Treatment Of Headache
Feverfew- The Natural Remedy For Migraines
Feverfew is the common name for Tanacetum parthenium,
an herb related to the chrysanthemum. It is also known as Bachelor’s
Button. As a medicine, it’s use can be traced at least as far back as
the Dark Ages, and we’re not just talking about the time before little
pills in hard to open bottles. During the Middle Ages Feverfew was not
only believed to help but also used to help treat various ailments,
including fever reduction and, yes, headaches.
As with much folk remedies, especially folk remedies utilizing herbs,
recent research has supported the effectiveness of using Feverfew as a
migraine remedy. The scientific basis for this effectiveness lies in
Feverfew’s chemical makeup. Feverfew contains parthenolide, which is a
substance that affects the levels of serotonin. Serotonin is a major
player in the development of migraines; it’s a neurotransmitter, which
is a chemical by which neurons communicate with one another. One of
serotonin's functions is to modulate pain by blocking out nerve signals
and enabling one to concentrate. During migraine attacks the level of
serotonin is lowered, meaning that nerve signals aren’t as effectively
block. Many migraine medications essentially work by substituting its
ingredients for the missing serotonin.
Parthenolide works against migraines by inhibiting the production of certain proteins
in the body called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation, which
is the actual cause of head pain brought on my migraines. Feverfew helps
with reducing inflammatory reactions, and parthenolide also help by
determining the amount of blood to be delivered to specific tissues. The
significance of this lies in the fact that migraine headaches are linked
to the narrowing and widening of cranial blood vessels. It is the
dilation of the blood vessels that produces the pressure, which causes
the pounding headache that migraine sufferers must live with. Must live
with at least until relief is finally found, that. Parthenolide actually
works in conjunction with other active ingredients in Feverfew to
regulate those serotonin levels in the brain.
Several studies have been conducted to determine whether Feverfew actually is effective
in treating. Frankly, the jury is still out as the control process has
been questioned, but nonetheless the evidence does point toward the
product helping many people. Unfortunately, Feverfew has be determined
to be almost completely ineffective in relieving a headache that has
already begun; in order for this to work you must take it in a
preventative manner. As a supplement that you can take to prevent
headaches, Feverfew is made from flowers that are harvested only when
the plant is at its most Parthenolide-rich content.
In choosing Feverfew to treat migraines, you actually have a little bit of choice.
While the majority of migraine sufferers choose to ingest Feverfew in
either capsule or tablet, it is also available other forms. Most stay
away from the tea and tincture delivery method because both of these can
be quite bitter. You can also choose to go straight to the source and
chew the leaves, but many people discover this method irritate the
mouth. The freeze-dried form of Feverfew has been the most deeply
studied in regard to its migraine-preventive actions. Anecdotal evidence
points to Feverfew in extracted forms not being as effective.
Feverfew has been found to be safe on the whole, though it can cause an upset
stomach. In addition, if you allergic or sensitive to ragweed or
chrysanthemums, you may want to stay away as it can cause reactions.
Those who have any bleeding disorders or are taking blood-clotting
medications should also check with a doctor before taking it.
Feverfew won’t produce immediate results. Before you can adequately determine
whether or not Feverfew is effective in preventing your migraines, you
should take it regularly for at least a few weeks. Also, once you’ve
begun taking Feverfew, do not suddenly stop as your headaches may recur.