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Doctor insights on: Herbal Treatment For Headache

Medications : Preventive medications (anti-hypertensives and anti depressants )probably work the best. You can try a few home remedies starting with ice application over back of neck and temples. Other things you could try are warm compresses, massaging your temples, meditation and green tea. Relaxation therapy, biofeedback, meditation and exercise have also shown to help. ...Read more

Depends on the cause: First you need a diagnosis of the cause. Headaches (has) can be caused by muscle tension, migraines, tumors, infections, etc. Once you know the cause, it's easier to determine a treatment. Ex: many has diagnosed as recurrent 'tension' has are actually due to treatable problems in the neck, head bones, upper back, ribs, etc. An osteopathic dr. (unlike most md's) can diagnose & treat these causes. ...Read more

Beware: Many herbal medicines make claims with anecdotal evidence but not scientific double blind study. Placebo effect works about 35% of the time! ...Read more

Sumatriptan + Oxygen: Cluster headaches are 6-12 week episodes of frequent, incredibly painful headaches that each last approximately 45 minutes. First goal is to stop the pain of any headache that begins - this can be done with 100% inhaled oxygen or sumatriptan injections. Second goal is interruption the episode of the. Possible meds are verapamil, topiramate, depakote, prednisone, lithium. Good luck! ...Read more

Use a combination!: I would suggest a combination of vits, mineral, herbal and trace elements along with wellness, aerobic, heat as in soaking and yoga. Reflexology and related options. Acupressure. Use self-trigger point release or acupuncture. ...Read more

Several options: Most people have a headache at some time, such as from colds and flus, lack of sleep, too much driving, long hours on the computer, stress at work, etc... Several over-the-counter options include tylenol, (acetaminophen) motrin/advil, alleve, excedrinmigraine, and their generic brands. A bad or increasing headache, recurrent headache, weird headache, or one with other worrisome symptoms must be seen by a doctor! ...Read more

See a specialist: Any headache must be viewed as a valid medical disorder and the headache assessment must be comprehensive. See an orofacial pain or headache specialist for diagnosis evaluation and preventative treatment. ...Read more

Many options: The best way is to avoid triggers such as stress or certain foods so if you can find out what causes your migraines, start there. Thermal biofeedback is another option and it is closely related to meditation/guided imagery. Accupressure may help and some people have success with contrast showers (hot followed by cold). ...Read more

Several approaches: Have found success with naproxen sodium, indomethacin, and rarely Lithium. But any of the three might be a place to start. This is likely a migraine variant, and conceivably will respond to OTC prep such as butterbur, riboflavin, or CoQ-10. ...Read more

OTC cough suppress: Any medication that comes with a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan can help cut down the cough, and then Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for the headache as long as you arent allergic or have any kidney or liver issues. Be careful however, because over use of Ibuprofen or tylenol (acetaminophen) can lead to rebound headaches. ...Read more

Depends: I have seen weather related migraine headaches respond to b2 as well as high dose injectable b12, and magnesium. ...Read more

Omega 3 fats: I agree with dr. Tripp about maintaining consistent sleep & wake cycle. Also, omega-3 fats (epa, dha found in fish oil & others) also have a supportive role in bipolar d/o with hypomania. Studies have shown that a daily dose of 1-2 grams epa/day may be protective of neuronal membranes. These are adjuncts to mood stabilizing medications, not stand-alone treatments. http://tinyurl.com/orgyuyl. ...Read more

Reduce the stress: Medication without life style changes is not a first approach. The most important thing you can do is reduce the stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach. Exercise is an important tool as is eating a balanced diet and avoiding as much caffeine as possible and getting an appropriate amount of sleep. If these approaches do not help, speak to yoiur physician about medication. ...Read more

Yes: It can be a very effective preventative medication for some. ...Read more

Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits: Here's what we know — and don't know: Kava. , Passionflower. , Valerian. , Chamomile. , Lavender. , Lemon balm. . If you're considering taking any herbal supplement as a treatment for anxiety, talk to your doctor first, especially if you take other medications. The interaction of some herbal supplements and certain medications can cause serious side effects. If your anxiety is interfering with daily activities, talk with your doctor. More serious forms of anxiety generally need medical treatment or psychological counseling (psychotherapy) for symptoms to improve. ...Read more

Migraine /pregnancy: Try to limit all medications. I don't use drugs like Imitrex or ergots in pregnancy, i would use tylenol (acetaminophen) for mild headaches. Opoids( narcotics ) as well as anti nausea meds like a Compazine suppository for severe headaches. Paitients may also be helped from relaxation exercises and some biofeedback. ...Read more

See HA specialist: The management of episodic and chronic TTH consists of psychological support, physical therapy and pharmacotherapies. Recognition and discontinuation of perpetuating activities such as forward head posture can also be important. See OFP expert or headache specialist. ...Read more

Good for anything?: What most people with serious illnesses get from herbal medicines is worse! why would anyone spend money on unproven herbal preparations about which they know nothing. There have been numerous reports of people becoming critically ill when the stuff they were taking proved to be toxic. Go see a doctor. ...Read more

Several options: Give stimulants a try , fish oil, some herbal preparations seem to help check with your health food store.Get a good counselor to work on self understanding, structure and organization and self esteem. ...Read more

Yes: Magnesium is a compound that can help with chronic headaches. Non herbal options: if your headaches are related to tension, chiropractic or osteopathic adjustments can provide significant relief. In some migraine sufferers, food reactions can be a significant trigger for the migraines (get rid of the food reaction, you get rid of the migraine). ...Read more