Breaking the Headache Cycle Naturally

Nearly all of us will suffer from a headache during our lifetime, and those less fortunate will experience migraines. In fact, after back pain, headaches and common colds are the two main causes of sick leave for working Australians.

What happens during a migraine?

Migraines are thought to be triggered by a sudden narrowing (or vasoconstriction) of the blood vessels. The body attempts to correct this by widening the blood vessels, which causes intense pain. Most migraine sufferers experience certain symptoms before an attack, such as dizziness, visual disturbance, over-sensitivity to light, limb weakness, strange tastes in the mouth and detection of strange odours.

Causes of headaches and migraines

• Poor diet eating foods low in nutrients and eating irregularly can be triggers.
• Certain foods alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and dairy products, especially cheese.
• Stress noisy and polluted environments, a hectic lifestyle, accumulated fatigue and excessive worrying.
• Mild constipation can often give rise to dullness or heaviness in the head. When constipation is more chronic, headaches become more persistent.
• Hormones menstruation and hormonal fluctuations have been connected to headaches, which may be why women tend to suffer from headaches more than men.

Natural treatments

Certain herbs and nutrients can help to treat and manage migraines and related ailments. Here are some that are regularly prescribed by natural health practitioners:

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) , a herb with a long-held tradition for use in then prevention and relief of migraine headaches, helps to reduce the dilation of blood vessels and dampens pain. Take daily as a tea or as a nutritional supplement for a few months to help manage migraines. It’s recommended that you have an occasional break from use, gradually declining the dosage for about a month before the break. Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women and should not be given to children under the age of two.

Willow bark (Salix alba) is known to relieve headache symptoms and can also help with chronic pain, back and neck pain, muscle aches, arthritis and menstrual cramps. Willow bark contains salicylic acid, the active component in aspirin. Natural therapists believe willow bark is a better option than aspirin because it’s milder and less likely to trigger side effects such as stomach irritation or bleeding. Avoid taking willow bark if you are sensitive to aspirin or have tinnitus, and avoid its use in children under the age of 16 with a cold, the fl u or chicken pox.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin like substance produced in our bodies that is important for energy production in cells. Studies show migraines may be caused, at least in part, by an impairment of energy production. So migraines could presumably be improved by CoQ10 supplementation. In one study, 31 migraine sufferers were given 150 mg of CoQ10 per day for three months. The results showed sufferers experienced headaches less frequently and for a shorter period of time. The longer CoQ10 was taken, the more positive the effect.

If you find your symptoms persist, it would be wise to consult your healthcare professional.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au

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