Five Medicinal Herbs for Headaches

Most herbal remedies predate modern medicine. In fact, pharmacology has deep roots (pardon the pun) in herbal folklore and traditional home-remedies. My trust in herbs comes from the knowledge that these cures have already endured a sort of medical Darwinism. Firstly, after hundreds of years, herbalists have eliminated the use of plants that cause people to fall over and die. Secondly, herbal remedies that don’t work also don’t get generations of use.

Scientific Name: Tanacetum parthenium

Also Known As: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Midsummer Daisy, Wild Chamomile, Featherfew, Bachelor's Buttons

Benefits: Feverfew has been used as an herbal remedy for a very long time. It is also one of the most well-tested herbal treatments. Feverfew is one of the best medicinal herbs for migraines because it can reduce the constriction of blood vessels going to the brain. It also helps relieve the vertigo and nausea that frequently accompany migraines.

Possible Side effects: Feverfew can cause stomach issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn and nausea. Gender specific side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle and uterine contractions. Do not take this herb while pregnant. Because it can thin the blood, tacacetum parthenium should not be taken with prescription blood thinners. Canker sores and lip and tongue swelling sometimes occur when chewing the leaves of the plant.

Dosage: 50 to 100 milligrams daily

Scientific Name: Verbena officinalis

Also Known As: Verbena, Holy Herb, Devil's bane, Tears of Isis, Pigeon's Grass, Ma Bian Cao, Herb-of-the-cross

Benefits: Vervain is an all-around healing herb and is used to treat many ailments. It has sedatives and relaxant benefits, making it an excellent choice for stress-induced or tension headaches.

Possible Side effects: Vervain can lead to vomiting when used in high doses. Like feverfew, vervain can cause uterine contractions. It should not be used during pregnancy.

Dosage: 2-4 grams up to 3 times daily as an herb, up to 500 milligrams daily in pill or capsule form

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra

Also Known As: Elderberry flower, Elderberry, Sweet Elder

Benefits: Elderflower works to combat the cold and flu symptoms. It is particularly good for treating sinus headaches. It is also effective in treating ear infections and the headaches related to them.

Possible Side effects: There is some evidence that elderflower may reduce blood sugar levels. Use caution when taking it in conjunction with diabetes medications

Dosage: 10-15 grams daily as an herb, 36-72 milligrams daily as capsule.

Scientific Name: Scutellaria lateriflora

Also Known As: Blue Pimpernel, Mad-dog Weed, Scutellaria, Quaker Bonnet

Benefits: Like vervain (verbena) skullcap has sedative properties. In skullcap, the sedative effect is much greater. This means it is also a good herb for tension headaches, particularly if insomnia is involved. Skullcap is also a anti-spasmodic and can relieve headaches caused by heavy coughing. Skull cap and elderflower can be taken together to treat a cold or flu.

Possible Side effects: Skullcap can cause mood changes and confusion in high doses. Rarely, it can cause changes in heart rhythm and tremors. Skullcap should not be taken while pregnant.

Dosage: 5-10 grams every 8 hours as an herb, 500 mgs in capsule form.

Scientific Name: Verbascum thapsus

Also Known As: Common Mullein, Flannel, Woolly Mullein, Beggar's Blanket

Benefits: Mullein is often used as an antihistamine and can be used to treat headaches caused by allergies. Mullein also has anti-viral properties. It can be used in combination with elderflower to treat headaches related to colds or the flu.

Possible Side effects: All of the associated side effects of mullein are related to handling the plant itself. It is covered with small hair-like spines that can cause irritation to the skin. If ingested, these spines could cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Mullein in capsule or tablet form has no known side effects.

Dosage: 3-4 grams of properly prepared dried herb, 300-500 milligrams in table or capsule form. Note: Because of the care that must be taken to remove the spiny hairs of verbascum thapsus plant, consuming in fresh herb form is not recommended.

 As with anything that you put in your body, please use common sense when using herbal remedies. Talk with your pharmacist about any possible interactions with other herbs or medications that you are taking. Always seek a doctor's advice before making drastic changes to your diet or supplement regimin.

If your headaches are frequent or intense, please seek medical treatment to determine the underlying cause. Discontinue ANY medication, herbal supplement, or food immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.  Herbal remedies are a fantastic addition to headache treatment but I do not advocate replacing appropriate medical treatment with herbs.  I am not a physician.