Home Herbal Migraine Remedies

Brian B. Carter, MS, LAc

This is one of my favorite topics! Wanna know why?

Because I've suffered from migraines for 2 years, and my unique position as an herbalist and acupuncturist has allowed me to learn about and experiment with a number of home migraine remedy you may not have heard of.


Chinese herbal medicine is still new and unknown to most westerners. I've found some effective solutions from China that few people know about.

And now I get to share them with you!

On this page, I'm going to talk exclusively about home migraine remedy - if you want to read more about migraine symptoms, causes, and acupuncture, check out my previous articles:

What is a Migraine, anyway?
It's more than a headache. It's a neurological configuration - any number of symptoms can show up, and more than one thing can cause it.

It's as if you tend toward this neurological configuration, called migraine - like you're already on the edge of it, and certain things can push you over.

Or, it's like you're filling a water glass, but you can't stop pouring, and it overflows. In this analogy, the water is all the factors that cause your migraine, and the overflow is the migraine itself.

How do you stop the Migraine tendency?
The way to prevent it is to balance the imbalances that lead to migraine. Your home migraine remedy should take care of at least one of these imbalances.

I'm going to suggest our basic home migraine remedy, called "Relieve Constraint" that will help with a number of the causes of migraine.

Here are the major migraine contributors,
with at least one home migraine remedy each:

1. Stress and emotional constraint: Relieve Constraint herbal formula

2. Sinus congestion and sinus headaches: Relieve Constraint herbal formula, and possibly a sinus infection home remedy

3. Indigestion and dysbiosis: Relieve Constraint herbal formula, get any complicated or chronic digestive problems diagnosed and treatment by a natural medicine specialist

4. Inflammation: Relieve Constraint herbal formula

5. Neck misalignment and tension headaches (this is your author right here, sitting at a computer): Chiropractic and acupuncture, stress reduction, and Relieve Constraint herbal formula

6. Food allergies: Get good IgG and IgE food allergy tests, make sure you don't also have systemic candida, and avoid/rotate the foods you are allergic to.

If you can't afford the $100 food allergy test from your alternative medicine provider, you can instead try going 1 month each without wheat, dairy, and yeast. Those are the most common offenders. If any of them is involved, you should notice a difference!

7. Irregular eating: Eat more regularly. Identify and deal with hypoglycemia - research shows, and specialists know that hypoglycemia can cause rebound migraines. See below for eating tips.

If you don't have a regular appetite, Relieve Constraint will help somewhat, but you may want to consider medical-quality enzyme supplements.

8. Fatigue or lack of exercise: If exercise makes you worse, then you need strengthening herbs. However, you may have to wait til #1-6 above are better before you can tonify yourself.
If exercise makes you better, then you're stagnant. Keep exercising, especially aerobic like basketball, running, or swimming, and take Relieve Constraint.

Dietary Home Migraine Remedy Options:
As mentioned in the chart, hypoglycemia can lead to rebound migraines. There's some research to back that up - see the references at the bottom of the page.

How to control your hypoglycemia:

* Increase the amount of protein in your diet (meat, poultry, fish, nuts, beans) and eat smaller meals more frequently during the day to sustain energy.
* Never go for more than four or five hours without eating — preferably no more than three hours.
* If you sleep in on weekends, but find you wake with the beginnings of a migraine, keep a starchy snack by the bed.
* Eat small, starchy snacks, but not sugary or processed foods, on a regular basis. Crackers, rice, bread, and pasta are all good, as are fruits and nuts.
* Many migraine sufferers find that strenuous or prolonged exercise lowers their blood sugar levels and makes them more prone to attacks. Try taking a glucose tablet (or a teaspoon of glucose) before exercising, and a starchy snack within half an hour of finishing. This may help compensate for lost energy. However, once your diet has been corrected, glucose tablets shouldn't be necessary.
Not having an appetite is a problem!

Most people worry about their weight and want to get rid of their appetites. But for a migraineur, not having an appetite is a problem. Whether you are enzyme deficient, or your gastrointestinal system is all backed up, or both, you need to fix it.

If you don't have an appetite, you won't eat enough (leading to hypoglycemia), and even if you do eat enough, you won't be able to digest it properly. Indigestion will create more problems, like acid reflux or intestinal stagnation. Since everything in your body is connected, and migraineurs are so sensitive, all of these things can contribute to a migraine.

Herbal Home Migraine Remedy Options:
Let me tell you about a modern migraine formula, called
Relieve Constraint.

