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Migraines

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 1:29 pm
by AzaleaMoon
I've gone thru some posts and it sounds like a few individuals suffer from migraines.
I used to get them quite severely to the point that i would have numbness to my left arm. And it would take 2-3 days to resolve in a completly dark room.
I have found that if you smoke Osha root with a little bit of tobacco right at the start of it it eliminates it completly or will atleast diminish the symptoms alot. I have not gotten a migraine in 3 years.
I have never drank it and noticed results but that would be a good experimient.
But my greatgrandmother who was a medicine woman said that the smoke is what works.
Ligusticum porteri
The Osha herb is also known as Chuchupate, Indian parsley, Colorado cough root, Life root, Porter’s lovage, Mountain lovage, Bear root, and Bear medicine.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:41 pm
by Miss Pixie
Sounds like good info. :)

Peppermint oils are also good for relieving migraines.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:37 am
by AzaleaMoon
the Osha root has vaso constricter protperties that help that is what help aleve the Migraine headaches.
But it is a very "revered" herbal medicine in my culture. It actually has anti-bacterial and anti- viral properties and used to treat coughs, colds, ear infections, influenza, stomach aches, asthma, pneumonia (technically upper respiratory infections) tonsillitis, etc. We also tie a small piece of the root during hiking or when out in the mountains to deter snakes. We use it in poultices to treat cuts and scrapes and injuries that may have infection.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 10:18 am
by ravenhecateana
I used to get migraines too, and took topamax to prevent them. Now, however, I don't get migraines hardly ever, and I am not taking the topamax. The secret is I take magnesium suppliments. Those work better for me than anything else. A magnesium deficiency can cause a person to have migraines. Not exactly an herb, but it is a mineral, and a natura product.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 11:15 am
by AzaleaMoon
I agree and try to stick to more natural and homeopathic methods. (Even as a nurse) good t o hear your migraines have been alleviated.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:28 pm
by Elluir
Hello from your friendly neighborhood warlock/pharmacist

Migraine prescription meds aren't perfect. Not a lot of people respond to them, not everyone can use them. On the other hand they work GREAT for other people. Same thing with herbal remedies, some people respond some don't - you need to find what works for you. An herbal option is feverfew potentially - its better when used as a preventative, not as great for aborting a migraine, but may be helpful in conjunction with something else.

Disclaimer: These recommendations are for an otherwise healthy adult with no other medical conditions. Its always a good idea to discuss new herbal medication or supplements with your MD or Pharmacist, especially if you have medical conditions. Feverfew is not recommended in anyone with some type of bleeding disorder.

For migraine prophylaxis:
Oral dosage (capsules or tablets containing standardized dried feverfew leaf extract):
Adults: 125—250 mg of dried feverfew leaf extract (standardized to a minimum of 0.2% parthenolide) PO once daily. Alternatively, 70—114 mg (mean 82 mg) of dried feverfew leaf extract once daily.

***Continuous use for at least four to six weeks is recommended to assess efficacy at migraine prevention.

Oral dosage (fresh-picked leaves or dried whole leaves):
Adults: Chew 1—3 freshly-picked or dried-whole leaves once daily. One leaf of feverfew is equivalent to roughly 20—30 mg of feverfew (containing roughly 0.4% parthenolide), provided the plant species is Tanacetum parthenium. Generally one leaf per day is effective.

Oral dosage (tea):
Adults and Adolescents: Add roughly 5 (dried or fresh) leaves into 2 cups of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes before drinking the infused liquid. The tea may be administered up to 3 times per day according to some herbal texts.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:32 pm
by Elluir
I have never heard of the root AzaleaMoon mentioned. I will need to look into it.

However - please never use herbal remedies for anything bordering on a moderate infection. People died regularly from minor infections before we had antibiotics. If you need advice on an infection and how to go about treating it - never hesitate to PM me.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 12:20 pm
by AzaleaMoon
the osha root is found in the rocky mountains it is also known as Chuchupate, Indian parsley, Colorado cough root, Life root, Porter’s lovage, Mountain lovage, Bear root, and Bear medicine. We use it for infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, lots of ailments. But it will relieve a Migraine almost imediatly.

Re: Migraines

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:59 pm
by H_Prynne
Hey all, another pharmacist chiming in :)

I'm going to second Elluir's wonderful recommendation for the feverfew. I'm also going to restate his warning that while herbal remadies can be a great alternative treatments and or adjuncts to western medicine treatment, you really should check with your doctor of pharmacist before starting any. Just because somethings "natural" doesnt mean its always safe for everyone.

Two things to add to Elluirs very comprehensive post:
1) Chewing on the fresh leaves can be harsh on the mouth can may cause oral ulcers in some folks
2) For people who take feverfew regularly for awhile to prevent headaches, then stop all of a sudden there can be a "Post Feverfew Syndrome" in some folks which is basically described as being rebound headaches, anxiety, muscles stiffness.

In response to AzaleaMoon:
I too had never heard about the Osha root until you had mentioned it and I looked it up. Looks like its got some interesting anti-viral claims attached to it. I unfortunately don't know much about its safety and efficacy so I wont give it the thumbs up or thumbs down in terms of its ability to treat migraines.

HOWEVER:
I would be not be recommending Osha to treat any sort of bacterial infection like pneumonia, ear infections, tonsilitis...ect. Like Elluir I believe in utilizing alternative medicines when appropriate but there are certain conditions that unfortunately require some western medicine. If you have any sort of infection or suspected infection you should see a medical professional who can make a determination of whether or not its the sort of infection that needs antibiotics. Prior to the development of antibiotics simple stuff like strep throat, urinary tract infections, and skin infections could routinely turn fatal, and still can today if not treated properly and in a timely manner. If you want to use herbal remedies as additional treatment alongside antibiotics for infections, I think that's definitely reasonable but should always be discussed with medical professional beforehand.

Opiferque Per Orbem Dicor,
Prynne