Natural Headache Remedies
March/April 2007
Linda B. White, M.D.
Almost everyone gets headaches. The good news is that many
natural remedies can reduce headache pain and better yet, prevent
it.
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NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Small clinical trials support the use of three supplements to
thwart headache pain: magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and
coenzyme Q10.
Magnesium. Research shows that intravenous
magnesium helps break migraine and cluster headaches (rare, severe
and primarily afflict men), particularly in those with low levels
of this mineral. Other trials also have shown that oral magnesium
may help prevent headaches. Magnesium deficiency is particularly
common in women with menstrual migraines. Patients with migraines
can take 400 to 600 milligrams a day of magnesium oxide, as this
form is effective and inexpensive.
Riboflavin. The research on riboflavin is less
extensive, but nonetheless encouraging. In an open-label trial (no
placebo control group), 400 milligrams a day for six months cut
migraine headache frequency in half and decreased medication use.
Another study showed that three months of riboflavin led to a 50
percent improvement in almost 60 percent of the volunteers, versus
a 15 percent improvement over the people taking a dummy pill.
Coenzyme Q10. This a vitaminlike substance
participates in mitochondrial energy production. When 42 migrain
sufferers took either coenzyme Q10 (100 milligrams three times a
day) or a placebo, the supplement significantly reduced the
frequency of attacks.
HELPFUL HERBS
Feverfew looks like a tiny daisy and, in fact, comes from the same
tribe of plants (Asteraceae). Out of eight studies on feverfew's
ability to prevent migraines, most found some degree of benefit. In
a recent, well-designed clinical trial, 170 German patients took a
placebo pill or an extract of feverfew for 16 weeks. Those taking
feverfew had significantly fewer migraines. Feverfew is usually
taken daily to prevent, rather than treat, migraines. If you do
take feverfew long-term, know that there have been some reports of
rebound headaches upon discontinuing the herb. Herbal experts often
recommend tapering off the dose.
Butterbur also is a member of the Asteraceae family.
Traditionally used to treat spasms in the respiratory and digestive
tract, the leaves and rhizomes contain petasin, which relaxes
smooth muscle tissue and also inhibits the formation of
inflammatory substances called leukotrienes. The plant also
contains liver toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), so it's
important to choose a formula that's PA-free. Three clinical trials
(including one in children and teens) have shown that this herb,
taken preventively, safely and effectively reduces the number of
migraines. Benefits become obvious at about four weeks.