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Pharmacy Links

HERBAL TREATMENT: HEADACHE

30th March 2009

There are several different types of headaches and many different causes which produce them, and as there is-a variability of response among individuals to different remedies, some people will find certain of the following more effective than others.

For internal use:

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Rosemary leaves

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Peppermint leaves

Infusion: 1/2 cup every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

2 parts Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Rosemary leaves

Infusion: 1/2 cup every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

3 parts Yarrow herb

3 parts Elder flowers

3 parts Meadowsweet herb

2 parts Cinnamon bark (cut or powdered)

1 part Cayenne Pepper

Infusion: 1/2 ñuð every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

http://www.herbs-med.com/ 2 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Hop flowers

1 part 1/2 ñuð every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

1 part Yarrow herb

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: 1/2 ñuð every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

1 part Sage leaves

1 part Rosemary leaves

1 part Peppermint leaves

Infusion: 1/2 ñuð every hour, not to exceed 3 cups per day

For external use:

Apply an essential oil with stimulant properties to the forehead or temples. Rub in a few drops of any oil such as Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Thyme or Ginger, or apply a commercial preparation such as Tiger Balm or Olbas Oil.

One of the most effective treatments for headache and migraine is often overlooked in this drug-conscious age: a hot bath. Take a bath at the hottest temperature you can comfortably stand, relaxing in it for 20-30 minutes with the lower body and limbs immersed. This treatment, which induces relaxation, sweating and the dilation of blood vessels in the lower body, has relieved severe headaches and even migraines unaffected by other treatments.

Many people find several of the above remedies effective for treating different types of headache, including migraine.

As a further note on migraine treatment, modern research has found that the use of Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) may provide significant relief in many cases.

Feverfew leaves

Typical dose: 1, 2 or 3 medium-sized leaves (fresh or dried) eaten daily as a preventive measure – same amount is also effective for some people if taken at the first sign of onset to prevent an attack. (N.B. A small percentage of people have an adverse reaction to Feverfew, typically with some irritation and/or slight ulceration of the mouth, in which case desist from taking the herb.)