#1 – Headaches – An Introduction

posted on : January 22, 2019 posted by : lareesbutterfly@gmail.com 0 Comment

#1 – Headaches – An Introduction

Your head is pounding – again. Or, perhaps, you are seeing the beginning flashes of light or squiggly zigzag lines of light that signal an oncoming migraine. You are not alone! Headaches and migraines are very common. Almost everyone will experience headache pain at one time or another. Migraines? According to research, at least one family member in a quarter of American homes suffers from migraines and persistent headaches of one kind or another. As miserable as headaches can be, they are only a symptom. Often, they signal an imbalance somewhere in the body, not necessarily in the head! This blog series will cover headaches and how to treat them using alternative methods.

Possible Causes

Headaches and migraines, also can have a variety of causes. They may be hormone related in some way. Perhaps, a particular type of headache is the result of a food allergy or a negative reaction to one chemical or another. Headaches brought on by stress or by lack of sleep are very common. Misalignment of the neck, back, or sacrum is, too often, the culprit in persistent headaches. Even mild dehydration can trigger a headache.

Multiple Causes or Triggers

Migraines, horrible ones, were a debilitating part of my life as a young mother. Some of those migraines were the result of food allergies. Extreme reactions to chemicals and chemically created artificial sweeteners brought on many of them. Some were hormonal in nature. Structural misalignment from an old injury to my sacrum created a very unique type of headache pain. Others were, I now realize, brought on by dehydration and mineral deficiencies. (Yes, I had many migraines, and many different types of migraines, during those years!) This scenario – multiple triggers – is actually very common among migraine sufferers. In fact, it is very rare for a migraine sufferer to experience only one type of a migraine.

Headache Causes

Digestive system related. Intestinal tract, gallbladder, liver, etc.
Body organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, or kidneys.
Dehydration.
Lack of minerals and electrolytes.
Hormone-related. PMS, the menstrual cycle itself, pregnancy, and menopause.
Blood sugar related migraines. Hypoglycemia or diabetes.
Structural issues. Circulation to the head as the result of structural issues and/or tight muscles.
Eyestrain.
Pinched nerves.
Tinnitus and other ear type problems.
Allergy sensitivities and reactions, both food, and chemical.
Cluster headaches. Many times it is difficult to determine cause with these clusters of headaches.
Headaches that accompany or follow illnesses and fevers. Perhaps these are related to mineral deficiencies related to the fever that accompanied the illness.
Headaches accompanying blood pressure issues, fluctuation or hypertension.
Basic tension headaches.

It would, also be impossible to discuss each one of these in the manner they deserve in just one article. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of blogs that cover the above-mentioned causes, as well as the emotional components of headaches and migraines. Each blog will include a great deal of information about possible solutions. These solutions include herbs, essential oils, as well as homeopathic remedies. We will also discuss headaches from a Chinese Medicine point of view. Traditional Chinese Medicine takes us into the world of meridians, chakras, and energy. A complete list of the blogs in this series can be found at the end.

Causes and Triggers

In my mind, causes are deeper than triggers. A cause is something out-of-kilter in one or more basic body systems. That body system may be just barely getting by when a trigger – some little thing – sets it off. The result of a trigger is some form of attention-getting pain. It is possible to avoid pain by avoiding triggers. Also, it is better, in the long run, to fix the underlying problem – to eliminate the cause altogether. It is difficult to tell what is a trigger and what is a cause. Headaches and migraines have, reportedly, a wide variety of triggers (or are they causes?). Some of these include hunger, dehydration, stress, changes in routine, and poor sleep habits or lack of sleep. Also, hormonal changes and imbalances often trigger headaches and migraines. Additionally, food allergies, reactions to chemicals, food additives and medications are responsible for a great many headaches. Even dyes and food colorings are problematic for some people. For some, caffeine, chocolate, and aged cheeses seem to bring on headaches. Postural issues, too much time in front of a computer screen, muscle tension, and previous head injuries can also be a factor in headache pain. Lets take a better look at a few of these. Most if not all of them will be covered in much better depth in upcoming blogs.

