Migraine is a pathology characterized by violent headaches that occur in attacks, more or less frequent, lasting from 4 to 72 hours. People suffering from migraine usually take attack medications (triptan) and background medications, but the latter can be a source of complications or side effects on.
Today more and more patients are turning to natural treatments and plants can be an excellent alternative to relieve migraine attacks.
Migraine is characterized by inflammation of the meninges and hyperexcitability of the brain. To relieve migraine, it is preferable to act on these two mechanisms. Thus, we will preferentially use plants with an anti-inflammatory effect and those with a calming effect on the brain.
Plants with an anti-inflammatory effect to relieve migraine:
An anti-inflammatory effect helps reduce symptoms associated with the headache phase (head pain), which consists of inflammation of the meninges, the covering of the brain.
Many plants have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect:
- The white willow ( Salix Alba) : used in medicine since nearly 2000, white willow is known to be an excellent pain reliever, especially against headaches and migraines. Its bark contains salicin: the pharmacological effect of white willow is partly due to this molecule. Several studies have proven its effectiveness in humans. White willow bark is used in the form of a dry plant, in capsules, in dry or liquid extracts. To benefit from its benefits, you can take 2 to 3g of white willow bark as an infusion, several times a day.
- Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium or Chrysanthemum parthenium) is the emblematic plant for migraines and headaches. It is often the fresh or dried leaves that are used. It is mainly thanks to parthenolides that feverfew has a pharmacological effect. Taken as a basic treatment over several months, it would reduce the frequency of attacks and the associated nausea and vomiting. Be careful not to confuse feverfew with other varieties of chamomile: they do not have the same properties! It can be consumed as a herbal tea at a rate of one teaspoon in the morning.
HERBA MIG and MIG SPRAY are two new preventive treatments for migraine attacks that use white willow, feverfew and their active ingredients!
- Turmeric (curcuma longa) : Several studies have proven the effectiveness of curcumin (one of the active ingredients in turmeric) in treating migraine. Indeed, curcumin would act on the production of the substance linked to headaches. In order to feel the benefits of this spice, it is recommended to consume 3 teaspoons per day.
- Ginger ( Zingiber officinale): This medicinal plant is known for its many virtues and is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine . In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the intensity of migraine attacks, ginger is also known to fight nausea and vomiting. This plant can be consumed as an infusion with dried or freshly grated ginger. You can also directly consume its rhizomes.
- Wintergreen ( g aultheria procumbens ): This plant has the particularity of inhibiting TRPV1 receptors which play a major role in the transmission of pain to the brain. Thus, wintergreen soothes migraine-related pain. To benefit from its benefits, wintergreen is used as an essential oil by local application. To increase its effectiveness, it can also be used in massage: thanks to the movements and therapeutic effects of wintergreen, massage is very effective in relieving painful headaches.
- Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) : This plant contains many active ingredients such as harpagoside, phenols and flavonoids which give it anti-inflammatory properties. Devil's claw can be consumed as a herbal tea from its roots. There are also fresh plant extracts or capsules.
Plants with a calming effect:
Other plants, for their part, will have a calming effect on migraines.
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- St. John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) : Also called St. John's Wort, St. John's Wort was traditionally used to ward off evil spirits. Today, it is found to have a calming effect, thanks in particular to hyperforin, one of its active ingredients. It is effective in treating mild depression, improving sleep quality or reducing stress. Thus, St. John's Wort helps to relax the body so that it feels soothed. The parts used are the flowering tops. You can take St. John's Wort capsules of dry extracts or liquid extracts. However, St. John's Wort should never be combined with traditional antidepressants, otherwise there may be an interaction.
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- Saffron ( crocus sativus) , nicknamed “red gold” because of its price, this spice contributes to nervous balance to combat stress and emotional fragility. Saffron also helps promote relaxation and improve sleep. It is the saffron filaments that contain these properties. It can be consumed in cooking or as an infusion.
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- Ginseng ( Panax Ginseng ) is an ancestral plant known for its many virtues: it increases muscle oxygenation and strengthens the immune system. Ginseng is often used in infusion, liquid extracts or capsules.
Even though all these plants are natural, they can still be dangerous: you should not consume them excessively and not take them if you are allergic.