3 Unique Natural Migraine Relief Remedies
The following article will discuss 3 of the best natural migraine relief cures. Studies show that more than 25 million people in America suffer from migraine. The symptoms may slightly vary but can be: moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head. The pain maybe described as pulsatile or throbbing. Pain is exacerbated by physical activity. Nausea can be present with or without vomiting and sensitivity to sound or light. About twenty percent of people with migraines will have a pre aura. This aura is an increased sensory experience such as a flash of light, blind spot in their vision or tingling in their arm or leg.
With harsh side effects or poor results it is no wonder people are looking for natural migraine relief. Below we will detail three of the most popular non-drug options for natural migraine relief. These include the herb feverfew, and the supplements 5-HTP and magnesium.
The herb Tanacetum parthenium also known as feverfew is a century old folk remedy that is commonly used in Europe for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain and fever. In England in the period of the 1980′s it had growing popularity for providing natural migraine relief.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of feverfew as a natural migraine relief product. A large study of 170 migraine sufferers who were given feverfew or a placebo, showed that after 2 months the feverfew group had a large decrease in frequency of their migraines. Feverfew can interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and some blood thinning medication so it must be cautioned to always consult your medical advisor before using feverfew.
5-Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5-HTP is a compound produced from an amino acid in the body called tryptophan. It is involved in the body to make the hormone melatonin and the neurotransmitter serotonin. As a natural migraine relief product it is available in supplement form, derived from the seeds of an African plant. It is based on the premise that serotonin supplements are used for migraines and is therefore an alternative to that.
Research has shown that 5-HTP can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency and intensity of migraines, although more research is certainly needed. One study showed 124 migraine sufferers studied by some taking 5-HTP and others a common migraine drug. During a six month period it was shown to be just as effective as the drug on the effect of intensity and length of migraines suffered.
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral found in foods like nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds and whole grains. It is also available in supplement form to provide natural migraine relief. It is a very important mineral being involved in over 300 biochemical reactions. It plays roles in regulating blood sugar levels, nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, the immune system, blood pressure and bone health.
A few studies on the effectiveness of magnesium as a natural migraine relief have been conducted showing good results. In one study 81 people with migraines were tested with oral magnesium or a placebo. After 2 months the magnesium group had a reduction in frequency of migraines by 40 percent. Some people may experience diarrhea or digestive irritation with magnesium supplementation.
If you are interested in alternative and safe natural migraine relief then the previously mentioned recommendations are a great starting point. Be sure to keep all things equal when trialing something to help your migraines, that way you can be sure that any positives or negatives can be attributed to the intervention. Also give a good time period of trial such as 3 months before making up your mind.