Today I woke up with a migraine. Years ago this wouldn’t have surprised me since I’ve suffered with severe migraines for decades. They started when I was about 14 and peaked during my 20s. Over the years they’ve steadily dissipated, but when they do strike they can put life on hold. Thankfully, I always keep a bottle of the herb feverfew on hand.
When I’m awake, it’s easy to tell if one of these headaches is about to strike, since there are some common warning signs. Most sufferers experience one or more of the following pre-migraine symptoms:
*Flashing lights that block part or all of their vision
*Dark spots that block part or all of their vision
*Feeling spacey or out of it
*Nausea
*Numbness on one side of the head or face
Once a migraine starts there’s usually no stopping it. I was on beta-blockers, prescription pain medication, and was never without Excedrin. To know whether a headache is related to tension or an actual migraine, The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms that most people experience once a migraine hits as:
* Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
* Throbbing head pain
* Pain that worsens with physical activity and bending over
* Nausea with or without vomiting
* Sensitivity to light and sound
If left untreated, a migraine can last up to three days, though in my experience it was usually 24-36 hours. Although not life-threatening, these headaches truly are life-altering. The pain and other side effects can be so debilitating that some mothers may need a friend or family member to watch their children until the episode passes.
Through trial and error I’ve found that what works best to reduce my migraines is getting regular exercise, avoiding triggers such as certain foods and beverages, and taking the herb feverfew.
A member of the sunflower family, this plant has been used for centuries as a remedy for headaches. Taking this herb on a daily basis allowed me to get off all prescription medications and reduced the severity and occurrence of migraine attacks. Thankfully, as I’ve gotten older my migraines have dwindled down to only a couple per year rather than several per week.
If you suffer with migraines, you might want to give this wonderful herb a try. Of course, talk with your doctor first, especially if you’re currently on any prescription medications.