Natural Remedies for Migraines

Feverfew and Butterbur

Posted by Traveler (Dallas, Tx) on 02/12/2014
★★★★☆

I came across Butterbur and Feverfew as recommendations for Migraines and decided to buy both for my husband who has migraines due to multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI.) Most people who write about treating migraines tend to have had them most of their life, or it's related to their menstrual cycles, so I didn't have high hopes. Previously, the only things that have worked for sure have been Botox (to freeze all the muscles along the skull front and back) or percocet (which pretty much works with everything but it's a pain to try to get that from the doctor's due to drug-seekers.) Otherwise, if he's lucky, at the start of a migraine, he can take 1600 milligrams (that's right, 8 200mg pills) and get it to go away. However, this doesn't always work, and on top of that his doctor warned him that he'd be at risk of renal failure if he happened to be dehydrated when taking such a dose. The doctor was otherwise worthless.

I've been giving him 3-4 Feverfew (380mg per pill) pills a day, and 3-4 Butterbur pills a day as well. It's not til now that I've realized the Butterbur has extra Feverfew thrown in. (ButterBur 75mg and Feverfew 200mg.) So far, it's been three days since he's had a headache or migraine. February 9th and 10th he had a headache (which is fairly unusual--he tends to get migraines every other day--sometimes everyday, sometimes only 2-3 times a week.) It's now the 12th-- so clearly not definitive at all, but I wanted to put this out there since it's promising so far. I plan on giving him these high doses until the two bottles run out (which I bought at the natural food store) and then buying online and bringing down the dose and seeing if a migraine shows up or not.

I've looked into overdosing and it's mainly digestive upset-- he hasn't had any of that.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/04/2013

To Bella from NY,

Re your migraines:

I've had them since I was about 16 years old. At that time was and continued to be under great stress. (Like most people.) My own migraine issue has caused me to be especially interested in cures.

Studied a great deal on migraines and conclude this: There is the "classic migraine" which manifests with blurred vision (the aura) and light sensitivity culminating in nausea and the headache lasting any length of time...as long as three days.

Many people have what they call migraines but in fact are not the classic form. Look for light sensitivity and narrowing vision when the migraine sets in. Then nausea.

There is a distinct and genetically driven personality type who is susceptible to CLASSIC migraines. When under great and or continued stress their body will quickly utilize and use up the B complex in their system especially niacin, B-3.

At that point there is a capillary collapse in the temporal region that especially effects the eyes. After first studying this phenomenon I realized that extra supplements of B-3 might forestall the migraines. And the niacin did work. I learned to take enough B-3 to barely be "flushed" and I'd know my system had sufficient B-3 to keep the migraines away. The B-3 was working to keep the capillaries dilated.

This worked for decades with me. But dealing with the flushing balance is a bit frustrating, requiring a needed "flush" at least once a week to make sure enough B-3 was present in my system. Then, about 15 years ago I read about the herb "feverfew." And to my delight I found that feverfew, if I take two a day, four or five times weekly will do the same as B-3.

If I run out of feverfew for a month or two, suddenly, I'm hit with a migraine.

Now that is the "classic" migraine description (aura/light sensitivity, nausea) and the theory that vitamin B-3 depletion is the (immediate) cause of the capillary collapse resulting in the attack.

There is another kind of continuous headache called cluster headaches and I have no experience on whether the same causative issues are at work there and whether using B-3 or feverfew might benefit those suffers.

There is a third kind of often occurring headache. More malevolent even than classic migraines. These might have developed after severe infection, typically to the upper regions of the body. That type of "migraine" (not Classic Migraine) might be caused by the virus migrating into the brain (viral meningitis) being the result. DMSO mixed 50/50 with Colloidal Silver and applied three times in a month would show the sufferer if the Silver might be working to kill the virus if indeed viral meningitis is the cause of that particular continuous headache. The application of the DMSO/ CS mix is topical to back of neck as a poultice using white paper towels (somewhat soaked). If this is going to work, a good indication would be that after the second application the sufferer will feel less nausea, be able to walk better without as much vertigo and will feel a surge of energy. Much more on this in other posts I've written on same subject here in EC.

