Many herbs and herbal formulas are effective for migraine sufferers, both as acute treatment and for prevention, particularly when coupled with the identification and elimination of migraine triggers. The natural products discussed here include Zingiber officinale (ginger) for migraine treatment and Cannabis sativa (cannabis), intranasal Capsicum annuum (cayenne), and Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender) volatile oil for treatment and prevention. The many agents discussed for migraine prevention primarily include Petasites hybridus (butterbur) root, Curcuma longa (turmeric)+fish oil, Citrus medica (citron) fruit, Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew), Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew)+Salix alba (white willow), Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), and Lippia alba (bushy matgrass), though the latter three have little published evidence of efficacy. The Chinese herbal formulas Zhèng Tiān Wán (Rectify Heaven Pill) and Wú Zhū Yú Tāng (Evodia Decoction, goshuyutō) have fairly strong evidence supporting their efficacy for migraine prophylaxis. Dosing and safety information are provided for all herbs discussed.
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