Changes in Routine

This category, changes in routine, encompasses many of the triggers listed above. Caffeine consumption, amounts of sleep, different levels of stress, and eating times may vary on weekends from normal work routines. For some, the pleasant changes of a holiday weekend or vacation trigger a headache of one kind or another. How frustrating this must be! Finally a chance to rest and it is spoiled by the onset of a migraine headache. Possible solutions? I am afraid that I don’t have any, except for advising us all to try to be a little bit more consistent in our daily routines, especially with what we eat or drink.

Stress

Migraines and stress are, also strongly linked to one another. In fact, anxiety, worry, over-excitement, or shock may all lead to or be a contributing factor to a migraine attack. Oddly, as mentioned above, migraine attacks are commonly experienced when usual stress is reduced by a vacation or even just a weekend off from regular work routines. There are a great many oils that help to relieve stress. Single oils of Elemi, any of the Frankincenses, Gingergrass (a favorite of mine), Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Orange – and so many, many more. Butterfly blends for stress include ^LeBenediction, ^LeConnection, ^LeEverlasting, ^LeHeartSong, ^LeIntention, ^LeLiteN,^LeMyGraine,^LeSynopsis, ^LeTranquility, ^LeVision, and ^LeVitality.

Muscle Tension

Any factor that contributes to tension in the neck and shoulders can be a trigger for headaches and migraines. There are many essential oils that can be a real help here. Some of my favorites are ^LeWarmDown, ^LeFortitude, ^LeDeeper, ^LePatches, ^LeMillenia, and ^LeIntensity. ^LeIntensity should have been listed first because, since its creation, is certainly the one I reach for first.

Sleep

A couple of sleepless nights in a row, too many late nights, or any other form of being overly tired brings on migraines in susceptible people. Both too much sleep and too little sleep are possible migraine triggers. Some people report that sleeping or napping mid-morning or mid-afternoon triggers a headache. A little bit of the herbal tincture, BBL, helps me to sleep. It is especially effective when my mind is racing and just won’t let me rest. Some suggested essential oils for sleep issues include any of those listed for managing stress as well as ^LeDreams, ^LeGoodNite, ^LeInner Peace, ^LeJulia, ^LeKadence, ^LeQuietEssence, ^LeSolitude and, surprisingly, ^LeSunburst. Citrus oils calm the nerves, thus promoting sleep.

Hunger/Blood Sugar Issues

Missing meals is probably one of the most important and most common migraine triggers. Eating sugary snacks also produces headaches in some people. Dietary changes, such as eating small nutritious snacks at regular intervals often eliminate these types of migraines completely. Coriander and Dill. Some recommended blends are ^LeDeliverance, ^LeEndoRelief, ^LeGrateful Heart, ^LeRevitalize, and ^LeSpiceC.

Aged cheeses

I found this trigger (and the research I did about it for this article) intriguing. An ingredient call tyramine, apparently, creates the problem. Tyramine results from the breaking down (metabolizing) of a naturally occurring amino acid. A great many foods other than cheese contain tyramines. Bananas, avocados, cured or smoked meats such as sausage or salami, some overripe fruits, soy products, as well as some nuts and some types of dried beans contain tyramines. Research indicates that tyramines are a very serious problem for those who are taking MAO inhibitor medications. MAO inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, social phobias, and Parkinson’s disease. However, I have never taken any of these types of drugs (unless allergy pills count) and yet, for a period of years when I was younger, many of these foods were migraine triggers for me. As I worked on and cleared my allergies to multiple substances, reactions – headaches and others – have gone away completely.

Food Additives and Chemicals

Substances that frequently make lists of migraine triggers are monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, and artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet and anything containing aspartame. For me, artificial sweeteners triggered horrible migraines. Eventually, the migraines were accompanied by serious heart issues. (I have spent a great deal of time and effort researching artificial sweeteners. Someday, they will be the subject of an extensive article. For now, Article # 13 of this Series addresses headaches that are related to allergic reactions and sensitivities to both foods and chemicals.) For me, for many years, avoiding them was the only solution. Consistent and extensive energy work and cleaning up my entire system has nearly completely eradicated my reactions to these substances.

Caffeine

Caffeine is definitely a migraine and headache trigger. It would seem, however, that caffeine withdrawal is even more likely to bring on a headache than regular caffeine consumption. In other words, consuming a lot (or your usual amount) of caffeine followed by consuming a little less (over the weekend, for example), is likely to result in withdrawal symptoms that include a headache. Many things other than coffee, soft drinks, and tea contain caffeine. Caffeine is, very often, an ingredient in over-the-counter pain relievers and headache remedies. Isn’t that an odd conundrum? Not really. I have worked with several headache sufferers whose headaches came on when they had gone too long without their Excedrin or another pain reliever. Also, since withdrawal was the trigger, taking another one or two tablets made their headache go away.

