Migraine headaches are distinguished from the more common tension-type headache by their throbbing component often associated with nausea and visual disturbance. People with migraines have an increased sensitivity to a wide range of stimuli from certain foods to noise to bright lights. A center in the nervous system deep in the brainstem seems to lose its equilibrium triggering the pain and blood vessel changes.
Adding a quality fish oil supplement can make a huge difference to your migraine problems. Studies show that omega 3 fish oils have incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Taking 3-4 capsules daily or at the first indication of a migraine has actually minimized or may prevent it from happening.
Modern studies have suggested that the plant works by quieting spasms in some muscle tissues, including the walls of blood vessels, and by reducing inflammation. The plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional herbal remedy believed to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Clinical trials have been carried out, and appear to confirm that the effect is genuine (though it does not completely prevent attacks). Magnesium citrate has been shown to reduced the frequency of migraine in a controlled experiment. After taking magnesium citrate for 9-12 weeks, the frequency of attacks was reduced by over 40%. Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers of migraines. In a well-controlled trial results showed that the number of day’s people suffered with migraine was cut in half, a full 50% reduction. It is often more effective than most prescription medications for migraine. Less than 1% of people trying Q10 reported any side effects.
Homeopathic Remedies
Top Homeopathic Choices include:
Belladonna: For migraines that start in the back of the skull or upper neck and spread to the forehead and temple (especially on the right side) may indicate a need for this remedy. Pain is throbbing or pounding and worse from jarring, light, and noise. Headaches often begin in late morning or afternoon, and may be worst at 3.00 p.m. The pupils may be dilated, with sensitivity to light, and the person may either feel delirious or drowsy.
Bryonia: This remedy can be helpful if a person has a heavy or “splitting” headache, with steady pain that settles over one eye (especially the left) or spreads to the entire head. Pain is worse from any motion, even from moving the eyes, and the person wants to lay completely still and not be talked to or disturbed. The person can have a very dry mouth and usually is thirsty.
Natrum muriaticum: Migraines (often on the right) that are worse from grief or emotional upsets, worse from too much sun, or occur just before or after the menstrual period, are likely to respond to this remedy. The headache feels like “a thousand little hammers were knocking on the brain” and is often worse from eyestrain. The person may have numb or tingling feelings in the lips or face before the headache starts.
Spigelia: Excruciating headaches on the left side of the head, with violent throbbing, or stitching pains above or through the eyeball, may respond to this remedy. Pain may extend through the face and is worse from motion, touch, position changes, and jarring. The person may feel better from lying on the right side with the head supported, and keeping still.