Another kind of headache...neck injury and a chiropractor might be able to help. Be careful for the ones I call "neck twisters." In cases where the neck is hurt, usually the vertebrae (or muscles) will be bulging to one side of neck and pain will radiate down side of neck causing numbness often to hand on the injured side, causing neck and shoulder stiffness. Headaches will be common in this kind of condition because often the blood will be cut off from the base of the skull, and the brain will be deprived of oxygen. I said be careful for "neck twisters" which is where the Chiropractor puts you on your back and takes your head in his hands and twists, popping the vertebra. I believe this is counter productive in the long run IF YOU HAVE A CHRONIC condition. Rather, look for a chiropractor who will place you FACE DOWN and using what is called the "Pierce technique" adjust against the vertebra's bulging direction. This is "mechanics" when you think about it. If you can feel the vertebra coming bulging to the left in your neck (say C-1 or C-2) it makes no sense to twist the HEAD. No, instead the Chiropractor should be using a vibration machine for adjusting "against" the bulging vertebra. Using either a drop table (the drop is about one quarter of an inch, not much but enough to get the vertebra re aligned with the spine) or a hand held mechanism the result is better than the "twist" technique for long term results. One last thing, don't overlook the condition called "military neck' which is the loss of curvature in the neck around C-2 and C-3. This comes usually from reading a great deal. In that case, the Chiropractor puts the patient face down and the adjustment is straight down with the drop table. This can bring almost instant curvature back to the neck...in just a few adjustments. X-Ray comparison is remarkable.

But you must call to different Chiropractors to ask specifically how they adjust. Look for one that uses the Pierce technique...or ask if the Doctor uses a drop table where he presses against the impaired side of neck.

Chiropractic

Posted by Dave (Victoria, British Columbia) on 08/12/2013
★★★★★

As one of the most vivid memories of early childhood, migraine headaches have been a part of my life since the age of four. Luckily, they occurred about once a year until my teenage years when they came on with a vengeance, at least 4 times a year. In my twenties, I discovered foods were a trigger; usually coffee, chocolate and especially cheddar cheese, with the older the cheese, the more severe and quicker the onset of pain.

I tried acupuncture and new prescription glasses but get headaches persisted. In all fairness, acupuncture helped but with varying degrees of success. In my late forties, exercise was the new trigger, with intense running, pull-ups and even moderate yoga triggering the headaches.

Finally, my wife mentioned that her yoga teacher was a chiropractor and new exactly how to solve my headaches. After three short 10 minute visits to the chiropractor, cracking my spine in the neck and back, I am migraine free. Now I perform yoga twice a day and avoid my trigger foods and have been migraine free for three months.

Feverfew

Posted by David (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/15/2012
★★★★★

I've been suffering from migraines for 50 years. The solution for me and many others I've gotten onto this is simple: The herb feverfew. It is a natural dilator. I had used B3 for years but feverfew does not have the flush issue.

Take two tablets of feverfew every day until migraines subside, then every other day. If you are under lots of pressure (job, family etc) make sure you take two daily.

Feverfew works if the sufferer has a "classic" migraine; light halo, light sensitivity leading to blurred vision and usually nausea.

This is to be taken as a preventative not as a pill to be taken when the migraine is upon you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 09/28/2012
★★★★★

Yes the stuff is amazing for fixing the squigly lines and the throbbing headach after. If you take a capfull in the morning and evening the thing stays away permanently and if you forget for a week or two when you do get an attack its over with quickly and theirs no headache. Which only serves as a reminder to get back into the habit.

Chiropractic

Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I, too, signed up for one year of chiropractic adjustments to help prevent migraines. Started out at 3 times a week and would slowly decrease to just once a week (once you are 'adjusted', you need less 'adjusting' :) The first month, I had one of my worst migraines EVER! I decided that things are moving around and maybe I have to get a little worse before I can get a little better. The next month, 'normal' amount of migraines. The next month... A few more than usual. And, month four... WORST MIGRAINE MONTH EVER IN MY LIFE. The kicker is that I would walk into the clinic without a migraine. The chiropractor would knock me in the head with that 'miniature cattle knocker'. I would leave with a monster migraine starting. I let this go on for a month. It got to the point that I was getting a mild migraine out of nervousness to go see the chiropractor who was going to give me a migraine all in the efforts to PREVENT migraines. And I was paying for all this wonderfulness! Would you believe that I lost 8 months of money on that contract?? I signed it. I owed. Even though the services were harming me. I'm not saying dont try it, I'm just relating my experiences. I would suggest not signing a contract, though, at any rate, until you are sure youre headed in the right direction.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa) on 09/11/2012
★☆☆☆☆

I have suffered severe migraines since a car accident in 1994. Despite the onset being caused by trauma, I do still get the same 'classic' migraine symptoms as people who have not had a trauma. Of course, have seen every doctor and tried every drug available. My current cocktail has been a triptan - Relpax, four Advils, a Relpax 2 hours later (if needed), and Stadol (if the second Relpax fails). If I get to that point, I am in for 72 hours of hell.

