Alternative Ways to Tackle Migraine

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
feverfew
Getty

Researchers are discovering that herbs and other natural remedies may hold a great deal of promise in treating migraine. Migraine affects up to 12% of Americans, including children. It is more common among women than men.

For people who haven’t found medication to be helpful, certain nutrients and supplements have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. In fact, some migraines might be due to nutritional imbalances that simply need correcting.

Feed Your Brain

Your brain needs nutrition for nerve cell signaling and basic functioning. It may not be surprising that nutrients—or lack thereof—can play a role in migraines. Researchers are specifically interested in the nutrients magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B 2), coenzyme Q 10, and alpha lipoic acid. While these nutrients do not treat migraine, sufficient levels in your diet may lower your risk for future migraine attacks.

  • Magnesium supplementation has been effective in some studies for preventing migraines. Low magnesium has been frequently linked to migraine. It may be common in women who experience menstrual-related migraines. One study that looked at oral magnesium found that people who took 600 mg of oral magnesium every morning experienced a 41% reduction in migraine frequency, compared with a 15% reduction with placebo.

  • Riboflavin is important to cell membrane stability. It may be useful in preventing migraine attacks. Riboflavin is found in meat, milk, nuts, eggs, and green vegetables. Taking 400 mg of riboflavin for three months was linked to a 50% reduction of migraine attacks for some people.

  • CoEnzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant made in your body. It is found in meat and fish. This vitamin-like substance may help prevent migraine.

  • Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in yeast and organ meats. It is also found in spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. Research has found 600 mg of daily alpha lipoic acid may lead to fewer migraine attacks.

The Power of Plants

Herbs have been used for centuries for their healing powers. Now in the 21st century, researchers are studying how two of them can treat migraine.

  • Petasites hybridus, also known as butterbur, may reduce migraine frequency, according to some studies. The American Academy of Neurology has recommended this herb as an acceptable remedy for migraine.

  • Feverfew has been used for centuries to treat everything from fevers to infertility. Today, the American Academy of Neurology recommends feverfew as a likely effective method for preventing migraine.

Key Takeaways

  • When medication isn’t helpful, certain nutrients and herbs have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

  • To help lower your risk for migraines, include sufficient levels of magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), coenzyme Q10, and alpha lipoic acid in your diet.

Was this helpful?
53
  1. Headache and Complementary Health Approaches. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. December 2012. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/pain/headachefacts.htm?nav=gsa

  2. Nutrition and Brain Function. United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/aug07/aging0807.htm
  3. What Is Migraine? NIH MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/fall15/articles/fall15pg4-5.html
  4. Migraine: MedLine Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/migraine.html
Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 30
View All Migraine and Headache Articles
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.