• Feverfew has been found to be effective in preventing migraine headaches and/or reducing the nausea and vomiting associated with migraines. The parthenolide in Feverfew appears to block platelets and inhibit the production of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in the release of pain-causing chemicals. Ideally, when taken on a regular basis before the onset of pain, Feverfew may prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. As an anti-inflammatory, Feverfew reduces the body's manufacture of prostaglandin, a chemical that produces inflammation. Feverfew is a mild sedative and antispasmodic that will help relieve muscle spasms. In preliminary tests, Feverfew has been shown to keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots, so it may be useful as an anticoagulant. (Click here for more information on Feverfew)
• White Willow Bark has been employed for thousands of years as a reliable painkiller. It is used to relieve the pain of headaches, migraines, backache, nerve pain, menstrual cramps, toothache, and the pain of minor injuries. The analgesic actions of Willow Bark may be slower-acting than synthetic aspirin, but the results last longer, as the painkilling compounds remain at stable levels in the bloodstream longer (usually for several hours) than synthetic aspirin products. Unlike aspirin products, Willow Bark has no affect on blood platelets and does not increase bleeding, nor will it irritate the lining of the stomach, common side effects of aspirin. (Click here for more information on White Willow Bark)
• Hawthorne Leaf is a vasodilator (opens blood vessels) and is rich in flavonoids. It stimulates blood circulation to all areas of the body, including the brain and the heart. Hawthorne Berry appears to lower cholesterol, and since there is less platelet aggregation from cholesterol (blood clotting) in the arteries, this action allows the blood to flow more freely and reach the tissues where it is needed. The herb's high vitamin C content helps to strengthen tiny capillaries, opening them and resulting in more nutrients and oxygen being absorbed by the body. By increasing blood circulation to the brain and stopping inflammatory responses caused by allergies, the herb is believed to have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. The sedative effect has also been used to treat insomnia and nervous tension. Hawthorne is also thought to prevent the formation of thromboxane-A2, a hormone involved in inflammatory processes. (Click here for more information on Hawthorne Leaf)
• Horse Chestnut is mainly used to protect against vascular damage. It tones the walls of blood vessels, making capillary walls less porous and helping to prevent veins from becoming slack or swollen. The presence of aescin (a complex mix of saponins) strengthens and relaxes blood vessels (a vasodilator), which largely influences the circulatory system. Horse Chestnut is considered an anti-inflammatory, and its active component, aescin, works to reduce pain and inflammation. (Click here for more information on Horse Chestnut)
• Kola Nut is believed to be a fine "nervine" or nerve tonic that has a soothing and quieting influence on the nerves without numbing them. The caffeine content in Kola Nut may also be helpful in easing migraine headaches. Conventional wisdom has always said that all caffeine will cause headaches, but some modern research claims that judicious use of caffeine may actually help migraines, and it is even included in several over-the-counter migraine preparations. Kola Nut is also thought to relieve the pain of neuralgia (the severe, throbbing or stabbing pain along the course of a nerve). (Click here for more information on Kola Nut)
• Griffonia Seed has demonstrated an ability to raise serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to relief from depression, insomnia, anxiety and eating disorders. Griffonia is a natural source of 5HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), an enhancing amino acid that is a highly absorbable type of tryptophan, an essential amino acid with a documented sleep inducing effect. It is also a direct precursor to serotonin, the hormone that influences a number of bodily functions and also serves as a neurotransmitter that exerts a calming effect and regulates sleep. In regard to headaches, Griffonia Seed has demonstrated an ability to relieve both the frequency and severity of attacks of migraines in many clinical trials. The 5-HTP content was found to be as effective in treatment and prevention of migraines as beta-blockers or methysergide. (Click here for more information on Griffonia Seed)
• Blue Violet Leaf has been used for centuries to relieve pain and soothe the nerves. It is a calming herb that has been helpful in cases of insomnia, anxiety, hysteria, lamenting, and other emotional and nervous disorders. The salicylate content in the leaves acts as a pain reliever (it is the forerunner of the synthetic aspirin), and as such, Blue Violet Leaf has been employed to relieve body pain and headaches (even severe headaches). Blue Violet Leaf has been used for centuries as a blood purifier and "alterative," or agent that cleanses and stimulates the efficient removal of waste products from the system. (Click here for more information on Blue Violet Leaf)
• Ginger Root is a wonderful and time-honored remedy for nausea. It is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach and control vomiting, along with treating the symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger Root's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis, and sprains. It inhibits the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulates blood circulation, offering pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness. Other pain-killing benefits attributed to Ginger Root include treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation. Ginger Root is said to increase the absorption and efficacy of other herbs and drugs that are taken with it. (Click here for more information on Ginger Root)
• Alfalfa Leaf contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption. Alfalfa also contains many other nutrients including potassium, beta-carotene (useful against both heart disease and cancer), as well as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. The leaves contain eight essential amino acids and are a good source of chlorophyll. (Click here for more information on Alfalfa Leaf)
• Chamomile acts as an "anodyne" and is used to relieve pain. Traditional herbalists have long recommended it for the pain of backache, neuralgia, rheumatism, headache and arthritis. Chamomile is also well-known for its relaxing effect on the body and modern science claims that it does indeed soothe frayed nerves. It has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and other stress related disorders. (Click here for more information on Chamomile)
• Cayenne relieves pain. It provides natural heat, and its ingredient, capsaicin, is a strong pain-relieving agent that alleviates the joint pain of arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms, cramps, and bowel pain. In addition, Cayenne triggers the release of endorphins by the brain, chemicals that relieve pain that may be helpful in treating cluster headaches. Cayenne is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. Cayenne is an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. As a cardiovascular stimulant, Cayenne helps to regulate the heart and blood pressure. It improves blood circulation and is thought to normalize both high and low blood pressure. (Click here for more information on Cayenne)