A few days ago, I found the ACV cure and was so excited that I ran right out and bought organic ACV and organic honey. I almost wished for a headache to test it out. I was so positive it would work! Watch out what you wish for. A mere 2 days later and the familiar feeling in the right temple started. No worries. I can get rid of it easily! I mixed 2tsp ACV and 1tsp honey in 8ozs warm water. (Ugh! ) Went up to bed. Forty five minutes later, husband noticed I was agitated from pain. "Your new thing didnt work?" Me, "Not yet. " I just knew that if I could go to sleep that it would be gone by morning. My positive attitude had to count for something, right? No. At 2:00AM, I was up to a level 8/9. It was almost as if I had drank wine (one of my worst triggers) Two rounds of Relpax and 1200mg's of Advil... Four hours later... and sleep finally came.

Ok, I am willing to try it again... Even though I feel like the ACV actually exacerbated my condition! I dont think I used enough ACV. I thought I remembered it being 2tsp, but now I see that people are using 2 and 3 TBSP. I will give an update after I try it again.

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the honey? Is it to make the whole sour cocktail more palatable? Or is there an actual purpose for it?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012

I tried it again last night. Felt the migraine coming on. After a couple of hours, it was worse. I took the appropriate amount of ACV. Migraine actually got worse. An hour later, I tried a second 'dose'. Fast forward another hour. Migraine getting out of control... Level 8 . Took Relpax (triptan) and four Advil. Another hour later, headache under control. I really wanted to join the majority on this miracle ACV cure, but it just doesnt work for me. It actually worsens the migraine as if I had drank wine or champagne.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Joedietz (Cedarburg, Wisconsin) on 05/01/2012
★★★★★

I have not had a migraine for 15 years. Last night I started getting the blind spots and flashing lights in my vision that usually precurser my migraines. I went to earth clinic and found the ACV recommendation. I took 2-3 tablespoons with honey in 8oz water right away and the vision impairment went away and I never got a headache. Thanks!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Binu (Bangalore, Karnataka, India) on 01/01/2012
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar with honey is a wonder drug for Migraine. I used to get severe migraine attacks during sleep and usually wake up with pain. The pain and nausea will extend to 2 days.

This remedy gives instant relief from pain and I am feeling better.

Thnx, binu

Oats

Posted by Zee (Johor Bahru, Malaysia) on 12/20/2010
★★★★★

I too suffer red from menstrual migraine a week before and after my period for the past 20 years. One day I had a sudden urge to eat oats. So I started taking it every morning for breakfast for 2 weeks. When my menstrual cycle came, the migraine was completely gone. I also make sure that I have enough sleep cos lack of sleep would also trigger the migraine.

Migraine Triggers: Food

Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 06/16/2010 84 posts

Hi, Jackie, Good news and bad news. Bad news first. You have probably already discovered this - buying organic food or good supplements (without fillers) in this country is hard unless you buy on the internet. I personally don't like doing this. But there are some good shopkeepers willing to help if you do the research for them. Farmers cannnot sell direct here because of insurance problems but some health shops will order for customers.
Good news. I followed this regime back in '95. I had severe IBSb(bleeding) chronic candida, headaches and general malaise. I could tell you where every toilet in the south of the country was as I was always having to stop a few times on any journey.

A friend was studying acupuncture and asked if I would go to him as a case study. The day before that my cervical smear had come back positive. Now I was looking at camera's being put up and down - and - my privates being poked at. So I ran for it. He and his instructor recommended that I see a nutritionist. I was a bit wary because we were just coming out of the days when nutritionists would recommend "egg and grapefruit" diets for losing weight.

Anyway the following was what she recommended.

Supplements - Vitamin E. (for help with healing)

Preferably all organic but not necessarily.

