10 plants to relieve headache :
Headache is very common in industrialized countries: more than 80% of women and 66% of men will suffer from it regularly. To remedy this, it is possible to turn to plants. Here are 10 plants and their dosage to fight against headaches.
1-The great chamomile against migraines :
The leaves of the great camomile (Tanacetum parthenium) have been used for centuries for the prevention and control of recurrent migraines. Today, the World Health Organization and the European Scientific Cooperative On Phythotherapy (ESCOP) officially recognize the effectiveness of this herbaceous plant originating in the Balkans for the prevention and reduction of the frequency and intensity of crises Of migraine. In part, the preventive effect of chamomile against migraines was explained by the presence of an active agent in the leaves called parthenolide.
Dosage: It is recommended to chew from 125 mg to 250 mg of dried leaves per day or to take the same amount as dried leaf powder capsules or freeze-dried leaves (standardized to 0.2% parthenolide).
Good to know: Chamomile must not be confused with German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), two different plants and do not have the same pharmacological properties.
2-Peppermint to get rid of headache :
Probably native to the Middle East, peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a perennial plant that results from a cross between the spearmint (Mentha spicata) and the aquatic mint (Mentha aquatica). The essential oil of peppermint, extracted from the aerial parts of the plant, is used externally as a remedy for headaches. The use of this essential oil is recognized by the World Health Organization, ESCOP and Commission E1. A clinical study2 had shown the efficacy of peppermint essential oil externally to alleviate the headache (= tension headache). According to the results of this study, a circular massage with an ethanol solution containing 10% of peppermint essential oil would effectively relieve headaches, as much as a 1000 mg dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol® ).
Dosage: By external route, it is recommended to place between 2 and 3 drops of essential oil of peppermint pure or diluted in a little vegetable oil (for example sweet almond) or warm water on the forehead, Temples or at the level of the neck and to massage the areas concerned in a circular manner. If the headache persists, repeat the procedure every 15 to 30 minutes. Attention, do not apply the essential oil of peppermint too close to the eyes.
Good to know: Essential oils contain potent active ingredients and are contraindicated in pregnant women and young children. It is essential to take certain precautions and scrupulously respect the dosages. If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
3-Willow bark against headaches :
The use of white willow bark (Salix alba) in the treatment of headaches is officially recognized by Commission E and ESCOP. In phytotherapy, the bark of the young branches of the white willow, a tree living in the humid regions of the northern hemisphere (Europe, Russia, Central Asia, North Africa, etc.) is generally used and can reach a height of 25 meters. The willow bark produces salicin, an active substance transformed by the body into salicylic acid and whose chemical structure is close to that of aspirin. The febrifuge properties (preventing and eliminating fever) and analgesic (reduce pain) of the white willow bark would thus effectively relieve the headache.
Dosage: Bring to a boil between 150 and 250 ml of water with 2 to 3 g of willow bark then simmer for about 5 minutes. It is recommended to drink up to 4 cups of this mixture per day. It is also possible to opt for the daily intake of standardized salicin extract: take 60 mg salicine 1 to 4 times a day.
Good to know: Willow bark is contraindicated in people allergic to acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirine®). If in doubt, it is best to consult a health professional.
4-Meadowsweet, this plant aspirin :
Like the white willow bark, the perennial herbaceous perennial plant (Filipendula ulmaria), up to 1m50 in the meadows or wet meadows of the European continent, contains white salicylates, Powerful active agents with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and febrifuge properties. The Meadow Queen, as well as the white willow bark, are the origin of the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin. Thanks to its high content of flavonoids and salicylates, the use of the Meadow Queen is recognized in the treatment of headaches. The advantage of this plant is that its use does not cause side effects on the stomach: unlike aspirin, the salicylated derivatives present in the flowers of the Meadowsweet protect the gastric mucosa.
Dosage: To relieve headaches, it is generally recommended to infuse 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried flowers of Meadow Queen in 250 ml of boiling water, filter the preparation and drink up to 3 Cups of herbal tea per day.
Good to know: People allergic to aspirin should not use this plant in the treatment of headaches.
5-Petasite to prevent migraine attacks
In phytotherapy, standardized extracts of petasite rhizome (Petasites officinalis) are used to prevent and treat migraine attacks. Two clinical trials published in the early 2000s demonstrated the effectiveness of this herbaceous plant in the prevention of migraine. In the oldest study1, daily intake of standardized extracts of petasite (Petadolex®) for 3 months significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks. The second trial2 clearly confirmed the results of the first study, participants taking 150 mg of petasite extract daily for 4 months showed a marked decrease in migraine attacks.
