistry in a way that creates a healthy environment in your nervous system. Warning: Please consult in your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if heart disease or kidney disease is a factor.

Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

Butterbur root (Petasites hybridus)

Butterbur is a natural herb that has been used throughout the years as a health-giving nutrient for promoting a positive mind and mood, healthy nerve cell maintenance, respiratory functioning, and digestive system regularity. In a randomized trial published in Neurology, extracts of Petasites hybridus (also known as butterbur root) and a placebo were given to test subjects.  Patients who received butterbur for 4 months saw dramatic health benefits. Warning: Only use butterbur extracts that are labeled PA-free (free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids).  PA’s are toxins that many cause severe liver damage.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient that your body produces naturally.  In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on migraine headaches, supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 was noticeably beneficial.

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential B vitamin that occurs naturally in meat, eggs, nuts, and green vegetables.  Studies prove that taking at least 400 mg of riboflavin each day significantly improves muscle tone and healthy circulation.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is another important B vitamin for migraine patients- a water-soluble nutrient that is obtained naturally in meat, dairy, fish, and egg sources.  It is responsible for many important functions in your body, including normal red blood cell production,neurological health, maintaining cognitive functioning, and increasing stamina.

Folic acid

Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate, an essential B vitamin. Folate is essential for regulating homocysteine levels and supporting DNA synthesis.  In a clinical trial that supplied folic acid and other B-complex vitamins to more than 50 chronic migraine sufferers, test subjects saw dramatic health results.

6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium is a mineral that your body needs to build strong, healthy bones.  Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium efficiently, and is beneficial for your nerves, muscles, and your immune system.  Scientific studies show that vitamin D, taken together with calcium, is effective at significantly improving your body’s response to inflammation.

Feverfew

Feverfew is a sunflower that has been used historically for fevers, hence the name.  Feverfew leaves are beneficial for headaches and sustaining cartilage and joint functioning.

MANAGING MIGRAINES: 9 MUST-TAKE VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND HERBS, MIGRAVENT

Please tell us: Do you use any vitamin supplements, minerals, or herbs for migraine headaches?  Have you been able to wean off or reduce your prescription migraine drug dosage ?

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Read more about natural migraine remedies:

Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies

8 Ways to get rid of Headaches in your Hot Tub

Sources:

Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine

Role of magnesium, coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 in migraine prophylaxis- PubMed, NCBI

Alleviation of migraines with therapeutic vitamin D and calcium- PubMed, NCBI

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial

Vitamin B and folate fight migraine

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention- PubMed, NCBI

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YaiSirichai, Kittikun Atsawintarangkul