I humbly admit I have never used this herb, but after reading about it, I want some and will recommend to a client/friend who suffers from headaches and other reactions to chemicals and artificial perfumes.
Feverfew
Dosage 3-9 grams per day, in cold infusion (soak in cold water), or 30-60 drops of tincture
Tissues: Plasma and blood
Properties: antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, relaxant, uterine stimulant, carminative, bitter tonic, purgative (oops watch out…)
Indications: headache, colds, influenza, allergies, cough, difficult breathing, PMS, migraines, arthritis, insect bites, scanty menstrual flow.
Precautions: pregnancy, or using it while taking anti-coagulant drugs
Feverfew is useful for relieving headaches, especially those affiliated with the hot, sharp and penetrating qualities of pitta (fire element), in the blood, as is common in migraines. It is also useful for headaches triggered by a strong reaction to chemical odors or synthetic perfumes. It is a good relaxant herb for those with a great deal of stress and tension, and combines well with herbs like gotu kola.
A tea of the leaves and flowers with added honey is good for relieving coughs, bronchial wheezing, and symptoms related to common colds and flu. A mild uterine stimulant, it can aid in cases of scanty menstrual flow, cramping and PMS symptoms. A digestive bitter, can also be effective in relieving pain and inflammation during arthritis flare-ups.
Other Herbs for Migraines
Bacopa [in brief, I think I posted about it before]
Dosage: 3-6 grams a day (I have a Bacopa powder) Use as a tea (drink it all up!)
Systems: nervous, circulatory, digestive
Properties: nervine, alterative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-convulsant, diuretic
Indications: nervous disorders, mental disorders, epilepsy, senility, ADHD, Apserger’s syndrome, autism, recover from addictions, premature aging, anger, headaches, migraines, irritability, adrenal insufficiency (and more!)
One of Ayurveda’s most respected rejuvenating tonics for the mind and nervous system. Kindles the flame of intelligence in the brain, regular use promotes cellular regeneration, thus slowing the aging process, helps to sharpen the intellect, improve concentration and memory.
Both a sedative and rejuvenating tonic for the nervous system, helps buffer and protect against burnout and general fatigue caused by stress and overwork. Can be combined with other herbs for the mind and nervous system such as Scullcap, Shankpushpi, and Vacha (Calamus), or Ashwagandha for calming.
For headaches, especially migraines, can be combined with herbs such as Peppermint, Feverfew, Gotu Kola and Gingko. (I have never used Gingko and am trying to locate it in powder form)
Calamus (Vacha)
(I use this in formulas for the mind and brain function)
Dosage: powder 1-6 grams per day, Tincture 15-45 drops per day
Tissues: plasma, muscle, fat, marrow, nerve
Systems: nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive
Properties: Expectorant, decongestant, stimulant, nervine, antispasmodic, emetic (you’d have to take a lot at once),
carminative, rejuvenative
Indications: sinus headaches, anxiety, memory loss, tinnitus, deafness, epilepsy, coma, arthritis, coughs, digestive disorders.
Calamus is a mental rasayana (rejuvenatve) that promotes awareness, focus, clarity and memory. One of the most powerful rejuvenative for the brain and nervous system, is used to treat hysteria, neuralgia, nervous tension, hemiplegia (headache on one side of the head), and epilepsy.
Helpful for speech impediments including loss of speech due to stroke. The powder made into a paste and applied to the forehead can help alleviate headaches. Considered to be purifying to the channels of the body (nadis/chi meridians). Is considered to help balance brain function.