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Feverfew
is a perennial which is native to the Balkan Peninsula. It has been
cultivated and naturalized in much of Europe and North and South America. For
more botanical information on feverfew visit the USDA
Plant Profile.
Its common name "feverfew" suggests the
historical use of the plant to reduce fevers. Other uses have been
recorded in literature through history and include menstrual regulation,
external pain relief and digestive problems. |
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Tanacetum
parthenium
Photo:
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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Modern interest in the plant has been focused on its use in preventing
migraine headaches. Research on the efficacy of the plant in preventing
migraines found that most patients reported less frequent and less painful
migraines (Pfaffenrath 2002).
According to The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Feverfew can be
taken fresh or as a tincture. Two to three fresh leaves may be eaten daily on
a piece of bread; as a tincture, 5 drops with water up to three times a day
(1996).
You may refer to the American Botanical Council's Herb
Reference Guide and scroll down to feverfew leaf for more information on
dosage, contradictions and possible side effects.
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Butterbur
Root
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Petasites P. Mill.
Species:
Petasites hybridus (L.) P.G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb.
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Butterbur is a native of Europe but is now distributed throughout much
of Northeastern United States.
Leaves are large, up to 2 feet
across, and flowers are usually pink or lilac. The plant is
usually 6-12 inches in height and is usually found in disturbed
habitats such as fields and roadsides.
The
roots are the organ of primary interest in migraine treatment,
however, several studies have shown that this plant produces
cancer-causing chemicals.
Butterbur should to be tested for safety before widespread use in
preventing migraines is indicated.
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Petasites
hybridus
Color
Drawing: O.W. Thome
(1885-1905),
Flora
von
Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz.
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is found in the following
foods: milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, leafy, dark vegetables,
whole grains and organ meats. Highly refined grains such as
white bread, pasta and rice contain little to no B2. Most people can
consume enough riboflavin through diets rich in these foods but
those who are strict vegans, lactose intolerant or eat primarily
refined foods can be deficient in B2. A study published in
Neurology magazine reported a reduction in the number of migraines when
patients took 400 milligrams of vitamin B2 a day (Schoenen et al.
1998).
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Glucosamine
Glucosamine
is a molecule synthesized from amino acid and sugar which is
produced by our bodies. It has long been recognized for
treating arthritis, and it was during a glucosamine treatment that a
patient reported a decrease in migraine headaches. This led
researchers to conduct a preliminary study in which patients
reported a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraines. Click
here to read a summary of the study. More research is needed to
determine the efficacy and dosage of glucosamine for migraine
prophylaxis
(Russell et al.2000).
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Notice: Do not take any herb without
first seeking professional advice.
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Alternative Therapy
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Gut Brain Therapy
Gut Brain Therapy is based on a theory that
migraine is caused by an underlying problem with the digestive
system. Alternative Medicine Review published a study designed to
quantify migraine patient improvement using a quality of life survey
during treatment with specially designed diets.
Click
here to read the complete study. One
promising result was that 60% of participants reported being
virtually migraine free at the conclusion of the study. This study
supports the theory that migraines may be partially caused by
incorrect assimilation and elimination of nutrients, however, more
research is needed to verify these results (Sensenig et al.
2001).
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