Posted by Bobbie P. (161.184.18.223) on November 13, 1999 at 14:54:06:
In Reply to: I was told I have Cluster Headaches but... posted by Cari on November 13, 1999 at 10:56:04:
Dear Cari,
Just tuned into the message board and read your post. I am sending on a section of my earlier posts on alternative help for cluster and migraine headaches. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. I have not used med's for over 7 years. I'm not a doctor by any means but I try to stay as knowledgeable as possible with herbs as they are a part of my life/health style. As you are trying to conceive it is important to check the label for any contraindications and consult with a herbalist before trying new herbs. *Some herbs are not to be used during pregnancy. The good news is that It has been noted by some women (myself included) that pregnancy puts our clusters in remission for the entire term. You might also want to try the "water x 3" on the side board menu or oxygen therapy.
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.