Herbs for Migraine

Feverfew offers a mild tranquilising effect that makes it ideal for easing the tension and fatigue that often lead to headaches. It inhibits blood platelets from aggregating in the bloodstream and prevents small capillaries from becoming blocked. This action gives feverfew the ability to prevent and treat migraines.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, also known as L. angustifolia) is a small, perennial shrub that can grow about 3 ft (1 m) high, characterized by its narrow, silver-green leaves and spiked violet-blue flowers. Renowned for its sweet, calming aroma, lavender is a mildly warming, relaxing nervine, helpful in alleviating stress, tension, depression, and headaches. Its essential oil has antifungal properties and is commonly used for burns and other skin inflammations.

Butterbur (sometimes called Petasites) is known for large, rhubarb-like leaves and stems that often grow in damp, marshy areas or moist forest grounds. It contains petasin and isopetasin—compounds that dampen inflammation and can reduce headache frequency, intensity, and duration. Research has found butterbur helpful for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and migraines, with additional uses for cramps and asthma.