Remedies for migraine headaches

Homemade herbal remedies for migraine headaches, which are still widely used by Central Americans. Believe it or not, the ingredients can be found right in your kitchen, garden, or local grocery store!

Relieve Headaches with Ginger

"Headaches are one of the most common complaints among the Mayan people of Belize. I see them carry a bit of fresh ginger wherever they go to ward them off, whether they're at home or on the run. They chew a piece of ginger for about half an hour," notes Dr. Arvigo.

Many of Dr. Arvigo's patients benefit from ginger when their headaches are related to stress and tension, indigestion, or congested sinuses. Under these circumstances, she suggests chewing a piece of ginger about the size of a quarter for 20 to 30 minutes. Relief may be experienced for up to 90 minutes, at which time you may chew another piece of fresh ginger. After that, chew slowly every 2 to 4 hours as needed.

You may also sip ginger tea by boiling 2 teaspoons grated ginger in 11/2 cups water for 5 minutes. Steep for 10 minutes longer, sip slowly, and inhale the steam while drinking. "I believe that ginger relaxes the muscles around your temples and increases their blood supply. It also acts as a mild analgesic and relieves sinus pressure," says Dr. Arvigo.

Drink Rosemary Tea for PMS

"The premenstrual woman experiences fluctuating hormones that increase her sensitivity and creativity. In earlier centuries, Mayan women gathered in circles for support during this delicate time and sipped rosemary tea," explains Dr. Arvigo.

Dr. Arvigo considers rosemary to be a reliable female tonic that's especially helpful for coping with premenstrual blues. She believes that certain compounds in rosemary bring hormone levels into line and may help to reduce the symptoms.

To prepare rosemary tea, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Pour the water over 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves. Let steep, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink warm. Have a cup before lunch and another one before dinner. Repeat for 3 days during the week before you expect your period.

Nurture Your Spirit with a Marigold Bath

"The Mayan people believe that marigold is an angelic force with the power to dispel anxiety, fear, and insomnia and to help mend a broken heart. In my experience, a warm marigold bath never fails to lift the spirits," says Dr. Arvigo.

Another of Dr. Arvigo's favorite home remedies addresses spiritual healing and involves a simple, relaxing, warm bath to which common garden marigold flowers have been added. To the Mayans, healing the spirit is as important a concept as healing the body. "I have witnessed the healing power of marigold baths repeatedly, for myself, my family, and my patients," says Dr. Arvigo.

Fresh marigold, the common garden variety (Tagetes africanum), is widely available in nurseries during the spring and summer months. Plant some in your garden, and harvest it as needed. Just be sure not to confuse it with calendula (Calendula officinalis), which is often called pot marigold and is sold in health food stores. Calendula is a safe healing herb, but it doesn't work for this remedy, cautions Dr. Arvigo.

To prepare a marigold herbal bath, take two handfuls of crushed, dried leaves and/or flowers, or 4 to 9 fresh marigold branches, approximately 9" long, and 4 to 9 fresh marigold flowers, and soak in a large pot of warm tap water for 1 hour. Squeeze the herbs between your hands to release their essential oils in the pot. Draw a bath (make sure the water is not too hot), and pour the herbal water through a strainer into the tub. Then soak for 30 minutes, relaxing and breathing the aroma in deeply.

When to See the Doctor

If you suffer from frequent migraines or experience a sudden, serious headache, consult your health care practitioner. Do not substitute ginger for prescribed headache medications without first consulting your practitioner.

Last updated Jan 4/07