Breakfast - Porridge with water or red grapes

Lunch - homemade vegetable soup with homemade brown bread or brown scones

Dinner - chicken, fish or lamb - boiled, steamed or grilled only. Carrots, broccolli and potatoes boiled, steamed or grilled only.

For drinks and snacks - Water, black tea and more grapes.

No sauces or salt or sugar. What you see above is it.

The recomendation was to follow this for two and a half to three weeks then slowly start to re-introduce food i.e one at a time and if there was a reaction go back to basics for a few days then re-introduce another food.

It was daunting and the first three days I felt awful(detox) and dreaded mealtimes as my family were having lovely "normal" meals. By day 4 I knew this was working. By day 7 if I had been told to stay on this for the rest of my life I would have done it gladly. After 2 weeks my family all started to follow this regime because the transformation was obvious. The house had its toilet back. I felt so good that I only introduced 1 or 2 foods a weeks to see if I had a reaction but didn't eat them again and stayed eating that way for 4 months. Turned out my main intolerances are milk and mushrooms. I can drink milk or I can eat mushrooms. Put the two together and I get diarrhea and headaches within an hour and then for about two days everything I eat upsets my stomach.

Sorry to other readers that this is so long. This regime may not be perfect but as a working person this was accessable and easy to implement.

Iodine

Posted by Lynn (South Carolina, Sc) on 03/27/2010
★★★★☆

I get migraines. I typically get from 2 to 4 per month, and they can last up to 4 days. Often, they don't respond to either OTC pain relievers or prescribed tablets. For some reason, when I get a migraine, I crave salt. I thought it might be the iodine my body wanted, so I tried 6 drops of iodine solution in a glass of water. While it didn't cure my migraine, it did provide immediate relief, and as a bonus, I noticed I could breate more clearly, think more clearly, and had more energy. Don't know what the reason could be, but these results are consistent.

Water

Posted by Ron (Emporia, Kansas) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★

Migraines...Water

I got this information from studying Carey Reams in the early 1980s. He had been one of the leading experts in soils and minerals for the Department of Agriculture.

Many people get migraines because they are low on water (dehydrated).

A Simple Test:
* When you have a migraine headache or feel one coming on = drink three (3) glasses of regular
clean water (8 ounces each) one right after the other.
* Wait for 30 minutes.
* If after 30 minutes your migraine is gone or much better = you were dehydrated.

Many people substitute tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. for water because they do seem to satisfy the thirst. But, these are chemically different than water and affect the body differently than water.

I have known many people who complained they had a migraine. Most of the time this test worked.

Ice Pack

Posted by Karina (Munich, Bavaria, Germany) on 01/10/2010
★★★★★

YEA - ...I was so close to take a headache tablet and in the last moment I decided to get a cool pack. I am amazed how well it worked - within 10 min. I felt relieve and as if my brain calmed down. Thank you so much for this remedy I will definitely pass it on...it is very relaxing!

Ice Pack

Posted by Breann (St. Louis, Mo) on 01/11/2010
★★★★★

I am a faithful reader of Earth Clinic. I saw this post regarding migraines and the use of a cool pack. I passed it along to my mom, who suffers from migraines multiple times per week. She tried it with her last episode, and she said it helped substantially. Thanks, EC!

Ice Pack

Posted by Michelle (Brunswick, Ga, Usa) on 03/23/2010
★★★★☆

I am currently sitting here, unable to sleep due to a rapid onset of a migraine. Did I mention the carrots? LOL! I don't have an ice pack (you can bet I am buying one tomorrow!) right now, but what I do have is my son's bag of carrots-fresh out of the fridge-on the back of my neck at the base of the skull. I am staring to feel some relief (it's been about 5 minutes), and I am pretty sure that if I raid the fridge for more produce, I may actually be able to go to bed soon! I have suffered with migraines since puberty (I'm 34 now and am post total hysterectomy, so I know it's not the hormones anymore) and I never thought that I could get such fast relief! Thank you EC and those that post what works for them!

Ice Pack

Posted by Kathy (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/08/2012
★★★★★

Along with the cold pack on the neck I put my feet in a bathtub with hot water, as hot as I can stand it. After about 10 min the migraine starts to melt away.... Ahhhh relief!

Ice Pack

Posted by Misty (San Antonio) on 02/23/2017
★★★☆☆

This feels good while doing it but when the ice pack comes off, the migraine comes back.

Migraines and Herpes Virus

Posted by Harmonious1 (Alamogordo, New Mexico) on 09/29/2009

Migraine and Herpes virus connected?

Hi Earth Clinic:

I just found out that there is a connection between some migraines and the herpes virus, which is a frequent visitor to so many of us.

I started taking low dose naltrexone and my herpes outbreaks gradually went away. My migraines became very infrequent and when they do come, they are changed, more manageable and tolerable. Still very painful. Now I have to avoid light and I vomit.

I had a hunch (maybe because of the changes) so I started searching online and found out that herpes can cause migraine, and something called herpes meningitis. Also herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal if not treated in time.

Here is a clip of some text I found:

Herpes Meningitis.

Herpes meningitis occurs in 4% to 8% of cases of primary genital HSV-2, and women are more likely to develop it than men are. Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, herpes meningitis is self-limited, lasting for only two to seven days. Neurologic consequences are rare, but recurrences have been reported.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes meningitis"&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g7

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes encephalitis"&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10

Anyway, my question is this: Should there be a page for this, so that it can be discussed, and those with migraines could learn that it exists? I searched the site and there is no connection anywhere that I could find between herpes and migraine.

Just a suggestion.
Thanks for this site. It is super!

Migraines and Herpes Virus

Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 03/26/2015

here is a link to a comment I added concerning migraines and herpes. This may help some people.

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/trigeminal-neuralgia-treatment4.html#zapper

Amalgam Fillings Removed

Posted by Alison (Magherafelt, Northern Ireland) on 08/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I was 50 when I had my amalgam fillings removed. I did not see any benefit to having them removed and was later informed that once you have amalgam fillings it is best to keep them as having them removed causes a lot of mercury to be released into the body system. I chose to have them removed on the suggestion of an naturopath who I was attending because I suffered from migraine. Didn't help with migraines.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jessica (Duluth, MN) on 07/17/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I wanted to put my two cents in regarding Apple Cider Vinegar for migraines: I have had migraines all my adult life and have been on various medications for them, some of which worked somewhat and some which didn't. In recent years I've tried natural remedies as well, and several months back read about ACV for migraines. I began drinking 2T in warm water with honey, and drank it every day for two months. In addition, when a migraine came on during that time, I chugged a glass of the same mixture. I am sorry to say neither method worked in the least bit. I have had luck with ACV for dermatological issues and as a hair conditioner, but for migraines and (my son's) asthma, it didn't work at all. I'm glad it's a cure all for some, and really wish it had worked for us. Oh well!

Marjoram Tea

Posted by Andrea (Highlands Ranch, CO) on 06/04/2009
★★★★★

Marjoram tea relieved my migrain. I have suffered from migrains for over 20 years and have tried most medicines OTC and prescription out there. I know most of my triggers but sometimes one will sneak up on me anyway. I found a remedy online a few years back and now it's all I use. I steep 1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons of marjoram in a small 2 cup tea pot and drink it strait up. It doesn't taste the best but after one cup I find relief from the pain and the foggy head feeling. I buy mine in the spice aisle at the grocery store, some stores carry it cheap in a bag- that works too.

Supplements

Posted by Kat (Lax, Ca) on 04/02/2011
★★★★★

Once I hit my early fourties I notices I started having migraines every month, some would last for over three days! Anyhow, I noticed it was right around the time of my cycle. I've seen all the specialist and tried some things. I really wanted something easy and natural, that I can take when I'm traveling. A Naturopathic medicine doctor , she suggested BUTTERBUR extract. I take a few when I feel the slight pressure in my head, and I know it is an early sign of migraine coming on. Anyhow, BUTTERBUR extract apparently increases circulation in the brain. This has been truly amazing! No more migraines! Hopefully, BUTTERBUR extract will help other be cured of migraines.

Air Purifier

Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan) on 04/17/2009
★★★★★

I bought my daughter a very good air purifier with multiple filtration system and it cut her migraines back to next to none from almost constant.

Feverfew

Posted by Leslie (Inverness, CA) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★

Feverfew, which is an herb has cured my migraines. You can either grow the stuff, chop it up (a tablespoon's worth) and add it to a cup of hot water to make a tea. Or you can buy it in the health food store in tincture form. Don't buy the dried because it doesn't work. Add a few drops of the tincture to a cup of hot water and drink up. You can drink the tea just a migraine is coming on or drink it as a preventative. It's a nice tasting, soothing tea.