JUNE NEWSLETTER

  3430-D Anderson Hwy. , Powhatan , VA   23139

(804) 598-5352; www.herbalconsultant.com

HEADACHES

Some headaches are just annoyances.  Others, like migraines, can be debilitating.  One thing’s a given – there are very few people who haven’t had a headache of one kind or another at least once in their lifetimes. 

 There are literally hundreds of reasons people get a headache.  I get a headache when the atmospheric pressure drops!  Stress, muscle tension, hunger and sinus problems are the most common triggers.  Allergies to foods, pollens, mold, dust and animals will often make our heads ache.  Caffeine can induce headaches in some people and so can chocolate, cheeses and nuts.  Hormonal changes (PMS, menopause) may cause headaches in some women and lack of sleep can lead to headaches.  Often, people with high blood pressure will experience frequent headaches, as will those who suffer from eyestrain.  The possibilities are endless.  Severe headaches may be caused by other, more serious diseases, injuries, circulatory issues or neurological problems, so frequent or debilitating headaches should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional before you seek treatment.

 There are plenty of safe and natural remedies available to treat headaches.  Here are a few that can help relieve the pain or even prevent the headaches from starting:

 1.    Willow bark – This herb from the willow tree was the original source of salicylic acid which was used to make aspirin.  (Aspirin is now made synthetically.)  Willow bark acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.  Do not use if you take a daily therapeutic dose of aspirin or any blood thinning medications.        

2.  Butterbur – A standardized extract of butterbur (Petadolex) has been clinically shown to relieve the pain of migraines.  It has an anti-spasmodic effect.  It is also effective for migraine prevention, but it can get somewhat expensive if used daily.

 3.  Feverfew – This herb has been used for centuries to prevent and treat headaches, including migraines.  It is related to and looks like a small daisy.  Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy.  Do not use if you take a daily therapeutic dose of aspirin or any blood thinning medications.

 4.  Peppermint oil – When rubbed on the temples and/or the middle of the forehead between the eyes, the essential oil of peppermint can provide relief from tension headaches.  It can be found in convenient roll-on applicators like in the product Mygra-stick.  Lavender oil and eucalyptus oil have similar properties.       

5.  5HTP – This precursor to serotonin, which aids in depression and insomnia, has also been shown to treat migraine and tension headaches in clinical studies.  Check with a healthcare professional if you use another type of anti-depressant medicine.

 6.  Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - A recent double-blind study showed that lack of riboflavin may cause migraines.  Supplementing with B2 daily may help prevent them.

 7.  Magnesium – Since magnesium relaxes muscles, adding more magnesium when tension headaches occur may provide relief.

 Eliminating offending foods and other preventable causes of headaches is always recommended, as is treating the diseases that result in headache symptoms.  Whatever the cause, treating headaches naturally can be safe, simple and inexpensive.  Visit our shop to see our selection of headache remedies. 

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