Dosage: People who are more prone to migraine attacks may take a meal between 50 mg and 75 mg of standardized extract of petasite twice a day for 4 to 6 months.
Good to know: In the raw state, petasite contains substances (= pyrrolizidine alkaloids) toxic to the lungs and liver. Standardized extracts of rhizome of petasite, meanwhile, are not dangerous and are very well tolerated by the body.
6-Headache: try the rosemary :
In case of migraine or headache, the use of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a good alternative to analgesic drugs. This perennial plant originating in the Mediterranean basin will relieve headaches thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, and in particular the migraine caused by the cold. Traditionally, rosemary is used as an infusion or inhalation to prevent or treat headache.
Dosage:
Infuse 2 g of dried rosemary, the equivalent of a teaspoon, in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, filter and drink the herbal tea as soon as the headaches appear. If the pain persists, it is possible to take up to 3 cups of rosemary tea per day.
When inhaled, boil a handful of dried rosemary in 1 L of water, pour it into a large bowl, cover its head with a towel and then breathe the vapors of the solution until the headache disappears.
Rosemary essential oil can also be effective in migraines, with 1 to 2 drops of this rosemary essential oil on the temples, forehead or neck and rub with care to avoid any contact with the eyes.
Good to know: Essential oils contain potent active ingredients and are contraindicated in pregnant women and young children. It is essential to take certain precautions and scrupulously respect the dosages. If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
7-True lavender against headaches :
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial plant originating in the Mediterranean basin. Very appreciated for its strong and pleasant smell, true lavender is mainly known for its calming and soothing properties. The essential oil of true lavender, obtained by complete distillation of flowered tops, would relieve migraines and tension headaches. This essential oil is considered the "universal panacea" because it has many therapeutic properties and can relieve many ailments such as restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, respiratory tract inflammations, muscular pains, Arterial hypertension, gastric disorders, etc. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties would make it an excellent ally to fight headaches and migraine attacks.
Dosage: To relieve headaches and promote sleep, it is recommended to mix 1 to 2 drops of real lavender essential oil with a little vegetable oil like sweet almond, to place the solution on the temples or The front and perform a circular massage. If not, bring to a boil about 1L of water, then add between 2 and 4 drops of real lavender essential oil. Pour into large bowl, cover head with towel and inhale steam for several minutes.
Good to know: Essential oils contain potent active ingredients and are contraindicated in pregnant women and young children. It is essential to take certain precautions and scrupulously respect the dosages. If in doubt, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
8-Treat the headache with Ginkgo biloba :
Ginkgo biloba, a sacred tree in China and Japan, is part of the oldest known tree family, the ginkgoaceae that appeared more than 270 million years ago, well before the dinosaur era. The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are used mainly because they are rich in flavonoids, quercetin, bilobalides and ginkgolides. Thanks to its vasodilatory and neuroprotective properties and its antioxidant effect, this tree promotes blood circulation and protects the nerve cells. The World Health Organization and Commission E recognize the use of standardized Ginkgo leaf extract in the treatment of symptoms of dementia, including memory loss, concentration disorders, depression, Tinnitus and headaches of vascular origin. By increasing cerebral blood flow, Ginkgo biloba would alleviate headaches.
Dosage: Take 120-240 mg of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, taken 2 or 3 times during the day. It is recommended to start the treatment by taking 60 mg per day to avoid possible side effects like digestive disorders, agitation or even headaches. It will then be necessary to gradually increase the dose if the headache persists.
9-Eucalyptus to fight headaches :
Eucalyptus is native to Australia. There is a wide variety of species throughout the world (Europe, Australia, North Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, South America ...) since they are easily shrubs or trees that are easily acclimatized, environment. Eucalyptus is traditionally used to treat respiratory tract diseases and relieve rheumatic pains. However, the analgesic property of eucalyptus essential oil, partly due to the presence of eucalyptol in the leaves of the tree could result in mild benefits against headaches.
Dosage: It is recommended to dilute 1 to 2 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus in a little vegetable oil then to rub the times and the front with a few drops of the solution. Care must be taken to avoid contact with the eyes.
10-Overcoming the headache with melissa :
Used for centuries for its calming and relaxing virtues, melissa officinale, also called lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) because of its lemon fragrance, would reduce the pain caused by migraines or tension headaches. The antiviral and anti-pain effects of lemon balm would help fight not only against migraine attacks but also against viral infections, often responsible for intense headaches.
Dosage: Melissa can be used as an infusion to soothe headaches. Add 1.5 g to 4.5 g of dried aerial parts of the lemon balm to about 150 ml of boiling water, filter the mixture and drink up to 3 cups of herbal tea per day.