Herbs for Migraines: Can Ginger Ease Migraine Pain?

Unlike ordinary headaches, migraine attacks can incapacitate a person to the point where they cannot perform their daily activities. What makes migraines even more complicated is that they may last for 4 to 72 hours. Moreover, taking pain relievers for too long may result in adverse effects, such as rebound headaches, ulcers, and even gastrointestinal bleeding¹. For this reason, many people look into potential herbs for migraines. 

And here are the list of herbs that may help for sufferers of migraine attacks:

Ginger

If you’re looking for herbs for migraines, look no further than your kitchen. 

One study concluded that the effect of ginger is comparable to that of sumatriptan, a common migraine medication. Furthermore, the researchers said ginger has fewer side effects than sumatriptan². 

You can take fresh or dried ginger root or brew some tea. Alternatively, you can talk to your doctor about commercially available ginger supplements. 

Lavender

For acute management of migraine attacks, consider inhaling lavender oil. 

A team of researchers invited 42 participants with a definite migraine diagnosis. One group inhaled liquid paraffin while the other inhaled lavender oil for 15 minutes. Results showed that lavender oil may be a safe and effective treatment modality for acute attacks³. 

As the participants did in the study, you can also consider inhaling lavender essential oil. Alternatively, you can also apply some undiluted oil to your temples. Using undiluted essential oil may irritate your skin. 

Valerian

Although it’s not a common plant in the Philippines, we will still include valerian as one of the herbs for migraines. 

Valerian is a popular herb for people with insomnia, but one report noted that this herb also reduces the duration, frequency, and intensity of migraine headaches. The report even deemed it “a potential alternative to common migraine medications⁴.“

Because valerian is not a native to the country, the easiest way to obtain it is through supplements or teas. Please note that supplements and teas containing valerian often come with other ingredients that help with insomnia. 

Important: please note that valerian may not be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It may also interact with triptans, a class of prescription medications used in treating migraines. 

Peppermint

We need further information on the link between peppermint and migraine attacks. For now, though, we’ll consider peppermint as one of the herbs for migraines because of menthol, its active component. 

Research involving 35 patients and more than 100 migraine attacks noted that the topical application of 10% menthol to the temples and forehead helps relieve migraine pain and nausea⁵. 

There are peppermint teas available in the market, but since the study involves topical application, you might want to consider using peppermint essential oils instead. 

Reminders on Herbs for Migraines

These herbs for migraines may be safe for the general public, seeing that they are available as essential oils or over-the-counter supplements. Still, it’s advisable to check in with your doctor first before using them.

Consultation is a must if you have an underlying health condition or are taking other medicines. Remember that herbs may also have side effects and interact with medicines. 

Other Natural Remedies for Migraine Relief

While it’s tempting to rely on herbs for migraines, don’t forget that there are other natural remedies worth trying. They include:

• Relaxation techniques 
• Drinking plenty of water
• Regular exercise
• Consistent sleeping and eating habits

Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga might also help with migraine pain and prevention. 

Finally, be mindful of triggers. If you’re aware that some things increase your risk of migraine attacks, it’s best to steer clear of them. 

Key Takeaways

Due to their possible adverse reactions, some people refrain from taking pain relievers. Instead, they look into herbs for migraines, like ginger, lavender, valerian, and peppermint. 

Before using herbal medicines for migraines, however, please check in with your doctor first, especially if you have an underlying condition or are taking medicines. 

Learn more about Headaches and Migraines here.