How Feverfew Helps Provide Migraine Relief
A Natural Herbal Remedy for Migraine Headache
Apr 25, 2009
Migraine is an excruciating pain on one side of the head. Sometimes it is accompanied by visual disturbances and nausea. In most cases, it has a recurring theme, so a long-term treatment might be worth trying.
About Migraine
Migraine attacks occur when the blood vessels in the head suddenly constrict. This can be caused by hormonal surges, shifts in blood sugar levels and stress. Studies have found a connection between the frequency of migraines and the levels of prostaglandin in the body, contributing to migraine cause. Prostaglandins are a by-product of illness, injury, allergies and metabolic wastes. It is an indicator of the inflammatory response of the body that underlies inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Like cholesterol, the level of prostaglandins takes weeks to change hence a long-term treatment for migraine, such as an alkaline diet, can be significantly enhanced with Feverfew.
Feverfew and Migraine Prevention
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a garden herb that grows up to four feet tall. If cultivating in the garden, it is advisable to isolate it in a large pot, as it is vigorous and is hard to contain. The plant has yellow, daisy-like heads and the leaves have a bitter taste. The active ingredients in feverfew that inhibit the migraine are known as tanetin and parthenolide.
How Feverfew Works
These active ingredients have vaso-dialatory effects, rather like Aspirin or Ginkgo. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds which suppresses the prostaglandin production in the body. A study conducted in Britain on 270 volunteers who took feverfew resulted in seventy percent of the subjects noticing a significant improvement (University of Maryland, 2009). Further clinical trials might explain why so many people take feverfew.
How to Take Feverfew
Feverfew is a long-term migraine treatment so it is ineffective when taken only when migraine strikes. To reap the benefits, it must be taken every day. After a month or so, the frequency and intensity of the migraine is likely to show some improvement.
The leaves of the feverfew plant can be harvested two to three per day, and freeze-dried for the winter months. It can be eaten with a salad or even in a sandwich. It can be infused in a tea or as a tincture. In some people, the feverfew leaves might irritate the mouth, in which case, capsules might be the best course. 100 – 300 mg three times per day is the usual dosage.
Feverfew as Migraine Headache Treatment
This daisy-like herb has been used as a treatment to help prevent migraine for centuries and has shown to be an effective treatment for the prevention of this debilitating condition, as well as other inflammatory diseases. This is due to its anti inflammatory properties which inhibit prostaglandins. But as with any symptoms that might cause concern, it might be worth a visit to the GP to ensure there is not some other reason for the migraine attacks. Feverfew must also never be taken whilst pregnant.
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