The Health Diva

Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a common medicinal herb. It has been used for centuries to treat conditions, such as fever, arthritis and digestive problems. Feverfew interacts with serotonin and prostaglandin pathways, two substances in the body thought to contribute to blood vessel spasm and subsequent headaches. Multiple double-blind trials and safety studies have shown Feverfew to be an effective and safe treatment for headaches. One caution with feverfew is that it increases bleeding times (blood takes longer to clot) and may interact with warfrin.

Butterbur

The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.

Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines. The largest study involved 245 people with migraine took either butterbur extract (75 milligrams twice a day) or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur, taken 75 milligrams twice a day was shown to have significant reduction in symptoms.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as ‘arctic root’ or ‘golden root’, is a member of the family Crassulaeae, plants indigenous to the polar arctic regions of eastern Siberia. As a powerful adaptogen rhodiola offers broad non-specific effects supporting overall body function particularly via adrenal stress, fatigue and has been helpful to reduce the incidence of migraine and tension headaches.

St John’s Wort

Hypericum has been used for centuries as a nerve tonic and an aid to lifting the spirit. Modern research shows that Hypericum acts as an antidepressant because some of its components (e.g. hypericin) are mono-amine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). MAOI’s are chemicals that stop the breakdown of chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are the chemicals that maintain our normal mood and control our emotions etc. Maintaining levels of these chemicals helps to keep our mood stable, fight depression and anxiety whilst encouraging normal sleep and concentration.

St Johns wort has been found to be effective to reduce the devlopment of a migraine if taken at the onset of the aura before pain appears, 20 drops can be taken every 10 minutes for 3-6 doses.

It is usual nowadays to recommend that Hypericum not be taken when any orthodox psychoactive medication (antidepressants, tranquillisers etc) are being taken. If you have come off orthodox antidepressants, then wait 2 weeks before starting a course of Hypericum.

Valerian

Valerian is without doubt the most widely recognized herbal sedative. It is used by herbalists for insomnia, nervous anxiety, and to help the body relax in the presence of pain.

Wood Betony

Highly esteemed by the ancients, Wood Betony was extolled as a remedy for a wide variety of ailments, and has been held in high regard throughout the Classical, Celtic, and Anglo Saxon times, and right up until the days of Culpepper. Wood Betony has historically been used as a complete remedy for all maladies of the head. It has been shown to be helpful for all pains in the head and face, including neuralgia (nerve pain) and shingles. Wood Betony also feeds and strengthens the central nervous system and has a mild sedative action, aiding relaxation and sleep.