| Herbs and Headaches |
| Herbs That Treat Headaches - Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) can dilate the blood vessels in the neck and head that became constricted during some types of migraine attacks. It can also be used to prevent future migrane attacks. - Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) contains salicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in asprin, and can threrefore treat everything asprin can. This herb is a better choice than asprin because it contains a less concentrated amount of salicylic acid. This might sound more like a drawback but it isn't -- meadowsweet's other ingredients help buffer the unwanted side effects salicylic acid creates (See "Why Avoid Pain Relieving Drugs" to learn about the side effects of NSAIDs). In fact, meadowsweet can actually heal gastric erosions and ulcers. Feverfew Meadowsweet - The bark on the white willow tree also contains salicylic acid like meadowsweet and therefore acts like asprin without its side effects. - Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is great for a general remedy. - Linden (Tilia) is useful for tensions and sinus headaches. - Vervain (Verbena officinalis) and valerian (valeriana officinalis) used together can treat nervous exhaustion and overactivity. - Vervain itself can help treat migraines related to the mensus. - Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) or rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) can cure migraines. - Oregano can be used to treat headaches due to nerves. - Passionflower can cure headaches due to stress. - Digestive headaches and biliousness can be cured by using peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and pennyroyal (mentha pulegium). Lavender Passionflower - Other herbs that are less known and/or less used for headaches includes: asafoetida, ashwagandha, basil, birch, bupleurum, butternut, calamus, califonia poppy, cardamom, catnip, chamomile, cinchona, cinnamon, cumin, damiana, elder, ginger, ginkgo biloba leaf extract guarana, honeysuckle, hops, hyssop, kava kava, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, mint, mistletoe, motherwort, mugwort, nettle, osha, pepper, poria, rhodiola, rosemary, rue, saffron, saint john's wort, schizandra, self-heal, spruce, thyme, valerian, violet, willow, wintergreen, yarrow, and yerba mate'. - Other herbs for migraines are: elderberry and sage. |
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