Herbal Remedies And Dietary Supplements - Other Tactics For Coping With Headaches: Headaches Migraines

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Herbal remedies and dietary supplements

Most people would do just about anything to relieve headache pain. With the increasing availability of herbal remedies and dietary supplements, many people are turning to vitamins and herbs for relief. But the FDA doesn't regulate such products, and little evidence exists for the effectiveness of most of these preparations, so talk to your doctor before using any of them. In particular, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid herbal remedies and dietary supplements because their effects on the fetus or a nursing infant are unknown.

If you decide to use an herbal remedy for any purpose, be sure to mention this to your doctor. Some remedies can interact with the medications you are taking to treat or prevent headache or for other medical conditions. For example, St. John's wort, a supplement used to treat depression and a wide range of medical conditions, can interact with migraine medications. Feverfew can interact with medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and warfarin.

These are some of the most widely used preparations for headaches:

Butterbur root extract. Butterbur is an herb derived from the plant Petasites, which has remarkably large leaves, sometimes measuring three feet in diameter. The term butterbur is believed to have originated with the practice of using these leaves to wrap butter in hot weather. The only purified form of butterbur root extract is sold under the brand name Petadolex. A 2004 analysis published by the National Headache Foundation concluded that butterbur was both safe and effective for the treatment of headache, although it provided few details. A late 2004 paper published in Neurology concluded that two 75-mg tablets per day of Petadolex reduced the occurrence of migraine headaches by an average of 48% during a four-month period — almost twice as much as the 26% reduction by a placebo pill.

Words of warning: Although butterbur appears safe, it may have some side effects; most common were mild gastrointestinal effects, especially burping. Be sure to use butterbur only in its purified form (Petadolex), as this herb contains toxins that can damage the liver. In 2004, two other commercial products — Petadolor and Dolomed — were banned in Switzerland over concerns about liver damage.

Feverfew. This plant, originally from Europe, receives mixed reviews about its ability to prevent migraine headache. One analysis published in 2004 by the National Headache Foundation concluded that feverfew may be effective, while another published early in 2005 by the Cochrane Collaboration, a prestigious British research organization, concluded that the results were conflicting and not convincing. Why the difference in opinion? The Cochrane analysis included only randomized controlled trials, considered the gold standard in research, while the National Headache Foundation analysis included other types of studies as well. However, both analyses agreed on one matter: Although feverfew has a number of possible side effects, they tend to be uncommon and mild when they do occur, so this supplement is safe for most people to take.

Words of warning: Adverse reactions include mouth inflammation and ulceration. And the strength of feverfew preparations can vary significantly. Feverfew can enhance the effect of medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as warfarin and aspirin. This supplement should not be taken if you have a history of heart disease, anxiety, or bleeding disorders.

Magnesium. This supplement has been studied both for the treatment and prevention of migraine headache. When given intravenously, magnesium may help treat a migraine attack. Three of four double-blind studies found that magnesium pills, at doses of 400–600 mg per day, were effective at preventing migraine attacks.

Words of warning: Although magnesium supplements are generally safe, some preparations are not well absorbed, and therefore are less effective. These supplements may also cause diarrhea at such high doses.

Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin). As a preventive measure, vitamin B₂ may offer some migraine relief. The studies have involved a dosage of 400 mg per day, divided into several doses. Be aware that it can take several months to notice any effects.

Words of warning: A 400-mg daily dosage is more than 200 times the recommended dietary allowance. Although no significant side effects have been reported, the long-term effects of taking such large amounts remain unknown.

Willow-bark extract. The best advertisement for this herb is that acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, was derived from a willow-bark-related compound. Salicin, which is found naturally in bark and leaves of willows, is believed to give the plant its pain-relieving properties. Taken orally, willow bark has long been used as a pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory. As yet, however, little clinical research has addressed its value.

Words of warning: People who don't tolerate aspirin, who have asthma, or who take anticoagulants shouldn't take willow-bark extract. There is also some evidence that people with diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, and stomach ulcers should avoid this supplement (so talk with your doctor before using it). Aspirin products are a safer option because the FDA regulates them. If you do try a willow-bark preparation, don't take more than 240 mg of salicin a day.

Oils. Certain oils, massaged into the temples, may be of some use in treating headache. Such oils include cajeput (a cedarlike evergreen), fir needle, mint, peppermint, and pine needle.

Words of warning: Keep oils away from your eyes and watch for allergic reactions. People with sensitive skin or asthma should not use certain oils; if you have either condition, talk to your doctor before using any of these products.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008