There is no cure for migraines, but there are many natural migraine treatments that promote healthy responses in chronic headache patients of migraine disorder. Here is a list of the 25 herbs, vitamins, and minerals that are most prescribed by natural migraine treatment practitioners.
Note: Never begin any new migraine treatment before first speaking with your doctor. Even “natural remedies” can have dangerous side effects if used incorrectly or without taking into account any current medications or underlying health conditions.
Below are 25 beneficial nutrients- vitamins, minerals, herbs, and spices- for natural migraine treatment.
1- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Butterbur supplements have been the focus of many studies on natural migraine prevention. Researchers have found encouraging evidence in support of using 50-75mg of butterbur extracts daily for at least three months for optimal health in patients suffering from migraines, asthma, and muscle spasms. Caution: Avoid butterbur supplements that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s), a known carcinogen. Look for butterbur extracts carrying the label “PA-free.”
Also read: Conquer Allergies and Migraine Headaches with Butterbur- a Migraineur’s Best Friend
2- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Alternative medical practitioners recommend about 400mg of riboflavin, taken daily, for about three months. Riboflavin benefits migraine sufferers by promoting cellular metabolism and reducing the effect of oxidative damage.
Also read: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) in Natural Migraine Ingredients
3- Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that benefits migraine patients by increasing blood flow to the brain, sustaining healthy circulation, regulating blood-sugar levels, and supporting cellular metabolism. Doctors recommend 60mg-100mg of coenzyme Q10 daily for effective natural migraine management.
4- Magnesium: Some migraine patients suffer from magnesium deficiency, a common trigger of migraine attacks. Health experts recommend beginning with 200mg of magnesium per day, to be increased to 1,000mg if needed. Magnesium helps to sustain health neurological functioning.
Also read: Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond
5- Omega-3’s: Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to sustain healthy responses to inflammation in people suffering from migraines. Experts recommend approximately 1,000mg of omega-3 fatty acid supplements daily.
6- 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): 5-HTP is produced by an amino acid, tryptophan, and is helpful for serotonin management. Doctors suggest 5-HTP as a natural migraine treatment for headaches caused by vascular disorders as a result of low serotonin.
7- Feverfew: Feverfew has been the focus of several studies on natural migraine treatment. Although not clinically proven to have a singular effect on migraine headaches, many Chinese medicine practitioners endorse feverfew tablets for improving inflammatory responses to migraine triggers in the blood vessels.
8- Coffee: For some, caffeine is a migraine trigger. For others, however, a cup of coffee can do wonders to effectively relieve migraine headaches.
9- Ginger: Ginger is helpful for relieving nausea and vomiting caused by migraine attacks.
10- Ginkgo biloba: Some migraine patients have found beneficial properties in ginkgo biloba extracts in naturally treating migraines.
11- Bay laurel: Bay laurel contains many of the same beneficial properties of feverfew in treating migraines naturally.
12- Valerian: Valerian is helpful for reducing stress that triggers migraine attacks.
13- Peppermint: Peppermint promotes gastrointestinal health in alleviating nausea, stomach cramps or vomiting associated with migraines.
14- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has many natural painkilling properties which work by improving inflammatory responses.
15- Lavender: Lavender has an overall calming effect on the body, and is helpful for migraine patients suffering from stress and anxiety.
16- Lemon balm: Lemon balm tea relaxes the stomach muscles and eases the nerves.
17- Vervain: Vervain is another herb that is beneficial for natural migraine treatment of nausea.
18- Jamaican dogwood: Jamaican dogwood tea beneficial for neurological functioning.
19- Kava: Kava contains therapeutic phytochemicals that promote relaxation in the nerves and muscles.
20- Skullcap: Skullcap is one of many herbs that promote mental balance and tranquility.
21- Xiao yao wan: The Chinese herb Xiao yao wan treats migraines naturally be helping to rid the body of toxins which trigger headaches.
22- Rosemary: Inhaling the invigorating scent of rosemary oil is often helpful for patients of chronic pain.
23- Juniper: Like rosemary, juniper oils are also an effective natural migraine treatment.
24- Cayenne: Topical creams containing cayenne are helpful for relieving neck stiffness, back pain, and sore joints.
25- Chasteberry: For treating menstrual migraines, many health experts recommend drinking several cups of chasteberry tea daily.
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Like this? Read more:
Introducing Natural Ingredients for Migraines- Tips for Success
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain
Sources:
Little-known Herb Butterbur Cures Symptoms of Migraine Headaches
Supplements and Herbs for Migraine – The Evidence
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