Less Known Migraine Herbal Remedies

With all the buzz about new meds for migraine, it's been a while since we've talked about herbal remedies - some of which have been used for centuries.

You've probably heard of some of the more common ones. Feverfew, butterbur, lavendar and ginger would be typical examples.

But a recent survey of herbal remedies gives us the chance to look at some lesser-known migraine-fighting herbs.

Coriander/Cilantro: Let's clear one thing up right now. Coriander and cilantro are two names for the same thing. However, in my circles we usually talk coriander when we're talking about the seeds of the plant.

If you've heard anything about the health benefits of cilantro, it's probably been ridding the body of heavy metals. But it also may help with neurological inflammation, sleep issues, anxiety, and lowering blood sugar levels.

Cilantro is often used in alcoholic beverages, sometimes in a sugar syrup. That is not what you want for migraine!

This study actually used a pure extract made from the seeds (this is a seed extract) (remember, this is not a sugar syrup!). Taken three times a day, it served as an effective preventative. Whether or not extract from the leaves would do the same is unknown.

Note: You may want to build up slowly to a daily dose. Taking too much too quickly has been known to trigger headaches.

Coriander/cilantro is a wonderful addition to your diet, and is used in spices such as garam masala.

More on the benefits of cilantro/coriander.

Valerian: You've heard of valerian as a sleep aid, but it's also a traditional migraine remedy. One study did add valarian to sodium valproate preventative treatment, and there was an improvement. And of course there is anecdotal evidence that is works for some people.

Combinations: The report also mentioned an unusual combination - coriander, rose, and wood violet (coriandrum sativum, rosa damascena and viola odorata). Wood violet was a new one to me, but it has been used for insomnia (many herbs used for insomnia or anxiety seem to help some people with migraine). Rose oil we've talked about before - and it may indeed help, but it's very expensive.

The report also mentioned a common one - magnesium, feverfew and coenzyme Q10 (more on magnesium combos).

Final thoughts: Admittedly, these are unusual herbs for a reason - lack of study, and possibly expense. And they probably won't be the first you'll want to try.

However, there are some good reasons why you might want to give them a second look. For one things, coriander/cilantro is easy to add to your diet in a variety of ways, even if you don't get serious about the extract. Or you may just love the smell of rose essential oil, and it picks up your mood.

You also may find that you have additional health concerns that these may help with anyway. Insomnia (valerian). Risk of Alzheimer's disease (coriander). So you may have other reasons to build these into your life. And you might just find along the way that you're having fewer migraine attacks.

Say what?! Tincture

Discussing extracts and oils, you might come across the word "tincture". Tincture usually refers to a substance that is mixed with an alcohol base (ethanol). Migraine patients may want to avoid the alcohol base. Note that some products still generally use the word "tincture" even though they are alcohol-free, so be sure to read the label.

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