Make a Great Remedy for Migraine Headaches Using Chamomile

5 Parts:

What are the active chemicals in the chamomile plant?

What is a migraine headache?

How to prepare chamomile tea?

Tips

Comments

Chamomile has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In fact, both the German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) cultures have held it to a very high reputation among plant-based medicines for over 2,500 years now. Chamomile was highly regarded by ancient herbalists because of its curative effects against a variety of ailments, including infant colic, menstrual cramps, insomnia, toothache, and indigestion, among many others. Today, chamomile continues to be a well-known medicinal plant in many countries. Despite advances in medicine, many people still rely on the natural yet effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, sedative, anti-spasmodic, and carminative properties that this fragrant herb offers.

The chamomile plant belongs to the composite (Asteraceae) family. In folk medicine, herbalists use its aqueous infusion and tea preparations to cure certain illnesses. The chamomile flower can be used both externally and internally to treat a wide range of disorders, especially those involving inflammatory conditions. The flavanoids (polyphenols) and essential oils extracted from chamomile flowers are the active substances that support the plant's merit as a powerful medicinal cure-all herb. It has been shown by many studies that the flavanoids (terpenoids, bisabolol and chamazulene) found in chamomile possess anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective remedy to various ailments, including migraine headache.

A migraine headache is a kind of headache that is triggered by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. During a migraine attack, sufferers usually complain of intense pain and eye problems, including seeing bright spots as well as zigzags in front of the eyes. A migraine can last for a couple of hours or even days. If left untreated, a person may feel very sick, making him or her incapable of doing the regular activities of daily living.

The use of chamomile to cure migraine headaches goes back to the Ancient Egyptians, who used chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Chamomile is available in many forms. It can be bought as an infusion (tea), dried flower heads, liquid extract, essential oil, tinctures, and as creams and ointments. Tea bags are very common; in fact, they are available in most grocery stores and pharmacies.

A good cup of chamomile tea is sometimes all you need to relieve a migraine headache. For best results, drink a cup when you start noticing the symptoms, or better yet, drink it before the condition actually gets severe. To prepare one, you will need the following ingredients:

• Two to three teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers (use the German chamomile plant)
• Water
• Honey or lemon juice

To make your own chamomile tea at home, simply follow the steps below:

1. 1
   Put 2 to 3 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in a cup

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Pour in approximately 16 oz

   .

   of hot water.

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Allow to infuse for about three to four minutes

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   Strain into another cup, making sure that you use a strainer fine enough to catch the chamomile flowers

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Add a bit of honey or lemon juice if desired

   .

   

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Drink three to four cups to relieve migraine headache. In severe cases, you can drink up to six cups per day. You may also prepare a warm compress using chamomile tea. Simply soak a clean cloth in a warm brew of chamomile tea and apply to the affected area.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

Comments