Migraine

On my last trip up to Maennlichen I got talking to the only other adventurer, a girl from Finland. As is quite common when people find out that you are a medical herbalist, I was asked " What herb can I take for.....?". Unfortunately its not as simple as that.

Medical science may say take Imigram. As herbalists we wish to get to the bottom of the problem, not just kill the symptom. A herbalist will look at the individual, no two people have the same migraine, the same history that led eventually to that symptom, the same causes, or the same cures.

The wonderful thing about herbs, apart from there being so many, is that they work synergistically. It is possible, and often advisable, to incorporate four or five herbs in one individual mix. For example, we could be supporting the liver, reducing inflammation, keeping the arteries nice and calm, and reducing muscle tension all at the same time.

An initial consultation with a herbalist lasts for usually one hour. In this time we can really get to know your medical, social and emotional history. We can advise on lifestyle changes to help you improve your condition and suggest suitable supplements. As a complimentary therapist, my position is to accompany you on your road to health, to identify and encourage you to make healthy decisions, you are in charge of your health.

What causes your migraines? Are they linked to your menstrual cycle? Is it stress? What is this symptom trying to tell you? Is there anything that makes them worse? What brings relief?

The first port of call is to make a daily note of foods eaten, menstrual cycle, length of bleed, PMT, amount and quality of sleep, activities, stress, emotions and symptoms. This can easily be done on an A4 sheet, landscape, monthly, days of the month at the top, symptoms etc. down the side. Use a scale of 0 - 3 for severity, 0 = nothing, 3 = the worst possible. Contact me for an example via e-mail.

After a few months it may well be possible to see some connections. There could even be a simple cure such as avoiding chocolate pre-menstrually.

Further suggestions for self-help are certain supplements that have been shown to be beneficial and are available in all health food shops. Advisable is to buy the best you can afford, the good quality supplements such as Solgar, Quest, Natures Own. A good Health Food Shop will also be able to offer advice.

General daily supplements are:
Magnesium 300mg,
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 400mg,
Multi-vitamin and mineral containing 50mg B-complex,
Fish Oils with EPA
Co-enzyme Q10 90mg

Keeping a detailed account of your symptoms while introducing supplements and or making lifestyle changes, all noted on your Observation Chart, can encourage you to keep up the good practices as you begin to see improvement. This may be in the form of reduced duration of pain, or an increase length between attacks, or pain that is now relieved by simple pain killers.

The other nice thing about herbs and supplements is that they can be used in conjunction with your normal migraine medicines.

For the Finnish girl I met last week, I hope this reminds you of what I said on our hike. The nearest herbalist I have found is unfortunately in Sweden, Skane, Christina Harvidsson, her website is http://www.jeppagarden.se/

Til next time

Kx