A migraine attack can be very intense and painful. They may also make a person unable to perform their daily chores. A patient may not be able to function normally till the symptoms have died down, which is why most people getting migraine attacks are forced to take medicines. However, some useful home remedies can also be extremely helpful for people with migraines, and these include some herbs that can help alleviate the symptoms.

Herbs have been used as home remedies for migraines for many years now, and many of these continue to be used today. Having said that, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using any of these as some herbs may interfere with a patient’s prescribed medications.

Herbs as home remedies for migraines

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) was first used by Greeks and can treat many ailments like stomach ache, fever, and inflammation. The plant is native to the Balkan region, and East Europeans had used this for curing insect bites, pain, and headaches. You need to dry the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant for this herb, but it can have minor side-effects like nausea and bloating.
• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is available in the marshy lands of Asia, Europe, and North America and is believed to be one of the most effective home remedies for migraines, allergies, asthma, fever, and cough.
• Peppermint grows in Europe, North America, and Asia, and the leaves of this plant produce essential oils used for culinary and medicinal use. Peppermint relieves headaches, toothache, spasms, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Willow bark extract is used for manufacturing aspirin, and it can relieve pain and fever. People would chew the bark for the benefits of its fever-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger has always been used for producing herbal medicines by the Chinese, and it is also an important part of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to cure stomach pain, headache, arthritis, cold, nausea, and neurological problems. Keep in mind that having ginger supplements when on blood thinner medications may cause problems.
• Another home remedy for migraines is yerba mate, a traditional South American herbal tea. Different cultures would use caffeine to cure stomach problems, high blood pressure, headaches, cancer, skin damage, kidney problems, and circulatory problems. So, while caffeine intake can trigger migraines, caffeine can be used as a safe additive for pills to manage the condition.
• Valerian root, found in Asia and Europe, was thought to be a cure for insomnia, and it is also used as a remedy for headaches, tremors, heart palpitation, anxiety, and such.
• Coriander seeds are known for their health benefits, and traditional Ayurveda used them for treating illnesses like diabetes, migraines, and allergies. The seed has anti-inflammatory properties that might benefit people with migraines.
• Dong quai belongs to the family of celery and carrots, and it is used as a tonic and spice. It can be mixed with other herbs for treating headaches, inflammation, nerve pain, fatigue, and migraines.
• Rosemary, which comes from the Mediterranean region, is used for relieving joint and muscle pain, nerve disorders, liver problems, memory problems, concentration difficulty, and migraines.