Migraine

What you need to know

If stress is a specific trigger add the same supplements and herbs as found for the disorder Anxiety.

The most useful Supplements:

Other supplements which may help include:

• Quercetin

The most useful Herbs:

Other herbs that could help:

Betony, Goldenseal, Pennyroyal

Homoeopathy

There are many remedies to help this condition, but it is advisable to seek qualified advice in order to find the remedy which suits your individual needs. Commonly used remedies are:

• Belladona
• Byronia
• Sepia

Aromatherapy

The following oils are often used for migraines and headaches in Aromatherapy.

• Lavender oil
• Lemon Balm oil
• Peppermint oil

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

If you have a blood sugar imbalance, then this could be part of the reason for your migraine. A general reduction in refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol could help, as could eating little and often. Please refer to the advice found in the hypoglycaemia section to find detailed information on your dietary needs.

Migraines can also be triggered by food intolerances (possibly as high as 90%) and may be relieved by identifying and avoiding the foods in question.

To rule out dehydration as a cause, make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

Some sufferers may find that reducing their intake of the following helps:

• Aspartame (sweetener found in many slimming food and drinks).
• Dairy foods
• Salt
• Tyramine containing foods - as most food ages the protein breaks down and tyramine is produced, hence another good reason for eating fresh foods. 

Aged or processed Cheeses	Alcoholic beverages such as port, sherry, vermouth, draft beer, spirits
Aged or processed Meat, game, Fish or Poultry.	Aubergine
Avocado	Chocolate
Caffeine drinks - tea, coffee, cola.	Caviar
Dried salted fish	Dried vegetables
Figs	Flat Beans
Gravy or stock cubes	Green Beans
High yeast breads	Liver
Meat and Fish pastes / spreads	Miso
Pate	Pickled Herrings
Plums	Sauerkraut
Sausage and tinned meats	Spinach
Sour cream	Soya Beans and related products
Soya Sauce	Tempeh
Tofu	tomatoes
Yeast Extract	Yoghurt

Other useful advice:

Certain therapies can be extremely successful in the relief and prevention of migraine:

• Acupuncture
• Alexander Technique
• Cranial Osteopathy
• Meditation
• Osteopathy
• Yoga

It may be useful to take DGL Liquorice to help protect stomach lining from the damaging effects of certain types painkillers, especially aspirin. slippery elm or marshmallow is also protective to the digestive system.

The herbs, Milk thistle and Artichoke will also protect the liver from the burden of certain medicines, in particular, paracetamol.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.