This article will reveal three of the most effect remedies for natural migraine relief. It is estimated that over 27 million Americans have migraine attacks. These attacks can be described as moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head. The pain can be throbbing or pulsatile in nature. It is made worse by physical activity. There may be nausea but not necessarily vomiting. Increased sensitivity to sound or light is also common. About one fifth of people have what is called an aura. This is a sensory experience like flashing lights in the vision or tingling in the body.
With harsh side effects or poor results it is no wonder people are looking for natural migraine relief. Below we will detail three of the most popular non-drug options for natural migraine relief. These include the herb feverfew, and the supplements 5-HTP and magnesium.
Feverfew is a herb technically known as Tanacetum parthenium and has been used for over 100 years as a folk remedy in Europe for migraine, headache, arthritis, pain and fever. It gained popularity in England in the 1980s for providing natural migraine relief and an alternative to drugs.
A few studies have examined the effectiveness of feverfew as a natural migraine relief product. One study used 170 individuals with migraine and used placebo or feverfew. The feverfew group had a significant decrease in frequency of migraine by as much as nearly 2 per month. It must be cautioned that feverfew may interact with medications like aspirin and warfarin, which are blood thinning, and also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Individuals on these medications should consult their doctor before using feverfew.
5-Hydroxytryptophan also known as 5-HTP is a compound produced from an amino acid in the body called tryptophan. It is involved in the body to make the hormone melatonin and the neurotransmitter serotonin. As a natural migraine relief product it is available in supplement form, derived from the seeds of an African plant. It is based on the premise that serotonin supplements are used for migraines and is therefore an alternative to that.
Some research demonstrates that 5-HTP can help migraines and decrease their frequency and intensity but more studies are needed. There was a study with 124 individuals that place 5-HTP against a popular migraine drug over a period of 6 months. It was discovered to be as effective as the drugs in lessening severity and duration of migraines.
Magnesium is a very important mineral in the body. It is important for regulating blood sugar levels, functioning of muscle and nerves, heart rhythm, bone health, immune system and blood pressure. It is said to be involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. It can be found naturally in green leafy vegetables, seeds, whole grains and nuts. For natural migraine relief it is usually taken as a supplement.
A few studies on the effectiveness of magnesium as a natural migraine relief have been conducted showing good results. In one study 81 people with migraines were tested with oral magnesium or a placebo. After 2 months the magnesium group had a reduction in frequency of migraines by 40 percent. Some people may experience diarrhea or digestive irritation with magnesium supplementation.
If you are looking for safe and alternative natural migraine relief then the above recommendations should get you started. When introducing a new therapy be sure to keep all other variables the same and give it a good 12 week trial. That way you can be sure about the interaction the supplement has with your body and of the results that it may have contributed to.
For more hints and tips on natural migraine relief, visit author Peter Alexis’ website which is all about the quickest acting migraine medications.