Posted by Bobbie P. (161.184.19.148) on November 08, 1999 at 18:45:47:
Hey guys it's been a while since I last posted. I've skimmed through a few of the posts and noticed some disturbing stuff. I'ts almost like there is some sort of underground communication going on that we "newbie's" are not clued into. As I said I find it disturbing but I will not dwell on it.
I wish to address some comments made about herbs helping cluster headaches. I don't know what Sandy's intentions are but I believe in publically posting anything that I feel will help to lessen the suffering. So get out the tomatoes and the old witch pole cause I'm about to offer some more free herb knowledge:
Ginko biloba: Improves peripheral blood flow
Fish Oil and garlic: I will assume here that she means Super EPA(similar to salmon oil,2x strength)- shown in migraine studies to help slow blood platelet aggregation.
*Feverfew: acts as an anti-inflammatory, cerebral blood vessel dilator.
*Lemon Balm (Mellissa Officinlis): anti-inflamatory, pain reliever
*Chamomile: antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory **allergy sufferers use with caution this is member of ragweed family!
*Magnesium: "up to 50% of patients during an acute migraine attack have lowered levels of ionized magnesium" Infusion of magnesium results in rapid and sustained relief of an acute attack.
*Vitamin B6: "It seems crucial for diamine oxidase activity,(an enzyme essential for histamine degradation and which is dificient in those patients)."
*Alive Magazine #205 Nov 99
I have personally tested chamomile, feverfew, and lemon balm. Chamomile if the most effective for me. Currently, I am testing magnesium under the care of a licensed naturopath.(day 4, no CH)
You most likely noticed that lots of the info is for migraine. However, it has been noted earlier on the board that we CH sufferers do benefit from the Migraine studies and some of the treatments for migraine are effective for CH.
Hope this helps
Bobbie P.