Migraine Tea

If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be.  They can be triggered by anything, from hormones, to stress, to the seasonal changes, and so on.  

One of my former co-workers at my last job gave me an herbal tea that he claimed helped to relieve migraines.  My friend and I evaluated it, and we found that it contained a number of herbs that do in fact help relieve headaches and act as natural pain relievers.

Here is a breakdown of what goes into my own personal blend of migraine tea, and some information about each herb:

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) -  The species name for feverfew, parthenium, comes from its presence around the Parthenon, the temple of Athena.  Feverfew contains the chemicals parthenolide and tanetin, which help to prevent migraines from forming if taken at the first sign of one.  This herb is especially effective against vascular headaches (migraines) or pre-menstrual headaches.  Feverfew also helps with joint pain, inflammation, and psoriasis, and is commonly used to help reduce stress.  Avoid feverfew if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chamomile, or chrysanthemums.

• Lavender -  Lavender is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and tension headaches.  It helps to reduce the stress than can sometimes lead to a migraine by relaxing the muscles and by having a calming effect.  Lavender contains Linalool, which is a chemical that may be effective in treating stress. In this particular tea blend, it adds a soothing scent and enhances the overall flavor.  Historically, Hildegard of Bingen used a decoction of alcohol infused with lavender to fight migraines.  

• Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) -  You may be used to the horrific stinging that the hairs, or trichomes, on this plant cause when brushed against in the wild.  The stinging is caused by histamines and other chemicals, but deteriorates quickly after the plant is harvested.  It can be steamed and eaten, and it is a great source of iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.  Nettle is a great herb for treating inflammation and joint pain, and is a natural diuretic.  It is also one of the herbs used in the Old English Nine Herbs Charm, recorded in the Lacnunga manuscript from the 10th century, intended to treat poison and infection.  

• Peppermint -  In ancient Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph who was transformed into a mint plant by the goddess Persephone as punishment for attempting to seduce her husband, Hades.  I add peppermint to this blend to improve the overall flavor of the tea.  Peppermint is also used to increase alertness and improve memory.  For a more relaxing tea, simply leave peppermint out of the blend.  Peppermint is also possibly effective against tension headaches, and has personally always helped to relieve mine.  It also helps to prevent an upset stomach from the willow bark (see below).

• Rosemary -  In folklore, rosemary was planted outside of houses to help protect the home against witches.  Rosemary promotes healthy circulation, helps to relieve headaches, and reduces high blood pressure.  The leaves contain two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol.  

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) -  Sage is a common kitchen herb, used to flavor different meats and sauces.  Please exercise caution if your diet is high in sage for some reason.  Common sage can be used to improve memory, reduce headaches, ease hot flashes during menopause, and to relieve painful menstruation.  It can also aid an upset stomach from the white willow bark (see below). 

• White Willow Bark -  White Willow Bark is a great natural alternative for aspirin, as it contains salicin.  It has long been used as a pain reliever and fever reducer.  Hippocrates advised his patients to chew on willow bark, but you should be aware that it tastes terrible, not unlike leaving an aspirin tablet on your tongue to dissolve.  It can cause an upset stomach so be sure that you include the two herbs that counteract it (see above).      

I like to buy my dried herbs in bulk, because I find that I save money in the long run, plus you can find a number of different uses for them outside of this awesome tea.  Mountain Rose Herbs is my current favorite supplier. They send out a monthly newsletter and update their blog with recipes, tips and tricks, as well as monthly specials.  You can really get a great deal, and their quality is top notch.  I also like that on each of their herb pages you will find a breakdown of uses, as well as the scientific name and how the herb or oil was harvested. 

Migraine Tea

Brew and enjoy at the start of a migraine

Ingredients:

1 part dried feverfew

1 part dried nettle leaves

1 part dried rosemary 

1 part culinary sage

1 part white willow bark

1/2 part dried lavender flowers

1/2 part dried peppermint leaves

1. Mix ingredients together
2. Store in a dark and cool area, in a tin or jar
3. Steep a tablespoon of the tea blend in a cup of hot water, covered, for 10 minutes

Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, herb, supplement, or doing any new exercises.