Natural Cures for Headaches
Natural Cures for Headaches
It is estimated that 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Migraines can last for hours and are usually excruciating. If you are one of the millions who experience migraines, you are probably searching for a cure. There are over the counter medications, prescription drugs and even natural cures for headaches. Taking the natural route is appealing for many people who have had little success with other treatment options and those who prefer natural remedies over synthetic drugs. Before trying any type of remedy on your own, consult your doctor. Some herbs may interact with other medications or have an effect on certain medical conditions so it’s important to get the approval of your physician.
One natural remedy that may have an effect on the frequency and severity of migraine headaches is vitamin B6, also known as riboflavin. There have been several clinical trials done, one suggested that daily doses of 400mg over a three month period did the trick, while others pointed towards doses as low as 25 mg being just as effective. Because this vitamin is inexpensive, safe when taken in appropriate doses and readily available, it is often used in conjunction with other treatments.
If you are interested in herbal remedies for headaches, take a look at feverfew. This herb should not be used if you are allergic to any flowers in the daisy family. Studies have shown that feverfew taken under the tongue may reduce the duration and severity of migraine, however there have not been enough clinical trials done on this herb to make a definitive statement on its effectiveness. Another herb to consider is called butterbur, in the same ragweed family as feverfew. This herb also has a reputation as a migraine preventative and may also have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
There are a variety of other natural cures for headaches you may want to investigate. For example, acupuncture may be effective in some cases. It is used for a variety of conditions and involves the placement of extremely thin needles along specific meridians of the body. Most people report that acupuncture is painless despite the involvement of needles. Biofeedback may also be helpful for some, which teaches mind-body control using a device called a biofeedback machine until the skill becomes second nature. While not a treatment but a preventative measure, the avoidance of migraine triggers may also help the frequency of occurrences.
