10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Migraine

Herbal tinctures for migraine are concentrated liquid extracts of plant-based ingredients, designed to alleviate symptoms of migraines.

These tinctures work by soothing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and calming nervous system activity, which can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Examples include peppermint, feverfew, and passionflower tinctures, which have been shown to provide fast and effective relief from migraine pain.

By using herbal tinctures for migraine, individuals can experience reduced suffering, improved quality of life, and enhanced overall well-being.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for migraine, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with migraine because it contains a unique combination of antioxidants, flavonoids, and terpenes that work together to relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the trigeminal nerve, which is often overactive during migraines. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals that can contribute to migraine pain.

By reducing inflammation and relaxing blood vessels, maidenhair tree tinctures can provide natural relief from migraine symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with migraine.

• Bilobalide: Helps with migraine by reducing inflammation and modulating neurotransmitter activity, which can contribute to migraine pain and symptoms.
• Ginkgolides: Helps with migraine by inhibiting platelet-activating factor (PAF), a chemical that can cause blood vessels to constrict and contribute to migraine pain.
• Quercetin: Helps with migraine by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and contribute to migraine pain and symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high flavonoid and terpenoid content, which are believed to help alleviate migraine symptoms.
• Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are rich in bilobalide, a compound that may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, potentially providing relief from migraine pain.
• Barks: The bark of the Ginkgo biloba tree contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, possibly reducing migraine severity.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for migraine.

1. Harvest ginkgo biloba leaves and flowers in late summer or early fall when the plant is mature.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a low-temperature oven at 100°f for 1 hour.
3. Chop the dried plant material into small pieces and measure out 1 part herb to 2 parts solvent.
4. Combine the chopped herb with 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar and allow it to steep for 2 weeks.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and store it in a dark glass bottle at room temperature.

2. Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew tinctures helps with migraine because it contains parthenolide, a natural compound that has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

When taken as a supplement, feverfew tincture can help to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines by inhibiting the release of pain-producing chemicals in the brain and blood vessels. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects may help to relax constricted blood vessels, which is a common migraine trigger.

By addressing these underlying causes, feverfew tinctures offer a natural and effective way to manage and alleviate migraine symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tanacetum parthenium tinctures that help with migraine.

• Parthenolide: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and anti-migraine properties, helping to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and reduce migraine frequency and severity.
• Triterpenoids: These compounds, particularly ursolic acid, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help to alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, quercetin and kaempferol have anti-inflammatory and anti-migraine properties, which may help to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, reduce blood vessel constriction, and alleviate migraine symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of feverfew used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high concentration of parthenolide, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Flowers: They contain parthenolide and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making them suitable for migraine treatment.
• Roots: The roots of Tanacetum parthenium are also used for their parthenolide content, which helps alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh tanacetum parthenium flowers and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated for 5 minutes.
2. Clean and dry the harvested herbs immediately in a warm oven at 150°f for 2 hours.
3. Combine 2 cups of dried tanacetum parthenium with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar for 2 weeks.
4. Shake the jar containing the herb-vodka mixture 3 times a day for 14 days to facilitate infusion.
5. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth and discard the solids to produce 8 ounces of herbal tanacetum parthenium tincture.

3. Petasites hybridus

Butterbur tinctures helps with migraine because they contain compounds that have a natural ability to calm and relax the brain and blood vessels.

The flavonoids and terpenes present in butterbur tincture work together to reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle tension, and ease spasms that can contribute to migraine pain.

Additionally, butterbur's neuroprotective properties may help stabilize serotonin levels, which is often imbalanced during migraine episodes, further contributing to its therapeutic effects in reducing frequency and severity of migraines.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Petasites hybridus tinctures that help with migraine.

• Isoflavans: Isoflavans in Petasites hybridus have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties, which can help alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation and blood vessel dilation.
• Terpenes: Terpenes in Petasites hybridus may help relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation, thereby relieving migraine pain and associated symptoms.
• Petasins: Petasins, a type of sesquiterpene lactone, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help alleviate migraine pain and reduce inflammation in the brain and blood vessels.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of butterbur used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Roots: Used to make tinctures for migraine due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Leaves: Used to make tinctures for migraine due to their ability to relax blood vessels and reduce migraine symptoms.
• Buds: Used to make tinctures for migraine due to their flavonoid content, which is believed to help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 25-50 grams of dried petasites hybridus roots and rhizomes in the fall season.
2. Chop the harvested material into small pieces and soak them in a 1:2 ratio with 80 proof ethanol for 2 weeks.
3. Shake the mixture daily and strain it through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container after the soaking period.
4. Discard the solids and transfer the liquid to a clean glass container and store it in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.
5. Strain the tincture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth and transfer it to a dropper bottle for storage and use.

