Natural Supplements for Migraine
The best way to reduce migraines is to take steps to prevent them all together. In previous posts, we've talked about watching out for migraines triggers and how chiropractic can prevent and ease migraines. Another powerful prevention method lies in two natural supplements that have both been scientifically shown to reduce migraines: butterbur and feverfew.
Butterbur is an herb with components that inhibit chemicals in the brain that trigger migraines. One study published in scientific journal Neurology included 202 patients with migraines who took either a butterbur extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The patients who took butterbur had a 50% reduction in migraines. Similar results were also true for children and adolescents with migraine in another study.
The other powerful herb for migraines, feverfew, is a member of the sunflower family. Feverfew is believed to reduce the constriction of blood vessels in the brain ( a key cause of migraines). When combined with other supplements like white willow and magnesium, feverfew also reduced migraine attacks by at least 50% for the majority of patients in two other medical studies.
As this research suggests, there are alternatives to migraine treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider about natural ways to relieve and prevent migraine pain.
References:
Maizels M, Blumenfeld A."Burchette R. A combination of riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial". Headache 44.9 (2004):885-90.
Meschino, James P. "Natural Supplements for Migraine Prevention: Butterbur and Feverfew." Dynamic Chiropractic. September 10, 2010. Accessed November 23, 2011. http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=54885
Lipton RB, Göbel, H,Einhäupl KM, et al. "Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine". Neurology 63 (2004):2240-4.
Pothmann R, Danesch U. "Migraine prevention in children and adolescents: results of an open study with a special butterbur root extract". Headache 45 ( 2005):1-8.
Shrivastava R, Pechadre JC, John GW. "Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba (Mig-RL) combination in migraine prophylaxis: a prospective, open-label study." Clinical Drug Investigation 26.5 (2006):287-96.