Butterbur for Migraines

This was something else that was too interesting not to share. The neurologist also started my son on 75-100mg of Butterbur BID. We found 75mg capsules at Whole Foods.

Who knew!?

I found this info at Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/028866_butterbur_migraines.html#

(NaturalNews) New research into the causes of migraine headaches reveals that a little-known herb called butterbur offers tremendous promise for migraine headache relief. Clinical trials also indicate that butterbur, discovered originally in Germany, can prevent the recurrence of devastating migraine headache pain.

Butterbur's Two-pronged Action for Migraine Headache Relief

Butterbur acts on migraine headaches in two ways. It removes painful migraine headache symptoms by lowering the inflammatory effect of chemicals like leukotrienes and prostaglandin E2. The second active benefit found in butterbur is its ability to function as a natural beta blocker whose action results in the normal flow of blood to the brain. This helps control blood pressure and spasmodic capillary action, which can also contribute to the onset of migraine headaches.

Wondering how well butterbur works? In a study of 245 people conducted by the Department of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 68% of participants saw the incidence of migraine headache symptoms reduced by at least 50%. This is a huge breakthrough for people suffering from migraine headaches and the results are better than those of many dangerous over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

The May 2000 issue of the journal, "Headache", states that butterbur is gaining recognition in the US as an effective alternative migraine headache treatment. Additionally, the report confirms its ability to reduce active migraine headache symptoms and prevent future migraine headache attacks. The best part is people taking butterbur reported no significant side effects and only infrequent, mild stomach upset.

Buy Specially Processed Butterbur at Health Food Stores and Online Herbal Pharmacies

When buying butterbur as a migraine cure, be sure to choose a brand labeled PA-Free. This means the product was processed to remove potentially harmful, toxic chemicals found in the butterbur plant. The special butterbur extract is prepared by having all liver-toxic alkaloids removed. Purchase butterbur at most health food stores and online herbal pharmacies.

Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Butterbur for Migraine Headache Relief

Double-check with a healthcare practitioner before using butterbur as a migraine cure. Clinical guidelines for using butterbur for migraine prevention include documenting the frequency of migraine attacks, determining the recurrence of migraine headache symptoms and whether they interfere substantially with daily routines, and charting the patient's use of conventional medications and how well they are tolerated.

The recommended adult dosage is 50-100 mg twice daily to reduce migraine headache symptoms and to prevent future migraine headaches. Take butterbur for an adequate amount of time to observe its efficacy. A three month trial is suggested for this assessment.

If conventional medicines or other herbs are taken for migraine headache treatment, consult a doctor for a timetable to wean the individual off those other preparations to avoid interactions between medicines. Avoid using butterbur if the person is allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or marigolds.

The use of butterbur as a migraine cure and to prevent future attacks of migraine headaches is on the cutting edge of alternative treatment for this debilitating condition. Speak to a holistic doctor to find out how butterbur may be integrated into an individualized treatment plan for migraine headache relief.

Sources:

http://www.petadolex.com/
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA281222
http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/156236...

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/028866_butterbur_migraines.html##ixzz2q320i400

High Dose Riboflavin for Migraines

Who knew? The neurologist increased S's Riboflavin to 400mg BID today for his migraines. Even his mito doc had not heard of it.... I did a quick search and it turns out that they have done many studies on using Riboflavin to treat migraines!

He's had migraines since he was around 6 and been treated for them. We are also adding Magnesium Oxide and Butterbur along with abortive drugs to stop the migraines he does get. Figured I'd share this info in case there are other people like me who didn't know about this migraine treatment.

This link had a lot of info: http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/riboflavin-vitamin-b2/

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) for the treatment of migraine headaches: an introduction

Riboflavin is a B vitamin that is essential for growth. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2 or B₂, can also be produced synthetically. It is often used as food coloring and to fortify foods including baby foods, cereals, and cheese. Riboflavin is destroyed by light, so food containing this vitamin shouldn’t be stored in clear containers.

