Four cheers for alternative medicine: Recently, migraine specialists from all over the US met with the American Academy of Neurology to discuss the most effective tactics for migraine management, and included in their recommendations were four natural migraine ingredients magnesium, butterbur, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain
As always, consult in your physician before starting any new natural ingredients for migraines.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
The herb butterbur scored an A, as in Level A class of “medications with established efficacy” for migraine patients.
Two Class I studies indicated that 50–75mg of butterbur extract can significantly improve neurological functioning after four to twelve weeks of supplementation, compared to a placebo.
Found in marshy areas around the world, butterbur is a health-giving plant species that ancient peoples once used in the occurrence of headaches, muscular pain, allergies, spasms, and nervousness.
Note: While butterbur is a safe, gentle nutrient for migraine sufferers, it’s important to seek butterbur extracts that are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10)
Co-Q10 is a powerful antioxidant with many beneficial properties, healthful for patients with migraine headaches, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and viral and bacterial infections.
In a Class II study on migraines, Co-Q10 provided more dramatic results than a placebo after only four months of treatment.
Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information
Magnesium
Magnesium is a beneficial nutrient used by doctors to aid sufferers of migraines, in addition to anxiety, irregular heartbeat, preeclampsia, and tense muscles.
In several studies on migraines, magnesium used in combination with riboflavin and feverfew were particularly effective.
Researchers believe that magnesium deficiency may be the cause for a significant amount of migraine attacks. Because it’s difficult to acquire an accurate screening of magnesium levels, health experts recommend experimenting with magnesium supplements to find the optimum dose.
Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:
- Headaches
- Muscular pain
- Anxiety attacks
- Psychosis
- Photophobia
- Hypertension
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is a B-complex vitamin that occurs naturally in meat, nuts, whole grains, dairy products, spinach, and broccoli. Riboflavin is beneficial for people suffering from migraines, eye fatigue, and muscle pain.
In several studies on riboflavin and migraines, 400mg riboflavin supplements proved more promising results than a placebo.
Please tell us…
Have you experimented with alternative medicine for migraines?
How likely are you to consider using butterbur, riboflavin, magnesium, or coenzyme Q10 after reading this article?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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