Migraine: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.

Typically triggered by hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, and environmental factors, migraines can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Prolonged migraine episodes can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. To alleviate migraine symptoms, herbal remedies such as feverfew, ginger, and peppermint have been found effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

When using medicinal herbs, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages to avoid interactions and side effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of migraine, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of migraine?

The main causes of migraine are multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, neurological, and environmental factors.

Triggers include stress (81% of patients), hormonal changes (61%), sensory stimuli (e.g., bright lights, loud noises), certain foods (e.g., chocolate, citrus fruits), and sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea). Other potential triggers include physical activity, dehydration, and certain medications (e.g., vasodilators, contraceptives). Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly serotonin, play a crucial role in migraine pathophysiology, with decreased levels leading to vasodilation and inflammation of blood vessels in the brain.

Additionally, genetic mutations in the CACNA1A gene, which codes for the P/Q-type calcium channel, have been identified as a risk factor for familial hemiplegic migraine, a rare but severe subtype of migraine.

• Stress: Stress triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to migraine headaches.
• Sleep Deprivation: Sleep deprivation disrupts the normal functioning of the body's internal clock, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals that trigger migraine attacks.
• Hunger: Hunger can lead to changes in blood sugar levels, causing blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, triggering a migraine headache.
• Sensory Overload: Sensory overload, including loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells, can trigger a migraine by overstimulating the brain's trigeminal nerve.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can lead to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, triggering migraine headaches.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, causing blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, triggering a migraine headache.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing migraine headaches, as certain genetic mutations can affect the functioning of the brain's pain pathways.
• Food Triggers: Food triggers, including certain foods and additives, can cause an immune response and trigger the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals, leading to a migraine headache.
• Medication Overuse: Medication overuse, including overuse of pain medications and other medications, can lead to medication overuse headaches, a type of migraine headache.
• Caffeine Withdrawal: Caffeine withdrawal can lead to changes in blood flow and blood vessel constriction, triggering a migraine headache.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can trigger a migraine by causing muscle tension, changes in breathing patterns, and release of stress hormones.
• Physical Inactivity: Physical inactivity can lead to changes in blood flow and blood vessel constriction, triggering a migraine headache.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for migraine?

The main medicinal herbs used for migraine are Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Ginkgo biloba, Valeriana officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Vitex agnus-castus, Cinnamomum verum, Cinchona officinalis, Mentha x piperita, Lavandula angustifolia.

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing prostaglandins and serotonin levels, while Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, exhibits anti-spasmodic effects that ease cramp-like pain. Ginkgo biloba is believed to improve blood flow to the brain, reducing migraine severity, while Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, has a calming effect on the nervous system, mitigating migraine triggers. Achillea millefolium, or yarrow, and Vitex agnus-castus, or chasteberry, have been used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate migraines associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Additionally, Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, Cinchona officinalis, or Peruvian bark, Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, and Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, have been used to relieve migraine symptoms, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, contains anethole, a compound that may help relax the muscles and reduce spasms, potentially providing relief from migraine headaches.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate migraine symptoms by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving cognitive function, possibly due to its flavonoid and terpene content.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian root, contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, which may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially providing relief from migraine headaches.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, contains sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids that may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, potentially alleviating migraine symptoms.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree, may help regulate hormonal imbalances, which can contribute to migraine headaches, and its flavonoid and terpene content may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, also known as cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde, which may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, potentially alleviating migraine symptoms.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, commonly known as Peruvian bark, contains quinine, which may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, potentially providing relief from migraine headaches.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, contains menthol and menthone, which may help relax the muscles and reduce spasms, potentially providing relief from migraine headaches.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially providing relief from migraine headaches.

What are the main herbal preparations used for migraine?

The main herbal preparations used for migraine are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Topical Cream, Suppository, Salve, Gel, Powder, Essential Oil, Poultice.

Tincture of feverfew, butterbur, or ginger is used as it contains compounds that inhibit prostaglandins and histamine, which contribute to migraine symptoms. Decoction of willow bark contains salicylic acid, similar to aspirin, which provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Capsules of magnesium, feverfew, or butterbur are used to prevent migraine attacks as they help regulate blood flow and relax muscles.

Topical Cream, Suppository, Salve, Gel, Powder, Essential Oil, and Poultice of menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender are applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation through local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Tincture: A tincture of the Feverfew plant (Tanacetum parthenium) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by containing the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and relaxes smooth muscle, thereby reducing migraine pain and frequency.
• Decoction: A decoction of the Willow bark plant (Salix alba) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by containing salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the Butterbur plant extract (Petasites hybridus) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and preventing migraine attacks due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which inhibit the activity of prostaglandin D2, a key mediator of migraine pain.
• Topical Cream: A topical cream containing the Arnica plant (Arnica montana) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain at the site of application due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Suppository: A suppository of the Feverfew plant (Tanacetum parthenium) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by releasing the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide locally, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and relaxes smooth muscle, thereby reducing migraine pain and frequency.
• Salve: A salve containing the Willow bark plant (Salix alba) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain due to the presence of salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Gel: A gel containing the Ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain due to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Powder: A powder of the Feverfew plant (Tanacetum parthenium) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by containing the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and relaxes smooth muscle, thereby reducing migraine pain and frequency.
• Essential Oil: An essential oil of the Peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation due to the presence of menthol, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.
• Poultice: A poultice of the Willow bark plant (Salix alba) helps to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain due to the presence of salicin, a compound that is metabolized into salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with migraines.