What are the most effective herbs for headaches?
Headaches: basic division
According to the Czech Headache Society, 70-85% of the adult population suffers from headaches at least occasionally. Together with back and joint pain, it is the most common long-term pain.
There are various classifications of headaches, for example, according to type, localisation or origin. Usually, a distinction is made between primary headache, which is not accompanied by another disease, and secondary headache, which is part of other diseases ranging from the less severe to the very serious.
Most of you have probably heard of migraine headaches, and the so-called tension headache, which is often associated with stress or mental strain, is also well known. Headaches and migraines can be accompanied by fever, nausea, stiff neck, weakness or even blurred vision.
Herbs for headache
Since time immemorial, herbs have been used in folk medicine for various health problems and ailments. If you believe in the power of nature or seek alternative methods of treatment, you will have come across the most frequently mentioned ones in connection with headaches, including:
- Tanacetum parthenium
- Petasites hybridus
- Valerian
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Rosemary
If you're interested in herbs and their healing benefits, you're sure to come across many others. Let's take a look at three of them in more detail. What can Tanacetum parthenium, Valerian and Petasites hybridus nightshade help with and what are the findings of scientific studies so far that focus on the use of herbs for headaches?
Tanacetum parthenium
Tanacetum parthenium, is a medium-sized, aromatic herb with many small, daisy-like flowers.
As early as ancient Greece it was used to reduce fever, for inflammation and swellings. A few centuries later, it was also used medicinally:
- arthritis
- asthma
- constipation
- tinnitus
- menstrual problems
- cramps, dizziness
- headaches
The first publicly available report on the use of yarrow for migraine appeared in 1978 in the British medical journal Prevention. The story, also mentioned in a clinical study focusing on Tanacetum parthenium, concerned a patient who had suffered from severe migraines since the age of 16. At the age of 68, she started taking 3 Tanacetum leaves a day and after 10 months the headaches stopped completely.
In folk medicine, Tanacetum parthenium is still used and recommended for headaches, migraines and menstrual pains. Initially, the raw leaves of Tanacetum parthenium, were chewed, but nowadays it is mainly used in the form of a tea made from the flowers, flowers and dried leaves, or as a tincture.
Scientific studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of mono preparations of Tanacetum are mixed. Some have confirmed an effect on the frequency and intensity of migraines, while others have shown no benefit or an effect only slightly greater than that of placebo. More research is needed to draw reliable conclusions.
Tanacetum parthenium can cause side effects such as bloating, aphthae and indigestion.
Pregnant women and people taking blood thinners should avoid consumption.
Petasites hybridus
Petasites hybridus is a herb with a thick rhizome and large leaves, in the Czech Republic it grows mostly in higher elevations. In history, this herb was used as a remedy for skin ulcers or a remedy for plague, among other things. Interestingly, in English it is called “butterbur”, meaning 'butter burdock', after the fact that butter was formerly wrapped in the leaves.
In addition to headaches, it is also recommended for asthma, coughs and digestive problems. The crushed root and leaves are most often used to make tea, and because of their unpleasant aroma, they are added to herbal mixtures or brewed with honey or red wine. The fresh leaves are then used as a poultice for scrapes, bruises and rheumatic joints.
The journal Neurology published a study in 2004 showing that Petasites can be effective in preventing and treating migraines at higher doses. However, the American Academy of Neurology subsequently withdrew its initial support due to concerns about the safety of unregulated manufacturing processes for commercially available products.
The Canadian Headache Society still recommends its use in migraine prevention in selected patients. Long-term health effects and interactions with other drugs have not yet been documented in detail.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial medicinal herb with small white and pink flowers. Like yarrow and ninespice, it has a long history. The medicinal uses of valerian were mentioned by Hippocrates and one of the most famous ancient physicians, Galen, prescribed this herb for insomnia. Since the 16th century, valerian has also been used to treat nervousness, tremors, headaches and heart palpitations.
Today, it is usually taken as a dietary supplement, tea or tincture from the dried roots.
A clinical study published in 2020 evaluated the effect on tension-type headaches. The results showed that valerian capsules had a significant effect compared to placebo. Since one of the risk factors for tension headaches is stress, a possible rationale for the effect of valerian could be just to reduce stress levels.
Scientists have not yet recorded in detail how valerian works in the body, but research suggests that its activity is related to the independent and synergistic action of compounds found in the plant. For example, valerenic acid and valerenol may act on GABA receptors in the body.
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve impulses in the central nervous system. It is one of the main neurotransmitters responsible for regulating sleep, and in large amounts has sedative effects. Consumption of valerian can lead to inhibition of the reverse breakdown of GABA in the brain, and thus have a significant effect on reducing daily stress.
What else can help with headaches?
As with other health conditions, it is always important to focus on finding the cause of headaches. Mental or physical stress, weather changes, drinking, lack of sleep, eating certain foods and more can be to blame. Often, however, the origin is not clear or it may be a combination of several factors.
What else can you try?
- Supplement magnesium- magnesium deficiency can manifest itself in fatigue and headaches, among other things. According to previous studies, magnesium has a positive effect on the treatment of migraines at all ages.
- Poultices - a cool compress applied to the forehead can be an effective first aid for headaches or migraines.
- Massage - a properly performed massage in the neck and head area can relieve tension, thereby relieving headaches.
- CBD - CBD or cannabidiol is a natural substance found in cannabis. Past research and user experience suggests that cannabinoids may be effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. CBD is available in a variety of products, with CBD oils and capsules being popular.
Summary
One of the most common pains in the adult population is headache. It can arise for many reasons and manifest in varying intensities. Herbs such as yarrow, valerian, or nightshade can be an alternative remedy or supplement for headaches. Keep in mind that many herbs are not recommended for children under 3 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or for people with high blood pressure or food allergies.
Various compresses, massages, minerals, dietary supplements or substances of natural origin such as CBD can also provide relief.
Look for the cause and always seek medical advice if the pain is persistent and frequent, or if the headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or nausea.
Sources: Clinical studies from National Library of Medicine
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review
- Feverfew for preventing migraine
- Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine
- Effects of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) on tension-type headache: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial
- Magnesium as an Important Factor in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Migraine—From Theory to Practice
Official website of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (articles Butterbur and Valerian)
Neurology, a professional neurology journal
Czech Headache Society Section for Headache Diagnosis and Treatment
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