Posted on: Saturday, January 29, 2005
PRESCRIPTIONS
Natural remedies help migraine
By Amy Tousman
Q. Can you recommend some natural remedies for migraine headaches?
A. Migraines are severe, disabling headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. For some people dietary changes such as avoiding cheddar cheese, red wine, chocolate or pickled vegetables may help. In addition, herbal products and a natural hormone may be effective in preventing or decreasing the severity of migraine headaches. These include feverfew, butterbur and melatonin.
Several studies have shown feverfew can reduce the number of migraines and decrease the severity of nausea and vomiting. Feverfew may work by preventing an excess of a brain chemical called serotonin from being released. This excess serotonin causes blood vessels in the brain to swell, prompting the nerves to fire off sensations of pain.
Chewing the dried feverfew leaves can cause irritation of the tongue and mouth, so it is best to use capsules or pills. Products should be standardized to contain 0.2 percent parthenolide (the active ingredient).
Avoid feverfew if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin and Warfarin or if you have ragweed allergies.
Another herb called butterbur was recently studied. The study, published in Neurology, showed a daily dose of 75 milligrams decreased migraine frequency by half. Those taking a placebo or fake pill showed only a 25 percent reduction.
The researchers are not sure how butterbur works, but suspect its anti-inflammatory properties are the key. Inflammation triggers migraines in some people.
The hormone melatonin, best known for controlling sleep-wake cycles, also shows promise in preventing migraines, especially in insomniacs. In a small Brazilian study of migraine sufferers, 78 percent of the participants showed a significant improvement after taking melatonin before bed for three months.
Study participants showed abnormally low blood levels of melatonin at the start of the study. More study is needed, next time with a group who takes a fake look-alike pill for comparison.
Migraines are caused by different things in different people, so it is nice to have an arsenal of substances that may help. If you decide to try feverfew, butterbur or melatonin, the substance needs to be taken daily to prevent migraines. They will not be effective as a treatment during an attack.
If you get an attack, take medications that have been prescribed by your physician.
Before adding any of these herbs to your regimen, seek the advice of your physician.
Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian with the Health Education Center of Straub Clinic and Hospital.
Hawai'i experts in traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine and diet take turns writing the Prescriptions column.
Send your questions to: Prescriptions, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax 535-8170; e-mail islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com. This column is not intended to provide medical advice.
