SITE MAP

NOTE:
The amount of active or main ingredient in a standardised herbal product is often expressed as a %
e.g. Milk thistle standardised 80% silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle)  means that  80% of the extract contains that ingredient, the other 20% being fillers, binders or other substances. So, 150mg dose of milk thistle that is standardised to 80% silymarin contains 120mg of silymarin (150 X 0.08 = 120)


Vitamin B6  is used in the brain to increase serotonin levels, so  a good intake of dietary B6  may relieve migraine even if you are not deficient in it.
Potatoes, bananas, avocados  fish, poultry, chickpeas,
RDA  for B6 is 2mg

MINERALS
Even though the underlying reasons are not yet fully understood certain minerals, particularly magnesium, calcium and iron appear to play a role in both preventing and easing migraine and tension headaches.  Migraine sufferers often have low levels of magnesium in their brain cells.
Magnesium – nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, shellfish, and breakfast cereals are all rich sources.
Nuts, however are high in fat so it’s better to get most of your magnesium from other sources.
RDA for magnesium is 300mg
Calcium – Dairy foods are the best source, with skimmed milk at the top of the list. Once again the fat factor must be watched. Broccoli, Swiss chard, tinned salmon, sardines (eaten with soft bones) are also high calcium non-dairy options.
RDA for calcium is 800mg
Iron -  Is it possible that you are anaemic? As you know lack of iron will cause anaemia, a condition in which the body does nor receive enough oxygen. In an attempt to compensate blood vessels dilate to admit more blood. This dilation compresses the nerves in the walls of the vessels, which causes the pain to occur. So consuming more iron may indirectly relieve headaches by treating the anaemia.
Iron requires vitamin C for absorption so take it with a glass of orange juice or other vitamin C rich foods. Foods rich in iron include, beef, liver, clams, oysters, mussels, beans, peas, leafy vegetables, dried fruits like apricots and raisins. Breakfast cereals and wheat bran are also good sources.
RDA for iron 14mg

Feverfew – Inhibits the production of prostaglandins  (substances that cause pain and inflammation in blood vessels). Medical literature reports that feverfew works for about two-thirds of sufferers who use it consistently. British Medical Journal agrees that taking feverfew regularly prevents migraine attacks, but won’t relieve one once it has occurred. Fresh leaves can be eaten, 1- 4 leaves daily, but they don’t taste very nice and a small percentage of people, 10 – 18% get mouth ulcers and/or inflammation of the mouth and tongue. The easiest way to take feverfew is in capsule form from a health food shop.. The experiences of migraine suffers in the British study underlines the importance of taking feverfew daily over a long period of time.
A dose of 250mg daily is normally taken. Note: look for feverfew tablets or capsules made from the herb Tanacetum Parthenium and standardised to contain at least 0.4% parthenolide
Feverfew should not be taken by pregnant or breast feeding women.  Also long term users have sometimes reported a mild sedative effect. This may or may not be welcome
Ginger - Another natural remedy drink is ginger tea. Researchers at Odense University believe that ginger blocks the action of prostaglandins.  It might help prevent an impending migraine with out the side effects of some migraine relieving drugs.
Use and inch or so of fresh ginger root, grated or pushed through a garlic press, steeped in boiling water for 5 minutes. Add a little honey for flavour if preferred sweetened. By the way, ginger tea with honey and fresh lemon juice gives the most efficient natural relief for coughs, colds, sore throats and all types of chesty problems.
Lemon balm (Melissa) – This herb can be helpful in treating migraine, according to Norman G, Bisset, Ph.D.,proffessor of pharmacy at King’s  College University of London. Commission E also endorses this herb for this use.
Recommended dose is tea made with two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water, steeped until cool.

The information contained in these pages is intended only as a layman’s guide.
It is not intended for use in place of conventional medicines but only as a back up.
I strongly recommend that you discuss it with your G.P. before starting any course of supplements or alterative therapy

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