Posted by Bobbie P. (161.184.18.32) on February 13, 2000 at 13:25:29:
Hi guys, I have been free of medications (if you don't count herbs) for a quite a few years now. I have not had major medications since a life threatening reaction to sansert about 8 years ago. Before and after that time I relied on extra strenght ibuprofen to take the edge off. About six years ago I became concerned with what the stuff was doing to my liver and I quit taking it. It wasn't helping all that much, just acting as hope I guess. Since that time I have been trying herbs to treat both the symptoms and the affliction. I have had the most success with german chamomile, both as a tea and as a tincture. It acts in the same way as the ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation and work as a pain killer. In the last year I started to take 7 drops of the tincture under the tongue at the onset of the headache. Although it does not take the headache away it certainly make it more bareable. As well, when I get a puking time CH I rub my temples and the back of my neck and head with peppermint essential oil. It sooths by working on the blood vessels and calms the quesyness(sp). When I am in cycle I usually drink chamomile and peppermint tea throughout the afternoon as well as taking 7ml of the tincture 3x daily. Cold air helps to take the edge off as well.
Two cautions: Allergy alert:Chamomile is a member of the ragweed family
If using pure peppermint essential oil, start with "very small amount as it will at first feel like it is burning your skin,(doesn't really but feels that way) also keep away from your eyes!
Hope this helps
Bobbie P.