This is a modern Chinese herbal formula, a home migraine remedy. It comes from a book by Philippe Sionneau, a famous European Chinese medicine translator and author. Philippe translated it from the Chinese article written by Dr Cao De Ting in the Shan Dong Chinese Medicine Journal (1988, #1).

The full name of this home migraine remedy is the "Order the Qi and Resolve the Depression Decoction." It's based on what has become one of my favorite Chinese herbal formulas, "Yue ju wan," also known as the "Escape Restraint Pill." This formula was written by herbal master Zhu Dan Xi in the 14th century A.D.

The Relieve Constraint home migraine remedy relieves all 6 types of constraint (with the herb for each):

qi (cyperus)
blood (ligustici)
dampness (atractylodes)
food (shenqu)
phlegm (atractylodes)
heat (gardenia)

Added to the basic Escape Restraint Pill (to make the Relieve Constraint home migraine remedy) are several other herbs for emotional constraint, nourishing, moving the excess qi and blood down out of the head, relieving tension, and stopping pain. These herbs are chrysanthemum, cassia, tribulus, uncaria, peony, and licorice.

How do you use it?
Take it when you know a migraine is coming, or even before that after one of the migraine contributors has occurred in your daily life. It can help once the migraine is already there, but as with other home migraine remedy, it's much more effective the sooner you take it.

Depending on how bad and how frequent your migraines are, you might use this home migraine remedy every day, or every few days. If they're really bad, I'd take it every day for a while (2-4 weeks) until it's much better. Then, you still may need it occasionally unless you eliminate all migraine triggers, move to the countryside, and live a perfectly relaxed life ;-)

Nutritional Supplement Home Migraine Remedy Options:
Here are some nutrients suggested to be very important in the Balch's Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing:

Calcium and Magnesium: 2000 mg daily Ca, 1000 mg daily Mg
CoQ10: 60 mg daily
Essential Fatty Acids
Multivitamin and mineral formula
Vitamin B3 (niacin) plus niacinamide: 200mg 3x daily of niacin, 800mg daily of niacinamide - but do not take if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure
Rutin: 200mg daily

About the Author

Acupuncturist, herbalist, and medical professor Brian B. Carter founded the alternative health megasite The Pulse of Oriental Medicine (http://www.PulseMed.org/). He is the author of the book "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (November, 2004). Brian speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

Herbal Remedy Products

Ratliff J

Herbal Remedies is where you can buy herbal remedies, vitamins, natural medicines, nutritional supplements, herbal supplements, diet pills, weight loss pills and many more herbal products.

Herbal Remedies have been used for thousands of years. The Western world is just waking up to their effectiveness.
Herbal Remedies offer safe, natural remedies that are remarkably effective for maintaining health Explore the healing power of herbal remedies and the joys of natural healing.
Learn more about herbal products today at AskWellness.com.

About the Author

J. Ratliff is an article writer. This article may be reproduced as long as all links stay intact.

Herbal Menopause Treatments

Ratliff J

Herbal Menopause Remedy
Menopause is a transition that marks the stop of menstruation. Although this is a life change which should be embraced as another stop in life's natural stages, some women's experience with menopause has more to do with pain and discomfort. Since the 1960's physicians have prescribed estrogen supplements to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal problems. However, as with most drugs, hormonal therapy is not without risk. There is, in fact, an increased incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stroke, heart attack, and uterine fibroids. According to scientific research and observation, many women get as much relief from vitamins and herbal remedy as they do from hormonal drugs.

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Herbal Menopause Remedy Products we recommend include:

Menocore - Menocore is a botanical alternative medicine formulation which contains a blend of all natural herbal extracts developed to ease the transition and provide effective Menopause Symptoms Relief from the onset and duration of typical menopausal symptoms. Menocore has been developed as a natural alternative support product, formulated with the best-known combination of high-potency phytoestrogen botanicals which have a long empirical history of relieving menopausal symptoms, and supporting the body's hormonal balance.

Triatone - The ingredients of Triatone: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Licorice Root, Chasleberry, and Isoflavones - Have all been proven to help reduce hot flashes associated with menopause. Soy ingredients such as these, help produce isoflavones which have similar properties to human estrogen. Isoflavones can bind to the body's estrogen receptors and help offset the drop in estrogen that occurs during menopause.

MellowPause - While soy has been shown to have positive effect on hormone balancing, MellowPause's combination of ingredients make it effective for not only hormone balancing, but helps with other menopausal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and insomnia.

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. Menopause is as natural a progression in life as puberty. For most women, natural hormone production begins to slow down when they reach their thirties, and continues to diminish as they age. Many women experience few if any symptoms during this time but others may suffer from some or all of the following; anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, feelings of bloating, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability decreases interest in sex, loss of concentration, mood swings, night sweats, reduces stamina, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and itching and weight gain.

