| Definition: Herbs, usually made into a pill or powder form, have been used for
the treatment of many different illnesses. The most popular herbal medications can be
found at local grocery stores, drug stores, and GNC (General Nutrition Centers); others are easily found on
the internet. These items are considered a food source and not regulated
by the federal government like prescription medication.
Why do patients use herbs?
- Many patients are seeking "natural" ways to heal the body and
believe that these herbs satisfy this belief.
- Many patients believe that these herbs are natural and therefore more safe
than a prescription medication; also essential to this belief is that these
will not have interactions with their other medications or amongst the herbs
themselves.
- Cost of prescription medications are rising and insurance seems to be
covering less of the cost.
- Traditional prescription medicines only work with 50-70% of people.
Which herbs are used for the treatment of migraines?
- Bioflavinoids
- Choline
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Feverfew
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- Ginger
- Gingko Biloba
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan
- Jamaican Dogwood
- Magnesium
- Meadowsweet
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Skullcap
- Vitamins B2, B6, C, and E
Safe?
It is beyond the scope of this site to explore each of these herbal remedies
in full detail with appropriate literature research. However, there are
some general considerations for herbal remedies.
- Even though some of these herbs are "traditional" vitamins, like
vitamin C, that does not make them harmless. Too much, of even
vitamins, can be very toxic to the body.
- The lack of governmental regulation on these items means that quantity,
quality and even true identity of these herbal preparations is uncontrolled,
and the makers are not accountable.
- The most commonly used herb for migraines is Feverfew. This is a
perfect example of misleading thoughts on herbal remedies. Several
studies have shown that feverfew has the following effects in the body:
- Suppresses approximately 85% of prostaglandin production and thus does
have an interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, i.e.,
ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Inhibits platelet function which prolongs bleeding time.
- Termination of feverfews use often results in rebound migraines.
Conclusions
There have been many studies of herbal remedies and more are being done
all of the time. For migraines, the predominate research herb is
feverfew. Most studies have been small and with some questionable to poor
methodology; however, these studies show some improvement in the number and
severity of migraines. The resounding opinion of physicians and
researchers, alike, is that more and better trials need to be performed to make
an adequate appraisal of these different herbs. Until such time as proven
otherwise, it should not be assumed that these are safe and without side effects
or interactions with other medications, despite being "natural."
It should be noted at this point that even a placebo can be effective in about 30% of the people (and that is not much worse than the traditional pharmacologic
treatments). |
