7 Natural Cures for Migraines - how many have you tried?

This is a good article with some suggestions for better management of migraine - it lists what they are, how they work and suggested doses - how may have you tried and did any of them help you?

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For most people who experience an occasional headache, a couple of aspirin will usually do the trick. Migraine sufferers don't have it so easy. Not only do many migraine meds have side effects that range from nausea and stomach ulcers to an increased risk of stroke and even heart attack, but up to two-thirds of users have also reported that they don't deliver satisfactory results.

What to do? Plenty, according to the latest research.

Although researchers haven't been able to pinpoint exactly why migraines strike, they do understand the physiological changes that occur when a migraine hits. When the nerve cells in the brain become overstimulated, they release chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling in the blood vessels in the neck and brain. The cures listed below work by addressing these issues. Here are seven surprising natural cures for migraines that help prevent and reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

1. Exercise
2. Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
3. Magnesium
4. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
6. Feverfew
7. Omega-3 fatty acids


See link for full details: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/caregiving/7-natural-cures-for-migraines

Magnesium is the only one which I have had a positive effect with.

Years ago I had a positive effect from vitamin B2 - it reduced my numbers of migraine days to approximately half. I have no idea as to why it stopped working. I wonder if it will work better now my B12 levels are up... might even start it again.

Oops, I forgot to say, I used to take Co-Enzyme Q10, and wouldn't rule it out again. It did nothing for my non-aura migraines, but did seem to reduce the aura ones down.

It's not on the list, but I'd also add that I used to take St Johns Wort years ago, which also helped my migraines, then stopped working. You cannot take St Johns Wort with any prescription medication though.

Sorry, me again! I just want to point out something a little misleading, in my view, in the article, in the magnesium section:

. If you take magnesium supplements, use chelated forms (such as magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide). This means that the magnesium is connected with another molecule in order to aid its absorption.

All magnesium supplements that you can buy are connected to another molecule, as are all mineral supplements in general. Even magnesium oil that you apply topically is magnesium chloride. Magnesium oxide is one of the cheapest supplements you can buy, and is widely regarded as being very difficult to absorb, so not a good one to try, in my view.

That's a good point Sarah - I have tried a few brands and have found that the one connected to yeast the best - its a natural food one fro Higher Nature ... I would not recommend the synthetic ones - they did nothing...

I've always been too scared to try that one, in case it caused me more migraines... maybe I ought to bite the bullet and give it a try.

I have just started using Magnesium, Feverfew and Butterbur. Only been going a few weeks but already the persistent aura I have are reduced and the frequency of the headachey migraines has reduced but when I do get one it's massive!

It is also interesting to note that Riboflavin is contra-indicated if you take TCA's.