Many people in our modern society rely on pills for every ache and pain they encounter. Some say this is due to the widespread use of illegal drugs that began in the 1960's. Whether or not that is so, it is true that pharmaceutical companies are making great amounts of money through the sale of prescription drugs. Many of those drugs are being used for migraine relief.



Natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs is, to some, a better route. These migraineurs would rather not put chemicals into their bodies unless absolutely necessary. Just as they want no chemicals added to the soil or the air around them, they want to rely on natural migraine relief.

What to Try

If you choose natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, you will want to consider the following possibilities.

1. Vitamin B2: Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is said to produce dramatic migraine relief. In a 3-month study of 55 people with migraine headaches, it was found that riboflavin can make a significant difference in the number of migraines you have and the length of each attack. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a daily dose of about 400 mg. of vitamin B2 over a period of 2 months or more gave remarkable migraine relief. Most of those who participated in this study saw the number of their migraines decrease by about 50 percent. The total number of days they suffered migraine also went down by 50 percent. While a larger study is needed, these results are encouraging to those who want natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs alone.

2. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): 5-HTP (a natural supplement) is not found in appreciable amounts in food. This supplement is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, the scientific name of which is Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement 5-HTP works, at least in part, by raising serotonin levels. Since the body uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP might raise serotonin levels. In a 6-month trial of 124 people, a daily dose of 600 mg. of 5-HTP proved just as effective as the standard migraine relief drug, methysergide. The most impressive benefits were decreases in the intensity of migraine, and decreases in how long the migraine lasted. Since earlier studies proved that methysergide was better than a placebo for migraine headaches, this scientific study gives meaningful evidence that 5-HTP is also effective. Those who are seeking natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs may want to try this supplement.



3. Magnesium: In the realm of minerals, magnesium is a promising natural for migraine relief. Magnesium occurs naturally in many of our foods: fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables. The effectiveness of magnesium for migraine relief has been the subject of several studies. In one study, 81 people with migraine headaches received either a daily dose of 600 mg. of magnesium or a placebo. At the end of the 9-week study, those taking magnesium daily found they had nearly 50 percent fewer headaches. The placebo group had a reduction of just under 16 percent. Similar studies indicate that magnesium reduces not only the frequency of migraine headaches, but also the seriousness of the attacks. More studies are needed, but magnesium is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms. You may want to try this mineral for migraine relief.

4. Butterbur: Migraine relief in children is often effected with this herb. As reported in a 2005 issue of "Headache" regarding migraine, butterbur gives migraine relief. Of several studies done, the largest involved 245 people. Over a period of 4 months, these migraineurs took either a placebo or a twice-daily 50-75 mg. dose of butterbur extract. At the end of the study, it was found that the larger dose of butterbur gave greater migraine relief than the placebo. Side effects were mild, making this an option to consider for natural migraine relief.

5. Feverfew: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is one herb that has provided natural migraine relief for many centuries, or so people have believed. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets' release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances. The scientific community has run several studies to evaluate feverfew's effectiveness in giving migraine relief. One study involving 170 people offered either a placebo or a feverfew extract for migraine relief. Those who took feverfew were found to have significantly fewer migraine headaches per month than those taking the placebo. The frequency with feverfew decreased by 1.9 migraines; with the placebo by 1.3 migraines. It is important for you to know that not every study indicates that feverfew is effective. Results are mixed.

CAUTION: Before relying on natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. These natural remedies are not for everyone. Feverfew, for example, may interact with blood-thinning medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs).