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Last updated: Apr 28, 2024

10 best herbal teas for migraine

Herbal teas, such as chamomile, feverfew, and ginger, offer natural relief for migraines.

Chamomile, with its calming properties, soothes the mind and promotes relaxation. Feverfew, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, helps alleviate pain and reduce the frequency of migraines. Ginger tea eases nausea and vomiting, common symptoms associated with migraines, while providing a soothing warmth.

When suffering from a migraine, consider these herbal teas as a gentle, caffeine-free alternative to ease your discomfort.

Table of Contents

1. Feverfew

Feverfew, a plant in the daisy family, produces a tea that benefits migraine relief due to its active compounds, including parthenolide.

Parthenolide inhibits the release of substances that widen blood vessels in the brain, a known cause of migraines. By doing so, feverfew tea helps restore normal blood flow and reduce inflammation. Additionally, feverfew tea prevents platelet aggregation, minimizing the risk of blood clots that could induce or worsen migraines.

Finally, feverfew tea boasts antispasmodic properties that relax constricted muscles around blood vessels, further alleviating migraine symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in feverfew tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in feverfew tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic feverfew tea for migraine.

  1. Gather 2-3 fresh feverfew leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried feverfew leaves.
  2. Rinse the fresh leaves under cold water, then chop them finely.
  3. Place the leaves in a teapot and add 250ml (8oz) of boiling water.
  4. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, then strain it into a cup.
  5. Drink the tea slowly, preferably with a meal, to alleviate migraine symptoms.

2. Butterbur

Butterbur tea contains petasins, chemical compounds with proven anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties.

These petasins inhibit the production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, substances that cause blood vessel dilation and inflammation in the brain, leading to migraine attacks. Double-blind studies demonstrate that butterbur extract reduces migraine frequency and severity by up to 50% in some individuals. Moreover, the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology recognize butterbur as an effective preventive treatment for migraines.

Its consumption leads to a significant decrease in migraine symptomatology.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in butterbur tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in butterbur tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic butterbur tea for migraine.

  1. Measure - Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool down to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare - Cut 2 teaspoons of dried butterbur root into small pieces.
  3. Steep - Place the butterbur pieces in a tea infuser and steep in the hot water for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain - Remove the tea infuser and discard the butterbur pieces.
  5. Serve - Enjoy the butterbur tea while it's still warm, up to 3 times a day.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint tea aids migraine relief due to its menthol content, a known natural analgesic and muscle relaxant.

This compound works by improving blood flow, reducing tightness in cranial muscles, and diminishing sensitivity to pain. Moreover, menthol boasts anti-inflammatory and calming qualities that further help alleviate migraine symptoms. By sipping peppermint tea, you harness these soothing properties, harnessing a holistic and caffeine-free solution for potential migraine relief.

Ultimately, peppermint tea's therapeutic benefits stem from its organic compounds, providing a non-invasive and side-effect-light approach compared to conventional medicines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for migraine.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal temperature for releasing peppermint's therapeutic oils.
  2. Crush 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves to increase the release of menthol, a proven anti-inflammatory agent.
  3. Steep the crushed peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to extract the medicinal compounds.
  4. Strain the liquid to remove the spent peppermint leaves, eliminating any potential bitterness.
  5. Sip the hot peppermint tea slowly, allowing the soothing warmth and calming properties to alleviate your migraine symptoms.

4. Ginger

Ginger, a key ingredient in tea for migraines, contains compounds that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation and pain.

Gingerols and shogaols found in ginger exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, providing relief without the side effects. A 2014 study in the Phytotherapy Research journal reveals ginger's ability to match sumatriptan in migraine alleviation while causing fewer adverse reactions. Furthermore, ginger's antioxidative and antiemetic effects make it an ideal natural remedy to soothe migraine symptoms.

Consequently, drinking ginger tea delivers these beneficial compounds directly, easing pain and inflammation associated with migraines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for migraine.

  1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root.
  2. Boil 4 cups of water, then add grated ginger, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, optionally add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  4. Strain the tea to remove ginger pieces.
  5. Serve brewed ginger tea while still warm to aid in relieving migraine symptoms.

5. Willow

Willow tea provides relief from migraines due to its salicin content, a compound similar to aspirin.

This natural anti-inflammatory agent found in willow bark works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in blood vessels surrounding the brain. By reducing inflammation, willow tea alleviates the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, which are primary factors leading to migraine headaches. Furthermore, willow bark has been proven to possess fever-reducing and analgesic properties, making it an effective herbal remedy for migraine relief.