Chocolate

As pointed out above, chocolate does contain minuscule amounts of caffeine. However, the widespread belief that chocolate triggers migraines lacks the backing of scientific evidence. Oncoming migraines cause food cravings. Chocolate seems to head the list of things craved. These food cravings and the oncoming migraine may be linked to a magnesium deficiency. Rich, dark chocolate contains magnesium. Unfortunately, in order to fill your daily magnesium requirements – let alone rebuild from a deficiency – you would need to consume a great deal of chocolate. How much chocolate? Let’s see. A large 85% cocoa bar, if you eat it all, will fill about 1/3 of your daily requirement of magnesium. That is actually pretty good. An entire large avocado will give you only about 10% or less. Perhaps, a better plan than chocolate needs to be found. However, dark chocolate also contains copper, iron, and manganese so don’t count it out altogether. A small bit of chocolate seems to quiet the vision disturbance (aura) of an oncoming migraine for me and, usually, prevents a migraine from fully developing from the flashing lights. Magnesium-rich foods include avocados, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and leafy greens. In other words, eat a variety of foods with nutrition in mind! Herbs are powerhouses of nutrition of all types, vitamins as well as trace minerals. Magnesium-rich herbs include Alfalfa, Catnip, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Chamomile, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginger, Hops, Horsetail, Kelp/Dulse, Lemongrass, Licorice, Mullein, Nettles, Oatstraw, Paprika, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Rosemary, Sage, Shepherd’s Purse, and Yarrow. The Butterfly Express herbal tinctures, KNA – Kelp/Dulse, Nettles, Alfalfa, or MIN are a rich source of this and most other necessary nutrients. It is easy to meet your nutritional requirements by simply adding one of these tinctures to your daily regimen.

Environmental Factors

High altitude, weather changes, changes in humidity, loud noises, exposure to glare or flickering lights, computer screens, uncomfortable chairs, and many other such things are often listed as headache and migraine triggers. It is difficult to tell whether such things as light and noise actually trigger migraines. Perhaps, it is only that the heightened sensitivity of an oncoming migraine makes these things appear to be triggers rather than the effects of an oncoming migraine from other causes that they really are.

A Headache or a Migraine?

A migraine is not just a headache. Migraines, although often seemingly triggered in the same ways as regular headaches, are neurological disorders. They are far more serious than even the most painful headache. While migraines have, in the past, been understood to drastically and nastily affect the quality of life of the sufferer, they were not considered dangerous. Recent studies, however, indicate that persons who experience migraines have a higher than normal risk of ischemic (arterial blockage) strokes than other people. This is particularly true when migraines are accompanied by vision disturbances. These vision disturbances are called auras. Additionally, frequent repetitive migraines can be an indication of some other serious imbalances and issues in the brain and/or in various organs of the body. Repeated migraines are, statistically, linked to higher risk and poorer outcomes of several nasty health issues other than strokes. The cause of repeated migraine headaches, therefore, needs to be found and eliminated, if at all possible.

Differentiating Between a Migraine and Other Headaches

Since the various types of headaches can be very intense and very painful, it is often difficult to tell a migraine from its less dangerous headache counterpart. In addition, neurologically based and nervous system affecting migraines often have similar triggers and causes. With that said, let’s try to differentiate between the two in as many ways as we can.

Differences in Presentation and Onset

Presenting in Stages (a Migraine) or Simply Appearing (a Headache)

A tension or other regular headache, however intense it may become, does not present with the four common stages of a migraine attack. Unfortunately, not all migraines present with all four stages, either. (I warned you that differentiating between the two can be a bit tricky.) Normal headaches just appear. They may come on either gradually or all at once. There are generally no symptoms in the days or hours ahead or any type of aura associated with them. The four stages of a migraine are prodromal, the aura, the headache, and postdromal.

FIRST STAGE MIGRAINE: Prodromal

The prodromal, sometimes called premonitory, symptoms begin hours or even days before a migraine attack gets into full swing. They occur even before the aura stage of migraines that present with an aura. The typical timeframe for prodromal symptoms is one to two days but can be longer. Premonitory symptoms are believed to result from disturbances in the production and utilization of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA (discussed below).

