Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
What advice can you give for someone who suffers migraine headaches? I’ve tried all kinds of cures. Sometimes prescriptions work, but most times I feel like I have a “drug hangover” after taking them. I’d like to try natural remedies but I don’t know if they work, or how long I have to take them to see results.
A: Generally, for all types of headaches, the first approach should be based on food and lifestyle corrections before attempting to use drugs. Something in your life is creating the adverse environment that causes your headaches. There may be hormonal imbalances or a substantial deficiency of essential nutrients. Without proper assessment, it is difficult to give you specific advice; however, in general, begin incorporating the following foods: chrysanthemum flowers, mint, green onions, pearl barley, carrots, prunes, buckwheat, and peach kernels. Also, drink more water daily, at least 80 ounces a day at room temperature (no ice). Try to get at least eight hours of sleep, and avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat exposure to your head. A rigorous intestinal cleanse is also recommended. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, excess stimulation, eyestrain, and stress.
Try these remedies:
1. Make tea from Chinese prunes, mint, and green tea.
2. Mash peach kernels and walnuts, mix them with rice wine, and lightly roast. Take two tablespoons three times daily.
3. Make tea from oyster shells and chrysanthemum flowers. Slowly boil the shells for one and a half hours. Then add the flowers in the last 30 minutes.
I recommend you arrange a visit with an acupuncturist. Acupuncture and herbal medicine has shown efficacy in treating headaches.
You may find these specially formulated Traditions of Tao products helpful for migraines: “Pain”, “Internal Cleanse”, “HerpEase”, and “Calm-fort/Sleeping”. Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.
