ANTI-HEADACHE TECHNIQUE #6: HERBAL RELIEF FOR MIGRAINE PAIN

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 | Herbal

Feverfew is the only herb to have been scientifically validated as an effective headache remedy. Two studies conducted at the City of London Migraine Clinic in England have suggested that feverfew is effective in reducing severity and frequency of migraine.

In the first study, researchers analyzed questionnaires from 300 migraine sufferers who had been taking feverfew daily for an average period of two and a half years. Since taking feverfew, 30 percent reported complete cessation of all headaches, 70 percent reported that attacks were less frequent and less painful, and 40 percent reported less muscular pain and better sleep. Most respondents were consuming feverfew in its natural leaf form, eating three small leaves or one large leaf daily.

In the second study, 17 people were selected from 270 chronic migraine sufferers, each of whom had been taking feverfew daily in the form of fresh leaves for at least three months.

Eight of the selected patients continued to take freeze-dried feverfew in capsule form while the remaining 9 patients received a placebo. Six months later, patients receiving the placebo were suffering an average of 3.4 migraines per month, and those receiving feverfew only 1.5 per month.

After the study, all 17 patients were given placebos and within a few weeks, all were experiencing ah average 3.43 headaches per month. Still later, all returned to taking feverfew and their headache average dropped back to only 1.5 per month.

In reporting the study in the British Medical Journal (August 31, 1985), the authors concluded that feverfew taken prophylactically can undoubtedly prevent migraine attack. But, they added, it is not known with certainty that feverfew is safe for long-term use. Nor does feverfew help everyone.