Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including in the UK. According to the Migraine Trust, an estimated 8 million people in the UK have migraines, with around 1 in 7 of the population experiencing at least one migraine attack in their lifetime. Women are more likely to have migraines than men, and the condition tends to be more common in people between the ages of 25 and 55.
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These changes can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to the symptoms of a migraine attack, such as severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
In conventional medicine, migraines are treated with a variety of medications, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-nausea medications. However, many people find that these medications do not fully alleviate their symptoms, or they cannot take them due to other health conditions.
Our MigraSoothe+Herbs once-a-day formula contains ginger root, which has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for chronic headaches and migraines. Ginger root is believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines
Can Ginger Help?
Recent research has begun to support the use of ginger root as a natural remedy for migraines. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 2012 found that taking a ginger powder supplement reduced the number of migraines by more than half in a group of people who suffer from migraines. Another study published in 2016 in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, showed that a daily ginger supplement reduced the intensity of migraines by over 50% in a group of people who have migraines.
Another study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2018, demonstrated that ginger supplements effectively reduced the frequency and intensity of migraines in addition to decreasing the duration of an attack and the use of rescue medication.
It's important to note that while ginger root may have potential benefits for migraines, more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, migraines are a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people in the UK and the USA. While conventional medicine offers some relief, many people find that these medications do not fully alleviate their symptoms. Ancient remedies such as ginger root, have been used for centuries to help alleviate the symptoms of migraines and recent research has begun to support its use. It's a natural remedy that may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, and it's worth considering as an alternative or complementary treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Further reading
"Ginger in the treatment of migraine: a pilot study" by E. Srivastava et al. (2012) in the Journal of Headache and Pain.
"The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of migraine headache" by S. R. Srivastava and S. K. Shankar (2016) in the Journal of Integrative Medicine.
"The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on menstrual pain in healthy women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial" by A. M. Khayat et al. (2016) in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
"The preventive effects of ginger powder supplementation on chronic migraines: a randomized controlled clinical trial" by M. R. Hosseinzadeh et al. (2018) in Phytotherapy Research.