Examples of Premonitory Symptoms

Premonitory symptoms are as varied as the people who suffer from migraine attacks. The most common ones are fatigue, mood changes such as depression or irritability, and gastrointestinal changes such as diarrhea, constipation or nausea. Other possible symptoms include:

Muscle stiffness or aching pain. These symptoms occur most often in the neck, back, or face.
Food cravings or, in contrast, a loss of appetite.
Difficulty concentrating.
Confusion. Mistaking one word for another. Struggling to find a well-known word. (This symptom worries me when I see it. This is also a symptom of an impending stroke.)
Feeling unusually cold.
Increased sensitivity to light and sound.
The unusual symptom of increased yawning.

For many people, much of the time, premonitory symptoms provide a way to predict an oncoming migraine. Prediction can provide a window of opportunity to arrange one’s affairs for a couple of days of a migraine. Prediction can also offer a chance to work with and even avoid the worst of the oncoming migraine distress. For me, the Bach Flower combination Rescue Remedy coupled with working the Foot Zone signals to the neck and head often halts the symptoms completely, even after they have reached the aura stage described below.

SECOND STAGE MIGRAINE: Aura

A migraine aura, unlike the premonitory symptoms, usually last no more than 60 minutes. The most common aura symptom is vision disturbances. These vision issues may be flashing lights, wavy patches and lines, or dim gray patches in the visual field. These visual disturbance auras generally affect both eyes. Other migraine aura symptoms include localized neurological abnormalities. These may present as numbness or tingling, usually along only one side of the body. An aura is generally produced by a wave of depressed nerve activity that sweeps across some portion of the outer layer of the brain. Depressed nerve activity in the brain sounds downright frightening to me – no matter which theory I am reading about! Regular headaches of any type do not present visual auras or cause tingling or paralysis.

THIRD STAGE MIGRAINE: The Headache Itself

Type of Pain

Migraine pain is, generally, throbbing and very intense. A migraine often feels much like a drum, or series of drums, beating your brain to mush! Some migraines, however, do not ever cause headache pain at all. In fact, a headache may skip either the headache pain or the aura and still be considered a migraine for other reasons. Non-migraine headaches tend to be more steady and sustained than a migraine. Also, the pain of a headache brought on by stress, liver congestion, dehydration or any other cause may be very intense and miserable. In spite of the intensity, regular headaches lack that “drumbeat quality.” They usually feel more like a tight band around the head. A caffeine or drug withdrawal headache presents with throbbing pain that is similar to the pain of a migraine. Do drugs, and drug withdrawal, affect the nervous system and/or the circulation to the brain in ways similar to what happens during a migraine? Could be. If so, that moves these types of headaches into a whole new realm of dangerous.

One-sided/Both Sides

Migraines tend to affect only one side of the head at a time. Tension, or other headaches, tend to occur on both sides and even all over the head. Sinus headaches focus primarily on the face. They may extend, occasionally, to the top of the head. They are, sometimes mistaken for migraines.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

A really severe migraine sometimes brings on nausea and vomiting. This is especially true with children and very young teens. Nausea that was part of a migraine attack often remains for a day or two after a headache is gone. Gastrointestinal issues sometimes trigger headaches and even migraines. Notwithstanding this, nausea during a headache is quite rare if it is not a migraine.

Degree of Debility

A migraine generally renders the person completely unable to function, both at work and in social situations. The pain is simply too great. In addition, the slightest movement or sound usually makes a migraine so much worse.

Sensitivity to Light and Noise

Being annoyed by light and noise can be part of any type of headache. However, with a migraine, there is more trouble than just being annoyed. Light, especially, but noise also usually makes a migraine a great deal worse.

Migraines with Partial Paralysis

A “hemiplegic migraine” is a migraine that results in any form of muscle weakness. What a frightening experience such a thing would be! Paralysis, or even tingling along one side of the body would, naturally, indicate a more advanced level of nervous system involvement and compromise. (I would, absolutely, be reaching for Rescue Remedy – a Bach Flower homeopathic combination remedy.)

Causes and Triggers

This is a complicated issue, as you have probably concluded from what has already been said. Migraine experts are not in any kind of agreement here. Some say that migraines can be triggered by any item in that whole list of things discussed above as possible triggers. Others claim that the person is sensitive to those things only because the nerves surrounding the brain are going into migraine mode already. Many headache experts list most of the triggers above as possible causes for non-throbbing, and therefore non-migraine, headaches, also. I don’t know if these “normal headache” triggers cause migraines or not but, in my migraine days, I have experienced migraines associated with most of them. Oddly, the consumption of even a little bit of dark chocolate usually helps to quiet the aura and keep a migraine from fully developing.

FORTH STAGE MIGRAINE: Postdrome

Sleep, even just rest, for a couple of hours helps most migraine sufferers throw off the pain of a headache. However, sleep does not seem to do much to alleviate the fatigue and exhaustion that are the normal aftermath of a migraine attack. For myself, even if a headache never got past the aura and to the headache pain stage, I feel tired and disconnected for several hours following a migraine. Sometimes, there is nausea and lack of appetite. Other times, I must cope with additional food cravings. I must decide if eating that chocolate square will be helpful or, possibly, act as a trigger for the next attack. There is, almost always, a bit of depression – and an incredible need to cry even though there is nothing out of the ordinary going on to account for such feelings – either before or after a migraine attack. A few people experience a sense of euphoria following a migraine attack. I have experienced relief at finally feeling better but nothing that could be described as euphoria. A liquid magnesium supplement seems to help with both the fatigue and the food cravings. Muscles testing almost always indicates that I need to add a bit of copper, as well.

Categorizing – A Migraine / Headache?

I like to try and determine what is causing the headache/migraine whether for myself or someone else. Therefore, categorizing headaches by potential cause is, for me, one of the best methods for getting a handle on what will help. Unfortunately, any headache may have more than one cause. Fortunately, each herb and each essential oil works on more than one body system and, as a result, on more than one kind of symptom at the same time. Treating headaches and migraines with alternative remedies makes good sense to me. You will be working on multiple causes, whether you mean to or not. Additionally, alternative remedies have proven effective with headaches and migraines alike. Best of all, there are no side-effects to these methods – unlike drug treatments.

Cause – An Odd Family Philosophy

We have developed an odd philosophy about “cause” of health issues in our family over the years. I have been known to say, “Tell me what fixed the problem (or begins to make it better), and I will have a pretty good idea what caused the problem.” Seem a bit backwards? Not really. If the situation is responding to a herbal remedy known to affect hormones, or kidneys, or the endocrine system, we have some very good clues as to what was causing the problem. We also have some very good clues as to what to try next!

Eliminate the Cause and Not Just the Symptom

If the problem is structural misalignment, fix it. Use chiropractic, craniosacral, or ^LeMillenia essential oil, for starters. If it is liver congestion, one might try a foot zone, or an herbal cleanse program to straighten things out. Also consider ^LeRevitalize or ^LeLivN essential oil combinations. If the migraines are associated with the menstrual cycle, there are possible helpful remedies listed above and in Article #10 of this series. If mild dehydration is responsible, drink more water. Consider supplementing electrolytes and missing minerals, as discussed above. Cause, if it can be determined, whatever it might be, gives us a push in the right direction to go to find a solution. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Most Common Headache Types

Everything talked about from this point on will be covered (and in better depth) in later blogs. This is just a taste of what is coming and hopefully some answers while the rest of the blogs are coming out.

Circulation Headaches

Impaired circulation to the head – and, therefore, to the brain itself – results from most of the causes of headaches mentioned above. Lack of circulation, in my experience, is involved somehow or someway in nearly every headache I have ever had personally or ever worked with on someone else. Surprisingly, the return of circulation rather than the lack of circulation often marks the start of a headache or, at the very least, moves an existing headache into migraine status. This phenomenon was first described a very long time ago. In the 1940s, following a series of studies, it was decided that at least some migraines begin with a spasm of the arteries leading to the cerebrum – the main part of the brain. This spasm creates a partial closing of these arteries and decreases the blood supply to the brain. The decreased blood supply results in a migraine aura consisting of flashing lights, zig-zag lines or flashes, hazy vision, or other symptoms. Not all people experience these aura symptoms. According to reports at the time, experiencing an aura depended on which part of the brain was not receiving sufficient oxygen to supply the nerves. Possibilities other than a migraine with an aura included paralysis of some part of the body. This theory made me grateful for my migraine auras. Vision disturbances, even with a migraine, seems like a less destructive symptom than some sort of paralysis. Following the spasms and blood flow compromise, according to this theory, the blood vessels would become tired and flaccid. Blood flow to the brain suddenly increases as the blood vessels become too relaxed too quickly. A throbbing headache is the result of this high blood pressure in the head.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Herbs

That wonderful herb, Cayenne, makes an excellent first remedy for this type of headache. Take Cayenne as a powder or as a tincture – any form will do. HVC (Honey, non-distilled apple cider Vinegar, Water, and Cayenne) is an excellent first response for oncoming headaches or migraines involving circulation. This is true whether you are suffering from too much blood flow or too little. If you suffer from frequent headaches, I would recommend keeping HVC ready in your fridge at all times. In my opinion, HVC, taken cold rather than warm, is best – at least it is for me. Cayenne or HVC, taken daily, is an excellent preventative measure. You can find the recipe for HVC here. This is taken from my book Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies.

Rescue Remedy

This homeopathic Bach Flower combination is an absolute must-have remedy. Take Rescue Remedy as soon as possible when a headache or a migraine is coming on. I carried one with me for years.

Essential Oils

^LeMillenia on the back of the neck is used to realign anything that might be out of place. ^LeIntensity, diluted and applied along the arteries in the sides of the neck, can rejuvenate the arteries there. Applying ^Le Intensity across the tops of the shoulders feel sooo good! Other essential oil choices include ^Le Vitality, ^LeInner Peace, and ^Le Revitalize. One of my personal favorites, ^LeVitality is specific to the heart, to circulation, and to arterial health. ^LeInner Peace – even just the aroma of this blend increases oxygenation to the pineal and pituitary gland and to the brain in general. ^LeRevitalize is beneficial at the beginning, during a migraine, but especially for the fatigue and disconnect stage following a migraine attack. Black Cumin, as part of a carrier oil mix, helps relax muscles and relieve migraine headaches. Black Cumin is too heavy to be used alone. One part Black Cumin to 4 parts Almond Oil makes a very nice carrier oil for this purpose.

Nervous System & Gut Health Headaches

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin were a major factor in migraine headaches. Dopamine and serotonin are essential to brain and nerve function. They can, however, cause blood vessels to act in uncharacteristic ways – spasm and overly relax, in other words – when they are present in abnormal amounts. Even normal amounts can trigger problems if the blood vessels are extra sensitive to these particular transmitters. The reasons for extra sensitivity are unknown at this time, as far as I can find in my attempts to follow further research. Interestingly, the intestinal tract produces a large proportion of both serotonin and dopamine. Impacted fecal matter and lack of proper bacterial colonies in the colon can interfere with serotonin levels in both the gut and in the brain. Proper functioning of the kidneys also affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the bloodstream. GABA is another such neurotransmitter that is produced by the bacterial colonies in the intestines. GABA calms the body and is in charge of regulating the pain threshold in the central nervous system. Researches have concluded that imbalances in GABA levels can trigger both epileptic seizures and migraines. Antibiotics and many other medications are implicated in the loss of the necessary bacteria to produce and regulate neurotransmitters in the gut. Recent and very exciting research has connected the bacterial colonies of the intestinal tract with a great many diseases. The gut-brain connection is the slang term for the bowel’s connection to such things as depression, autism, and migraine headaches. Even allergies are being linked to the colon.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

This topic is treated in depth in later articles, Articles #4, #5, and #6 when talking about the meridians that impact the various organs of the digestive tract. Nevertheless, I want to present a few simple suggestions for relief from migraine pain related to digestive issues right here and now – rather than waiting until so much later.

