There are several herbs today which are thought to relieve pains triggered by this condition. Studies show that lemon balm and feverfew may be effective in the treatment of common headache, stress, headache caused by PMS, migraines and tension headaches.
Also known as balm mint, blue balm or bee balm, lemon balm is a wonder herb that has been widely used in the treatment of various common health conditions for hundreds if not thousands of years now. Coming from the family of chrysanthemum, lemon balm resembles chamomile, which also came from the same family, and both are reported capable of controlling spasms.
Studies show that this herb is useful in the treatment of toothache as well as in soothing tension headaches. It has also been used to treat migraines and buzzing sensations in the ears which is a condition known as tinnitus. Lemon balm also has a history of use to treat upset stomach, intestinal gas, bloating, vomiting, painful menstrual cramps, hysteria, melancholia, insect bites, Alzheimer’s disease, cold sores, tumors, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high blood pressure.
Feverfew, another herb which has been in use since old times [1] also promises results in soothing irritating headaches and migraines. According to research, headaches and migraines normally trigger the brain to release substantial amount of neurotransmitter serotonin which causes the blood vessels to constrict. Feverfew works because of its parthenolide compound content that helps in dilating constricted blood vessels. In a study published in the prestigious British medical journal Lancet, it was claimed that parthenolides play major roles in inhibiting the production of prostaglandin hormones that are known to trigger pain. Numerous other studies have supported this use of feverfew. [2]
In a study involving 270 participants in Britain who consumed 2-3 feverfew leaves everyday, it was found out that over 70% of the participants were actually relieved from tension headaches and migraines. [3] According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, parthenolide may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. [3] Aside from migraine, feverfew is also thought beneficial to treat fever and arthritis.
So there you go – some genuine science behind this!
REFERENCES:
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1291660/
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
[3] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-000243.htm
Note: as this recipe involves alcohol it is for adults only. Also, please note (as per usual) this is just an informational blog where I report on the world of herbalism. None of the contents of this blog are medical advice nor a recommendation to self medicate – and this blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult a physician if you have symptoms, and be especially careful if you are using medications to check and be sure that herbs will not interact adversely with them.
Supplies needed
-Solvent (i.e. 100 proof alcohol or vegetable glycerin)
-quart sized glass mason jar
-4 oz. fresh or 2 oz. of dried herbs
Ingredients
-3 parts lemon balm
-2 parts feverfew
-100 proof vodka to fill
Method
1. Measure your herbs depending on whether you are using fresh or dried herbs.
2. If using fresh herbs, chop until fine.
3. Add herbs to glass jar.
4. Pour solvent over herbs to fill the jar. The solvent should rise 1-2 inches above the herbs.
5. Place the lid on the jar and shake until the herbs are well combined.
6. Label jar with contents and date.
7. Set in a warm, sunny window and steep for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily.
8. Strain with a cheesecloth, compost the plant material, and place tincture in dark colored bottles for storage in a cool, dark place. The tincture should keep for up to 5 years.
Adult Dosage
At the sudden onset of migraine symptoms, begin taking 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon of the tincture every 30 minutes to an hour until symptoms subside.
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments will be reviewed prior to being published.