4. Salix alba

White willow tinctures helps with migraine because of its unique ability to provide natural pain relief.

The salicin present in white willow bark is a gentle, non-narcotic alternative to aspirin that targets the underlying causes of migraines, including inflammation and blood vessel constriction. By reducing pain and discomfort, herbal white willow tinctures can help alleviate symptoms associated with migraines, such as throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.

Regular use of white willow tincture may also reduce frequency and severity of migraine attacks over time.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba tinctures that help with migraine.

• Salicin: Salicin has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate migraine pain and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels that contribute to the condition.
• Salicylic acid: As a derivative of salicin, salicylic acid helps reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and blocking the release of pain-causing chemicals.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of white willow used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: The leaves of Salix alba have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help soothe and calm the body, reducing migraine symptoms.
• Buds: The buds of Salix alba contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with migraines.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 2 cups of fresh white willow bark from mature trees during the spring or early summer.
2. Chop 2 cups of the harvested bark into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
3. Add 2 cups of 80 proof vodka to the jar with the chopped bark and seal it.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every few days.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

5. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint tinctures helps with migraine because it has a cooling and calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce inflammation and relax tense muscles.

The menthol in peppermint also has analgesic properties, which can help to ease headache pain. Additionally, peppermint's ability to improve digestion and relieve nausea can be particularly helpful for those who experience these symptoms during migraine episodes.

By addressing these underlying triggers, herbal peppermint tinctures can provide effective relief from migraine discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita tinctures that help with migraine.

• Menthol: Menthol has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing pain and inflammation associated with migraines.
• Menthofuran: Menthofuran is a terpene that has a vasodilatory effect, which can help in widening blood vessels and improving blood flow, potentially reducing migraine severity.
• Limonene: Limonene is a terpene that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help in reducing inflammation and pain associated with migraines.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: They are the primary source of menthol and menthone, key compounds responsible for peppermint's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stems: Stems contain a high concentration of menthol and menthone, contributing to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Roots: Roots are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with migraines.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 1 hour.
3. Combine 250 grams of the dried plant material with 1000 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then bottle the tincture.

6. Zingiber officinale

Ginger tinctures helps with migraine because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively reduce swelling and pain in blood vessels.

The bioactive compounds present in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, help to relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, reducing their constriction and dilation, which are common triggers for migraines. Additionally, ginger has natural analgesic and anti-nausea properties, providing relief from migraine-related pain and discomfort.

Regular use of herbal ginger tinctures can significantly reduce frequency and severity of migraines, offering a natural and effective remedy for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale tinctures that help with migraine.

• Gingerols: These gingerols, particularly 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which may help reduce migraine severity and frequency.
• Shogaols: Shogaols, such as 6-shogaol, have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may help alleviate migraine pain and reduce inflammation in the body.
• Curcuminoids: Curcuminoids, like curcumin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to migraine development and severity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Buds: The buds are used for their high concentration of gingerol and shogaol, which are released as the buds open, making them a potent ingredient for migraine tinctures.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh roots of zingiber officinale in early morning or late evening.
2. Clean and chop the roots into small pieces to release their active compounds.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 80-100 proof vodka or glycerin in a 1:2 ratio by weight.
4. Store the mixture in a clean glass jar with a lid and let it steep for 2-6 weeks.
5. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids after 2-6 weeks.

7. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with migraine because its unique combination of bioactive compounds, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, has a profound impact on the body's response to pain.

The herb has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that often triggers migraines. Additionally, valerian tinctures have been shown to improve sleep quality, another common migraine trigger.

By addressing these underlying factors, valerian tinctures may offer natural relief from migraine symptoms, reducing frequency and severity of episodes.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with migraine.

• Valerenic acid: It has a sedative effect that can help alleviate migraine pain and reduce inflammation.
• Isovalerenol: It is a terpene that has anticonvulsant and sedative properties, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
• Valeranone: It is a sesquiterpene that has a calming effect, which can help alleviate migraine symptoms such as anxiety and stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Roots: Valerian roots contain valerenic acid, a compound that has sedative properties to help alleviate migraine pain and promote relaxation.
• Leaves: Valerian leaves contain volatile oils and flavonoids that contribute to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help relieve migraine symptoms.
• Roots: Valerian roots also contain valeranone and valepotriates, which have a calming effect on the nervous system and may help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh valeriana officinalis roots in the spring or fall when they are most potent.
2. Chop the harvested roots into small pieces and dry them in a dark place for 2 weeks.
3. Combine 1 part of the dried roots with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids, then store the valeriana officinalis tincture in a cool dark place.

8. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with migraine because it contains passionflower, a natural herb that has been traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and insomnia, which are common triggers for migraines.

The tincture's sedative properties help to calm the mind and body, reducing stress and tension that can contribute to migraine development. Additionally, maypop tinctures contain flavonoids and alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, providing relief from headache pain and discomfort.

By addressing both physical and emotional triggers, maypop tinctures offer a holistic approach to managing migraines.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with migraine.

• Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate migraine symptoms by reducing inflammation in blood vessels and brain tissue.
• Alkaloids: As serotonin receptor antagonists, these compounds may help prevent the dilation of blood vessels and the transmission of pain signals associated with migraines.
• Isoorientin: This flavonoid glycoside has been shown to have a sedative and anti-anxiety effect, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids, which are believed to help reduce migraine symptoms.
• Fruits: The pulp of the fruit contains a high concentration of passifloric acid, which may have a calming effect on the body.
• Roots: The roots of Passiflora incarnata contain a significant amount of alkaloids, including harmine, which may help alleviate migraine pain.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest the fresh or dried passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves in large quantities at dawn.
2. Dry the passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves in a low-temperature oven at 100 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine one part of the dried passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves with one part of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place.

9. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with migraine because its calming properties can alleviate tension and stress, common triggers of migraines.

The tincture's natural anti-inflammatory compounds can also reduce swelling in blood vessels, which may contribute to migraine pain. Additionally, the gentle sedative effects of English lavender can promote relaxation and help regulate sleep patterns, which are often disrupted by migraine episodes.

By soothing the mind and body, English lavender tinctures can provide effective relief from migraines, reducing frequency and severity.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with migraine.

• Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help reduce pain and inflammation associated with migraines.
• Linalyl acetate: This terpene has a sedative effect, which helps relax muscles and reduce stress, a common migraine trigger.
• Lavandulol: This terpene has anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties, which help reduce anxiety and prevent seizures that can trigger or exacerbate migraines.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Leaves: Used for their calming and relaxing properties, which can help alleviate migraine symptoms.
• Flowers: Employed for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce migraine pain and inflammation.
• Stems: Utilized for their antioxidant and antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate migraine symptoms and reduce muscle spasms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers on a sunny day in summer or early fall.
2. Clean and dry the flowers by spreading them out in a single layer on paper towels for 2 weeks.
3. Combine 1 pound of the dried flowers with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a glass jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place and shake it every 2 days for 4 weeks.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids after 1 week of storage in the refrigerator.

10. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile tinctures helps with migraine because it has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing inflammation and tension that can contribute to migraine pain.

The apigenin present in chamomile interacts with GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and easing muscle contractions that can exacerbate migraines. Additionally, chamomile's antispasmodic properties help to relax blood vessels, which may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

By calming the body and mind, herbal chamomile tinctures provide natural relief from migraine symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with migraine.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a potent inhibitor of inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress, which are often involved in the development and progression of migraines.
• Furanocoumarin: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce pain and inflammation associated with migraines.
• Apigenin-7-glucoside: This flavonoid glycoside has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to migraine attacks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for migraine.

• Flowers: They are the most used part of Matricaria chamomilla due to their high concentration of apigenin and other flavonoids, which help to relax muscles and reduce migraine symptoms.
• Leaves: They are often used in tinctures for migraine relief because they contain sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Seeds: They are occasionally used in tinctures for migraine treatment due to their content of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which may help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 1 part of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and 2 parts of vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
2. Fill the jar to the top and seal it tightly to ensure maximum contact between the herbs and solvent.
3. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow the extraction process to occur.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
5. Transfer the tincture to small glass bottles and store them in the refrigerator to preserve its potency.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for migraine?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with migraine is a blend of feverfew, butterbur, and lavender.

Feverfew is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and prevent migraine attacks, while butterbur has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that help alleviate symptoms. Lavender tincture can aid in relaxation and reduce stress, a common migraine trigger.

This combination can be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, typically in small doses, to help manage and prevent migraines.

What ailments similar to migraine are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to migraine/tinctures.html">migraine/tinctures.html">migraine that are treated with herbal tinctures are tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinusitis.

Herbs like Feverfew, Willow Bark, and Ginger have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them effective in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation.

Tinctures of these herbs can be used topically or taken orally to provide relief from headache symptoms such as throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea.