Migraine is an intensely painful headache that is commonly preceded by an aura or visual disturbances such as flashing lights, wavy lines or even a temporary blindness, and progressing to a pulsating, throbbing pain that can spread around the eyes, the temple, the face and the neck. The pain is so intense, it can be nauseating. Typically, a patient in migraine attack is extremely sensitive to light, sound and smell and can't bear even the touch of a comb on the scalp.
Possible Causes
Medical research has indicated that migraine can be triggered by diet, anxiety, lack of sleep, stress, too much exposure to light, hormonal change, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of exercise.
Help from Spices
Many patients are turning to herbs and spices in their search for relief from the pain of migraine. Here are some herbs and spices that have provided relief and comfort to migraine sufferers:
Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), or sweet bay, is a culinary herb that is derived from leaves, fruit or oil of the shrub Laurus Nobilis. One of the strongest oils in aromatherapy, it is used as a pain reliever for arthritis, lower back pain, sore muscles and migraine.
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum minimum), or bird pepper, is a spicy herb that comes raw, dried, or as a massage balm or capsule. It contains the disinfectant-stimulant capsaicin, which acts by reducing the concentration of substance "P"--the primary chemical used by the nerve cells to transmit pain signals--as it stimulates the flow of blood in the affected area. Cayenne is a home-grown plant in most temperate zones.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), an herb derived from the arial parts of the feverfew plant of the sunflower family, comes in the form of dried or fresh herb, tea, extract or capsule. It is best known for preventing spasms in the blood vessels in the head, thus preventing and alleviating migraine. Feverfew's mild tranquilizing effect works best for headaches caused by tension and fatigue. Regular intake of this herb can reduce migraine attacks substantially.
Butterbur (Petasites vulgaris) root extract has been found by modern research to be useful in preventing migraines and asthma. As a stimulant, it acts by reducing spasms in muscle tissues, including blood vessels. Trials of the root extract have shown that migraine symptoms can be reduced by as much as 40 percent.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), a potent anti-inflammatory herb, has properties that can improve blood circulation, relax the blood vessels and reduce the presence of pain-inducing prostaglandins. Taking a slice of fresh ginger root every day can alleviate the pain from migraine.
Doctor's Advice
A majority of migraine sufferers cannot function normally during a migraine attack. If the pain is getting worse, there is no substitute for professional medical attention.
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