Lastly, willow tea's pain-relieving abilities stem from its ability to block the production of inflammatory substances, effectively reducing the symptoms associated with migraines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in willow tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in willow tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic willow tea for migraine.

  1. Gather 2-3 willow bark branches, peel off the outer bark, and cut the inner bark into small pieces (10-15 minutes).
  2. Place 1 tablespoon of willow bark pieces in a pot, add 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, simmer for 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the willow bark pieces.
  5. Drink the willow tea while warm, up to 3 times a day for migraine relief.

6. Valerian

Valerian tea aids in migraine relief due to its active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which possess sedative and analgesic properties.

These components work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability, and alleviating pain. Valerian tea also has anti-inflammatory effects that help minimize swelling in blood vessels in the head, a common cause of migraines. Moreover, it promotes relaxation and stress reduction, addressing one of the common triggers of migraines.

Lastly, valerian tea's soothing qualities help improve sleep quality, reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for migraine.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water in a teapot or saucepan for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root to a teapot or infuser.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the valerian root and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the used valerian root.
  5. Drink the tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day as needed.

7. Lavender

Lavender tea aids in alleviating migraines due to its established sedative and soothing properties.

The active compounds in lavender, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that target pain and inflammation associated with migraines. Moreover, lavender tea demonstrates anxiolytic properties, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, consequently diminishing the frequency and intensity of migraines. Additionally, lavender's calming scent, when inhaled, stimulates the limbic system, impacting the brain's regulation of stress and pain, further alleviating migraine symptoms.

Lastly, lavender tea's antioxidant and antispasmodic qualities contribute to its efficacy in managing migraines by scavenging free radicals and relieving muscle tension, respectively.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for migraine.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes, releasing steam for purification.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried organic culinary-grade lavender flowers to a tea infuser or reusable tea bag.
  3. Place the tea infuser in the boiled water, cover the teacup, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  4. Remove the tea infuser to avoid over-extracting the herb, which can lead to bitterness.
  5. Enjoy your hot soothing lavender tea made with organic ingredients, sip by sip, for natural migraine relief.

8. Linden

Linden tea brings immediate relief to migraine sufferers because it contains antispasmodic agents, which relax constricted blood vessels in the head.

This herbal tea, derived from the linden tree's flowers, boasts anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain by reducing swelling in surrounding tissues. Linden tea's soothing effect on the nervous system also helps to lower stress levels, a common migraine trigger. Furthermore, this potent tea acts as a natural sedative, promoting restorative sleep that aids in recovery from migraines.

Consequently, drinking linden tea provides confirmed therapeutic benefits for those seeking respite from the debilitating effects of migraines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in linden tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in linden tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic linden tea for migraine.

  1. Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried linden flowers, depending on desired strength.
  2. Place the linden flowers in a tea infuser or teapot.
  3. Boil water and pour it over the linden flowers, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the infuser or strain the tea to discard the linden flowers.
  5. Sip the warm linden tea to alleviate migraine symptoms.

9. Skullcap

Skullcap tea brings immediate relief to migraine sufferers due to its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, derived from bioactive compounds like scutellarin.

This herbal tea, native to North America, contains active ingredients that directly target the underlying causes of migraines, such as vasodilation and nerve cell hyperexcitability. By reducing inflammation in the cranial blood vessels, the tea alleviates pressure and pain in the head. Furthermore, drinking skullcap tea helps restore neurotransmitter balance, promoting relaxation and stress reduction, both of which contribute to the prevention of migraine attacks.

These documented benefits make skullcap tea an ideal remedy for managing the symptoms of migraines and improving overall quality of life.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for migraine.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle or pot for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried skullcap herb to a tea infuser or strainer in a cup.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the skullcap herb in the cup and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser or strainer with the spent herb and discard it.
  5. Drink the skullcap tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day as needed.

10. Passionflower

Passionflower tea provides relief from migraines due to its documented sedative and analgesic properties.

This natural remedy contains flavonoids, such as vitexin and isovitexin, which inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds, thereby reducing pain and swelling in blood vessels in the brain. Moreover, passionflower tea affects the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation, alleviating anxiety, and ultimately minimizing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Clinical studies confirm that this herbal infusion boasts significant pharmacological activities, including anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic effects, contributing to its efficacy in managing migraines.

Consequently, passionflower tea's unique phytochemical composition and well-established physiological impacts make it a valuable tool in addressing the symptoms and causes of migraines.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in passionflower tea that help with migraine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in passionflower tea that aid with migraine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic passionflower tea for migraine.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water to a rolling boil, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower leaves to the boiling water.
  3. Steep the passionflower leaves in the hot water for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the passionflower tea into a cup, discarding the spent leaves.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, as needed for migraine relief.