Food containing Riboflavin

• Milk
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Turnip greens
• Spinach
• Eggs
• Almonds
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Whole grains
• Poultry
• Lean meat

Riboflavin and migraines

Riboflavin supplements have been used for more than three decades as natural remedy for newborns with jaundice and ariboflavinosis (riboflavin vitamin deficiency). More recently, Riboflavin, in high doses, has been identified as a vitamin that can help migraine sufferers.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and migraine headaches

Riboflavin is necessary for growth and for the production of red blood cells. Riboflavin also plays an important role in how our bodies gets energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Migraine sufferers may not have enough Vitamin B2. This makes Riboflavin a potential treatment option. Because migraines can be caused by many events in the body, Riboflavin is often used in combination with other migraine treatments.

Studies on Riboflavin and Migraines

One 1998 study of 80 patients who suffer from migraine with aura or migraine without aura found that 400 mg of Riboflavin worked better at preventing migraines than an inactive placebo pill. After three months, patients in the Riboflavin group experienced fewer migraines and deceased severity of migraines than those in the placebo group. Here’s a breakdown of how many patients benefitted:

• Riboflavin cut the number of headache days at least in half : Riboflavin 50% , Placebo 15%

A 2004 study, which didn’t compare Riboflavin to a dummy placebo pill or any other treatment, found that patients who took 400 mg of Riboflavin daily experienced significantly fewer headaches and used fewer migraine pain killers or abortive medications for migraines. However, total headache hours and headache intensity did not change significantly. Here’s a summary:

• Headache days per month : Before Riboflavin 4 days , After three months of Riboflavin 2 days
• Pain killers used per month : Before Riboflavin 7 units , After three months of Riboflavin 4.5 units

Formulations of Riboflavin available

Riboflavin is available as:

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Tablets, Enteric Coated

NLH article:  "Possibly effective for...    Preventing migraine headaches. Taking high-dose riboflavin (400 mg/day) seems to significantly reduce the number of migraine headache attacks. However, taking riboflavin does not appear to reduce the amount of pain or the amount of time a migraine headache lasts."   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/957.html

Surgery Update- Cool Pics

J had a follow-up appointment last week.... Things are starting to heal. To recap, his ulna was too long and had already caused damage to other bones. These are the x-rays 5-6 weeks out- if you look at the   X-rays, you can see a line where they cut through the bone- in the middle of the screws. 3 screws, line, 3 more screws.  On the outside- opposite the plate, you can see new bone growth. The line will fill in as it heals. 

The doctor made photo copies of the X-rays for us. I think it is uber cool. 

God's Got This

Sometimes in the midst of the insanity that is my life, I forget that God is always by my side. I know He's never left my side, though I don't always feel His presence. My youngest has another surgery on Tuesday. I'm a bit stressed- they will be cutting through a bone!

He came in while I was listening to "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" - he listened to the part that says, "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of Angel Armies is always by my side..." We got to talking and I said, "I've been asking God's angels to surround and protect you during your surgery." He replied, "What if it's just one angel? Because compared to us, One Angel is an army."

Here's the song- this guy is awesome!



We've had quite a year. I suppose it is no different than the 16 years of chronic illness that came before it, but it was crazy, nonetheless. With my trips to DC, I've not had time to blog on this blog as often as I'd like. Homeschooling has been difficult this year, though we got one off to college. We've really had medical challenges this year. I've been wiped out.

S had a skin infection on his foot. 4 days after finishing the antibiotics, his other great toe became infected. Then, yesterday, the other toe again! The first infection, we could not see an entry wound. We assume something got under the nail - but the bottom of his toe was swollen and red to the point he could not walk on his foot. The second toe- the infection stems from the nail bed, but we never could see an entry wound.

We've had preop and all sorts of appointments in between. Someone stole our credit card number this week and it was the card linked to the blood product my son receives weekly- we're out and they couldn't change the card! Insane!   With surgery coming up, I've been stressed out.

I needed this song for the upcoming week...I also needed the reminder from my son that, compared to us, one angel IS an army. God be blessed!