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Natural cures for migraines

In recent years there has been a growing interest and demand from the public for "natural" treatments such as vitamins and supplements in trying to control migraine headaches. Common methods are Feverfew, Magnesium, Riboflavin, Omega-3s and Massage. [Content edited for spam]

  1. Hi, my name is Nicole, I stumbled upon a migraine article, which lead me to reading and reading and then signed up to this great sight..I have been poking around reading these different forums. Because we are all so different and have different migraines, I’d just like to offer up what I have discovered in hopes that it can help someone else the way it helped me. Here is a little bit about my story:
    I had/have migraines very bad started at age 29 am now almost 38, I have ocular aura migraines and a lot of the time mimmick stroke symptoms. I’ve ended up in the hospital, the ER etc..I have seen a couple neurologist, stopped seeing one of them because I was not satisfied at all. I see a neurologist now who specializes in migraines, in Boston at Mass General hospital. Prior to him, I was put on Topomax which to me, (just my personal opinion) is the worst medicine out there and surprised it is still on the shelves after reading the forums of god awful side effects of that medicine-it is scary. I stopped taking it and at that point was on a personal mission..I thought to myself there are so many natural ways of healing and helping one’s body, vitamins etc…it’s done all over the world..I was so sick of doctors saying hey try this medication, no ok try this medication, oh the insurance company came and dropped off this medication, try these samples..and that is when I realized, this country is so run by and pushed by medication, we are run by pharmaceutical companies, so much money is made by drug companies…I thought why isn’t anyone researching natural remedies. So I did and I did a lot of research. Bottom line is, I stumbled upon ButterBur
    ( PA FREE ), by a company called Petadolex, I have been taking it for 2 years now and my headaches have been cut by 70%. I take 75 mg 2 times a day along with CoQ10 combined with Fish Oil, ( I get it at a vitamin store, they all carry them) take that 2 times a day as well. I also take a Super B complex vitamin once a day. In my case, this has been by far better than any prescription drug, it has helped me more than anything I have tried, and I am not putting all of that medication in my body. I urge others to try it. ButterBur has been used in so many countries for almost a century, and so many other countries push it for migraines, just not our country. I truly hope this helps someone, again it is just my personal story, and what changed my life for the better, it has totally changed my migraine life.

    1. Nikki714,

      From my good friend Nancy -

      There is lots of evidence that butterbur is effective for migraine. However, when not purified properly it can be very toxic. Petadolex was being manufactured correctly in Eurpoe where it was recommended we purchased it. But the manufacturing process has changed and migraine specialists are no longer suggesting we use it.

      Don’t panic, there are other alternatives. Here is information on this topic from migraine/headache disorder expert Dr. Mauskop; https://migraine.com/blog/boswellia-a-potential-herbal-remedy/. In addition Magnesium, riboflavin, Coenzyme Q10, and other have shown to be helpful. Let me share a link with you on other natural remedies; https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/. But before you start other natural supplements make sure you discuss it with your doctor. This is important information on natural supplements everyone who takes them should read; https://migraine.com/blog/safety-of-dietary-supplements-herbs-for-migraine-prevention/.

      Nancy

      1. I would like to recommend that you should do regular gentle exercise helps to reduce tension ward off stress, a well-known trigger for many migraine sufferers.Beside this you try Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is found in certain foods and supplements.It is an effective preventive treatment for migraines.

        1. I've had migraines all my life. Now that I'm going through menopause, the frequency and severity of my headaches is significantly lower than it was in my thirties and forties. I use Wellbutrin and Nortriptyline as preventives and Excedrin Migraine for abortive. I don't currently have an emergency med.

          All is well, except that I keep waking up with migraines. I put my Excedrin bottle and a water bottle by my bed, and called it good.

          But I may have found a better solution.

          Deep breathing.

          I am not kidding. A few times I've woken with pounding pain and made the headache go away with intentional deep breathing--like inhaling for a count of six or eight and exhaling the same amount.

          Am I crazy? Or is this something that others have found helpful??

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