Migraine Headache
A migraine headache is an intense vascular headaches that occur frequently in some people, and not at all in others. The pounding is usually on one side of the head and may be around the eye on the affected side. Eighty percent of migraines are common migraines that have no aura. Classic migraines are much more severe. They begin with an aura before the pain sets in. Auras are usually a visual disturbance, such as an outline of lights or jagged light images. The headache gradually worsens. Bright lights and loud noises make it worse. Migraines can last for a few hours or a few days. Status migrainosus is a migraine that will not go away by itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms include a headache that is either throbbing or pulsating, is usually worse on the sides of the head, may be felt on one side only, may be dull or severe, and commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours. It may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. There is usually no desire to eat. An aura often precedes a migraine and may be a visual disturbance or a numbness or weakness on one side of the body that may affect the arm, leg or face. Some people also feel dizziness, tingling or other symptoms.
Causes
No one knows what really causes a migraine headache. Symptoms usually begin because of a trigger, which begins a chain reaction that ends up as a migraine headache. Triggers vary from person to person, but may be anything from a change in the weather to certain foods to hormonal changes.
Cautions
Migraines can be debilitating and unpredictable. Modern treatment for migraine acts on the blood vessels rather than just being a painkiller, so if you are on other medications that act on the circulatory system, use caution.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Ginger – this herb is useful for migraines that are towards the front of the head. Take ginger at the onset of the aura. Take 500 to 600 mg of powdered ginger mixed with water every four hours for four days.
- Feverfew – this herb is reputed to prevent spasms of blood vessels in the head that may trigger migraines. Eat fresh leaves at the rate of one per day. After 6 to 8 weeks, you should see some benefit. Side effects may include a sore mouth, mouth ulcers and upset stomach.
- Ginkgo biloba – this herb increases the circulation to the head. In studies in France, this herb has shown promise for managing migraine pain. Take in doses of 120 to 240 mg.
- Kava – this herb may be beneficial during stress-related migraines. Take 140 to 210 mg per day.
- Valerian – this natural sedative may be helpful in reducing stress-related migraines. Take 300 to 500 mg to treat headaches.
- Butterbur – this herb may prevent migraines. Studies show that taking butterbur twice a day for four months was more effective than a placebo.
- Chaste Tree - the berry may be useful in regulating hormones and therefore aid in migraine prevention.
- Coffee - the active ingredient trigonelline may relieve migraine.
External Applications
- Lavender – use the essential oil on the temples and back of the neck to relieve migraines.
- Peppermint – use the essential oil of this herb to relieve migraine pain. Apply a drop or two on each temple and on the back of the neck.
- Sandalwood - Chinese practitioners have long reported the benefits of sandalwood in migraines - rub 3 drops of sandalwood oil diluted in carrier oil onto temples.
Other aromatherapy oils that may be useful in either a massage or burner include: rosemary, basil, chamomile and eucalyptus.