Learn more about hebal menopause remedies at Herbal Menopause.

About the Author

J. Ratliff is an avid health writer for Askwellness.com.

Herbal medicine for cold

John Gibb

Many people on the hunt for nutritional supplements are concerned about what kind of herbal medicine for cold sicknesses are offered. From the period of November until March, cold season sets in and it can really ruin your day. While there isn't too much of a clear determinant about how to cure a cold, your best bet is to try to ward it off before it even strikes you.

Once you already have the flu, there are herbal remedies, supplements, and vitamins that can help to curb the effects of the bug or hasten its departure, but there's no surefire cure for the common cold. One of the best ways to avoid getting the flu would be to keep the healthiest immune system you possibly can. The stronger your immune system is, the better chance your body will merely brush off pesky bugs. This can be accomplished through the use of many different substances.

Vitamin C is one solution commonly referred to when colds abound. Also, Echinacea has seen much popularity as a cold aid. Beta Glucan is one herbal remedy that helps to boost your immune system to superhuman levels. Beta Glucan stimulates macrophages, which your body uses as a 'first line of defense' against bodily invaders. Beta Glucan is naturally found in grains and oats. Maitaki mushroom extract is another substance that has seen some popularity. It is rumored to raise your white blood cell count, which can be enormously helpful in fighting off foreign bodies. Black Cumin extract is yet another solution, which has many healing and anti-viral properties. It helps to protect healthy cells and produces an enzyme called interferon which fights infections.

Last, but not least, is Aloe Vera. Certain sources of it can be powerful in boosting immune function. Liquid Aloe Vera doesn't offer anywhere near the effects of the concentrated, solid form. Of all of these natural remedies, all are classified as herbs with the exception of Beta Glucan.

Take your choice of these (although a combination has been proven more effective) to help ward off the next flu that comes your way.
About the Author

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Herbal First Aid For The Home

Patricia Valle

For a safe and effective way of handling minor everyday healing problems, there are solutions that can save you hundreds of dollars in doctors bills and give you a choice of inexpensive alternatives that are gentle enough even for children.

Tension and Stress: Chamomile tea, Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, Valerian root, Kava Kava, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Lavender essential oil.

Constipation: Flax seed oil, Aloe vera capsules or juice, Ayurvedic Trifala Formula, Psyllium powder or husks, Senna leaf, Smoothe Move tea, and Milk Thistle.

Diarrhea: Charcoal capsules, Carob Powder, Acidophilus, Calcium and Magnesium, Chamomile or Raspberry leaf tea.

Insomina: Chamomile tea or capsules, Valerian root, Wild Lettuce extract, Calcium and Magnesium (one dose at night), Passionflower, Scullcap, and Sleepy Time tea.

Colds and Flu: Oscillococcinum (homeopathic flu remedy), Echinacea and Goldenseal, Eucalyptus steam bath, Ginger compresses, Zinc lozenges, Vitamin C, Slippery Elm, Acidophilus, Garlic, and Yarrow.

Upset Stomach or Gas: Ginger, Slippery Elm, Peppermint tea, Chamomile, fennel or fenugreek, Aloe Vera, and acidophilus.

Earaches: Mullien and Garlic oil, Onion poultice, Olive oil, and echinacea.

Eye Inflammation/Infection: Chamomile compresses, Echinacea and Goldenseal eye wash, Aloe Vera juice, Eyebright-Parsley eye wash, Colloidal Silver drops.

Toothache: Clove oil on the affected tooth, Tea Tree oil or Colloidal Silver.

Insect Bites/Itching/Rashes: Sting-Stop Homeopathic remedy, Calendula Gel, Tea Tree oil, Florasome Cream (homeopathic), and Comfrey Cream.

You should be able to finall all of these items in your local health food store. Although these remedies are safe for most people, there may be an ocassion of an allergic reaction to any herb. If using a remedy for a child, adjust the dosage. Always seek medical attention if a problem worsens. If you have any queations regarding an herb or supplement, consult with a certified nutritionist or a natural health expert.

About the Author

Patricia has been in the health food industry for over eight years. She now writes articles on health, nutrition and herbs for various newsletters.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

John Lim

Introduction to hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that are found in the rectum or anus. The swelling is a result of strain during bowel movement. Pregnancy, chronic constipation and diarrhea also cause an increased pressure in the rectum resulting in hemorrhoids. There are two types of hemorrhoids, external and internal.

External Hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids like its name sake means that the hemorrhoid is located outside the anus. It feels like a small lump that is sensitive to the touch. An external hemorrhoid is usually itchy and irritating. It is also a lot more painful than internal hemorrhoids.

Internal Hemorrhoids:

Internal hemorrhoids usually do not hurt and they definitely do not hurt as much as an external hemorrhoid even when it does. They are found inside your rectum itself and may occasionally bleed. Because of this you may sometimes see blood on your toilet paper or in your toilet bowl after bowel movement.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are also detected easily because the main symptoms are irritation around the anus as well as painful swelling. There may also be sensitive lumps around the anus area. An odd itch inside your rectum is also a symptom of internal hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid Prevention:

Having the right diet is the best prevention method for hemorrhoids. Drinking a lot of water helps soften the stool thus easing strain during bowel movement. Eating a lot of processed food is also unhealthy. Instead, in order to prevent hemorrhoids, add some fiber to your diet. Foods such as bran, fruits and vegetables (just to name a few) will help your chances to avoid hemorrhoids.

Certain toilet habits can also help hemorrhoid prevention. Reading in the toilet is an unhealthy habit because sitting on your toilet for a long time could cause straining. Because of this, try to get the ‘job' done within 5 minutes without reading.

Moving around and exercising can also help prevent hemorrhoids. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, make an effort to get up and walk around for 5 minutes every hour. This will help greatly.

Hemorrhoid Treatment:

Hemorrhoid treatments are divided into natural home treatments, and surgery. Both are effective and the best treatment for you depends on the nature of your hemorrhoid.

Natural home hemorrhoid treatments are used to reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoid but more importantly to ease some of the pain caused by the hemorrhoid. Natural hemorrhoid treatments are as follows:

Sitz bathes involve sitting in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes a few times a day is a great hemorrhoid treatment to treat both the swelling and the pain.

Ice packs can also be used to numb the area as well as reduce hemorrhoid swelling.

Applying a cream that contains witch hazel (a natural astringent) can help ease the irritation around the area.

Hemorrhoid surgery are only used for extreme cases where with the hemorrhoid persists, it is too painful or when there are multiple hemorrhoids.

Rubber band ligation is a common form of hemorrhoid treatment because it is relatively uncomplicated. Basically a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. This will cut off the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid causing it to wither away in a few days.

Infrared Coagulations is a form of hemorrhoids surgery that is used on smaller hemorrhoids. This type of hemorrhoid treatment can be used on external or internal hemorrhoids. This procedure involves using infrared light to burn off the hemorrhoids.

Sclerotheray, also known as injection therapy is another type of surgery used on hemorrhoids. In this form of treatment is used for curing small internal hemorrhoids. A hardening agent is injected into the hemorrhoids causing a loss of circulation which will then result in the hemorrhoid shriveling.

About The Author

John Lim

http://www.hemorrhoids-help.com offers natural hemorrhoids treatment for instant pain relief and permanent cure. Drug free and painless home remedy for all hemorrhoids symptoms.

admin@hemorrhoids-help.com

Health supplement overview

John Gibb

Are you wondering which herbal health supplement you should take? Well, we've comprised a list of some of the most important herbs to begin on a regimen.

Alpha Lipoic acid is a special antioxidant that recycles both vitamins C and E in the human body. This is helpful to many age related diseases.

Avena Sativa is an extract for sexual health and vigor, also known by the name "green oats"

Bee Pollen is a substance produced by bees when they pollinate flowers. It's a great energy and immune system booster, and can be used as a weight loss aid.

Beta Sitosterol is a substance used for prostate health. More powerful then saw palmetto, this nutrient occurs in plant and vegetable matter.

CoQ10 is a nutrient, short for Coenzyme Q10 that is used in heart health and anti aging.

DMAE is a special nutrient that is known to increase mental function, as well as being known for elevating moods and fighting depression.

Dong Quai is a root remedy that many women take to help fight menopausal symptoms.

Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat's Weed, increases the body's testosterone and can be used to help the libido.

Fish oil is a naturally occurring chemical in the bodies of fish that contains omega 3 fatty acids that work wonders for mental and physical health.

Lutein is a carotenoid nutrient that helps eye health, curbing macular degeneration.
Royal Jelly is a nutrient found in the hives of bees. It has a broad range of vitamins and nutrients that can help keep your body working in tip top shape.

Wild Yam is a root remedy that helps curb menopausal symptoms.

Now that you know some of the basic herbs and remedies that go along with supplements, you can help yourself with choosing the ones that are right for you. If you are on any medications, it is best to ask a doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.
About the Author

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.