Migraines
Article by Angela Haldane
Q. I have suffered from migraines for years. How can I best manage them naturally?
A. A migraine is characterised by vascular dilation producing a unilateral headache. Factors such as low blood sugar, or flickering lights/glare, hormonal fluctuations, stress, lack of sleep, or a food allergy such as cheese, chocolate, red wine can precipitate a migraine.
Herbal medicine has the ability to balance hormonal levels, relax the nervous system and assist with sleep. An allergy test can identify the triggers – see this website for details, under the About section, then Allergy Management.
The herb feverfew has a long tradition of preventing migraines, or at least reducing the severity and frequency of attacks. This is available in tablet form, otherwise grow the plant (Tanacetum parthenium – chrysanthemum) and chew a leaf daily.
Active Elements Magnesium (3.1 or 4.2) relaxes the smooth muscle of the vessel walls, thereby easing the migraine. You would need to take this on a regular basis or use as an 'acute' – taking 1 tablet hourly for 5 hours. You can get this via your natural health practitioner (Natural Ange Ltd) – do a mineral appraisal on this website if you wish – under the About section.
Eat regular savoury protein foods, have a massage regularly and stress management is vital in the prevention of migraines.