Herbs

The Nervine remedies NV, NS, NT, and NVC are always appropriate for headache pain. Nervine remedies are especially appropriate for anything intestinal that comes with spasms and cramping. Thus, nervines are appropriate choices because they affect the nerves in both the head and in the intestinal tract. The HD formula containing Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wood Betony should also be considered. Butterfly combinations of benefit to the small intestines are strangely MULC and, not so strangely, the GI formula. The GI formula was originally called the “family reunion” tincture. Although a formula for gallstones, it has been used, quite extensively, to offset the effects of eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods at family gatherings. Single herbs for the small intestine part of the intestinal tract include Nettles, Valerian, Blue Vervain, Coltsfoot, Oregon Grape, Mullein, Myrrh, Gentian, Uva Ursi, Pau D’Arco, and White Oak. The herbal formulas specific to the large intestine – colon – include CD, BAC, LB, and PARA. Single herbs for the large intestine – colon – include Cape Aloes, Aloe Vera, Catnip, Cat’s Claw, Fennel, Cascara Sagrada, Licorice Root, Milk Thistle, Slippery Elm, Cramp Bark, Oregon Grape, Papaya Leaf and fruit, Peach Leaf, Propolis, Sarsaparilla, Squawvine, Marshmallow, and Peppermint.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils for the small intestine part of the intestinal tract include Basil, Catnip, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint, and Rosemary. Essential oils which have been extracted from the same plants that are considered to be medicinal herbs for the digestive tract are, subsequently, good essential oils for the small intestine. Butterfly blends to consider when things are not as they should be in the intestinal tract, especially the small intestines, are ^LeEZ Traveler, ^Le InsideOut, ^LeJulia, ^LeLetting Go, ^LeSynopsis, ^LeTendaCare, and ^LeWarmDown. For the colon, consider the single oils of Anise, Basil, Cardamom, Coriander, Cypress, Elemi, Fennel, Hyssop, Marjoram, Spikenard, Tarragon, Turmeric, and Yarrow – depending, also on specific circumstances. Butterfly Blends for the digestive system in general and the functions of the large intestine include ^LeEmerge, ^LeInsideOut, ^LeJulia, ^LeLetting Go, ^LeRevitalize, and ^LeSynopsis. (Further information about the single oils and the Butterfly blends mentioned above can be found in the book, Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils.

Dehydration and Mineral Deficiency Headaches

Recently, I have been experiencing migraine auras once more. No headache pain. I experience just the flashing lights and foggy vision aura of an oncoming migraine. I have learned to halt them right there at that stage, usually. It is these new migraines, in fact, that were the impetus for the researching and writing of this series of articles. It would seem that the flashing aura light of a potential migraine that I have been experiencing lately is the result of mild dehydration and some accompanying mineral deficiencies. Persistent dehydration, even mild dehydration, always results in mineral and electrolyte deficiencies. Mineral and electrolyte deficiencies have many nasty symptoms. Migraines are only one of them. Drinking more water, and more frequently, along with the consumption of water-filled fruits is an easy way to combat mild dehydration. The addition of electrolytes and mineral supplements, – I do NOT mean Gatorade – is usually all that is required. At least, this regimen seems to be making a difference for me – when I remember to do it. Actually, when the flashing lights of the migraine aura begin, I put 1/2 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt into a bit of water and drink it down. Within 3 minutes, the distortion in my vision clears and no headache pain occurs. Just for good measure, I follow the salt and water with liquid minerals.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Herbs

MIN, Kelp/Dulse/Nettles/Alfalfa (KNA)

Essential Oils

Essential oils improve the uptake of nutrients. Butterfly blends that are particularly useful here are ^LeEternity, ^LeEverlasting, ^LeIntention, and ^LeKadence.

Hormone Headaches

Menstruation – both premenstrual and post menstrual, pregnancy, and menopause are high migraine points of life. The taking of oral contraceptives triggers migraines in some women. Women who experience hormone related migraines should always mention those migraines to their prescribing doctor before they start taking hormonal contraceptive programs.

Residual Hormones – natural and otherwise

Cleansing the body and the liver of the residue of oral contraceptives is a tricky business, especially with women who suffer, or have suffered, from hormonally related headaches. Whenever the liver dumps the drugs, they move into the bloodstream for a short time. From here the lymph system filters the drugs and then the kidneys excrete them. These higher levels of hormone-based drugs in the bloodstream naturally contribute to migraines in susceptible women. The book Butterfly Miracles With Herbal Remedies, outlines a gentle cleansing program that is easily adjusted to personal needs. Instructions for the use of herbal tinctures such as KB, RC, LC, CD are included. These four tinctures target the kidneys, the colon, the liver, and the blood.

BALANCING HORMONES

Herbs

MIN and YW for young women and women of childbearing age. MW for women approaching or in their menopausal years. MH for men and teenagers. Kelp/Dulse/Nettles/Alfalfa (KNA), BHM, and TY are also helpful.