This weeks edition of HH101 focuses on natural remedies to one of the most common ailments known to man; headaches
By Nakeasha Johnson
Migraines affect about 14 million individuals daily according to the Migraine Research Foundation. They are responsible for American employers losing over $13 billion dollars annually as a result of lost work days. Migraines can be caused by certain foods or drinks, sleep deficiency, hormones etcetera. Migraines also tend to run in families. If one parent suffers from migraine, there is a 40% chance a child will suffer and if both parents suffer, the chance rises to 90%. During a migraine, other neurological symptoms occur before the actual head pain within 15 to 20% of migraine attacks. Attacks can usually last between 4 and 72 hours.
Natural solutions for migraines:
*Butterbur- Most butterbur herbal remedies use root extract in a pill form for the treatment of headaches and migraines.
*Peppermint- Peppermint oils active ingredient is menthol. Menthol has shown to be effective at stopping migraine pain and easing nausea
*Willow- A small pilot study found that willow extract combined with feverfew significantly reduced the frequency, intensity
*Ginger- A small study of an over-the-counter sublingual combination of feverfew and ginger effectively stopped or relieved migraine pain in the majority of participants
*Caffeine- it’s considered a useful and safe additive in pills for many migraine sufferers
*Valerian- is known as the all-heal. It was used to treat a multitude of ailments including headaches, heart palpitations, tremors, and anxiety.
*Lavender Oil- The aromatic flowers and their oil were used to treat everything from headaches and insomnia to mental health complaints such as stress and fatigue
*Feverfew- Eastern European cultures traditionally used feverfew for headaches, insect bites, and other pain.
*Honeysuckle- Has anticancer and antimicrobial powers. Research has also identified anti-inflammatory properties in the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers that can provide pain relief similar to that of aspirin, and may be effective against migraine pain.
*Yarrow- Yarrow has also been shown to have pain relieving, antianxiety and antimicrobial properties in initial research studies. The plant contains anti-inflammatory properties that may provide relief to migraine sufferers
Utilizing some of the above information will help you to ease the pain of migraines. I truly can understand how serious migraines can get for individuals. Needless to say, taking the extra steps to take care of yourself is important also. There are also plenty of over the counter medicines that assist with migraines as well, so explore all of your options before you make a choice. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @NakeashaJ
-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)
