Sumatriptan for Migraine: Best Alternative Herbs in Ayurveda
Abstract
Headaches are the most common symptom of nervous system disorder Sedentary lifestyle, excessive smoking habits, improper sleeping, stress, and increased salt intake are the main reason for triggering a migraine. These all factors vitiate Dosha that accumulates in Shirobhaga (head) which results in pain in the eye, frontal region, and cervical region. According to modern medicine system, Triptans (Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan etc.) and analgesics are consumed for suppressing the symptoms on temporary basis. On the other hand Ancient Ayurvedic system of treatment will terminate the root cause naturally in a holistic way.
What is a Migraine?
Migraine is a common, combined, recurrent, hereditary and neurological disorder in which chronic episodes of headache occur every month. The term migraine has been derived from the Greek word hemicrania which means half of the head. This represents the most striking features of the migraines which affect pain in half portion of the head. According to the research reviews, it is experienced by 20% of women and 10% men globally due to hereditary reasons but can get worse with external factors. (1)
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms can be as follows-
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sudden loss in appetite
- Sensitivity to lights, noises, and smells
- Disturbed bowel movement
- Lacrimation
- Depression and irritability
- difficulty in finding words
- Development of phobia like photophobia, phonophobia, etc.
- Tenderness in muscles
About 20 % of the patients experience premonitory symptoms till 48 hours of the attack which includes the following symptoms-
- Stiffness in neck
- Low energy levels
- Fatigue
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Yawning
- Experiences severe headache (2) (1)
Diagnosis
During diagnosis, a patient with recurrent chronic headaches every 15 days in a month first need to recognize the symptoms and migraine can be confirmed by-
- Previous medical history
- Location of headache
- Migraine with or without aura
- The character of the pain (4)
Treatment
What is Sumatriptan and How does it Work in Migraine?
Sumatriptan is a generic drug that belongs to serotonin-1 receptor agonists. Migraine results in the expansion of blood vessels in the brain and releases chemicals in the brain which results in inflammation. Sumatriptan brings blood vessels to normal size and prevents inflammation. This is the most common drug recommended in the case of chronic migraines. Sumatriptan side by side also create many side effects and do not give permanent relief from migraine.
Side Effects of Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan can have serious side effects such as-
- Constant tiredness and dizziness
- Pain in chest, neck or throat
- Hallucinations and confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Suicidal thoughts
Effective Home Remedies for Migraine
- Lavender oil: In order to get relief from migraine add 2-4 drops of essential oil in boiling water. Then inhale the vapors, it will soothe, calm and acts as a sedative in treating migraine.
- Ginger, black pepper and garlic: You need to add Ginger, garlic and black pepper in 500 ml of boiling water and boil it till the initial volume reduces to 125 ml. Drink it every day to reduce pain, because these herbs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Ice packs and hot water: Use an ice pack or hot water bag and submerge feet in a bucket full of hot water in case of a chronic migraine attack. This will help blood circulate down to feet away from the head.
- Milk and turmeric: Turmeric possess anti-inflammatory properties as it contains omega-3 fatty acids and is helpful in the treatment of migraines.
Food Products that Trigger Migraine
- Packaged food items
- Alcoholic beverages like Tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.
- Vegetables like beans, onion, garlic, etc.
- Fruits like lemon, grapes, bananas, etc.
- non-vegetarian food items
- fermented food items
Herbal Alternative by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda offers the best alternative natural treatment for migraine i.e. Migraine care pack. This care pack contains various herbal products that are 1005 pure, natural and vegetarian. All the products manufactured here are free from all kinds from chemicals, preservatives, fillers, binders, additives and are formulated under MD Ayurveda experts in totally sterile conditions. Products in this pack are discussed below.
Products Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ayurveda has formulated this herbal product by a standardized extract of high-quality Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antidiuretic, adaptogenic and anti-stress property. This is very beneficial in reducing stress, anxiety, improves memory and exhibits anti-depressive effects. These capsules effectively suppress pain in the body, improves blood circulation, natural nerve tonic and help in soothing nerves.
Dosage– 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals
2. Pitta Balance Capsules
Pitta balance capsules contain enormous herbs and herbal compounds like Praval Pishti, Akikpishti, Jawar mohra pishti, kamdudharas, mukta pishti and Giloysatv (Tinospora cordifolia). Praval pishti enhances immunity and balances vitiated Tridosha. All the herbal compounds work synergistically in relieving gastro-intestinal ailments like gastritis, hyperacidity, and other pitta related ailments. Giloy helps in boosting the immune system and balancing Tridosha.
Dosage-1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals
3. Medhya Churna
This herbal supplement contains Vacha (Acoruscalamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), ShwetJeera (Cuminum cyminum), Krishna Jeerak (Carumcarvi), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), and Pipali (Piper longum), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri) and Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum). This herbal combination rejuvenates the nervous system, relieves stress, anxiety, and improves memory and forgetfulness. Giloy helps in the regeneration of brain cells and Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants which promotes overall health efficiently.
Dosage-1 pinch of powder two times a day
4. Arogyavardhini vati
ArogyavardhiniVati contains Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shuddh guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and Shilajit (Asphaltum). This classical formulation is very beneficial in managing symptoms of migraine and detoxification.
Dosage-2 tablets two times a day with plain water after meals
5. Brahmi Capsules
Brahmi capsules of Planet Ayurveda have been formulated by pure extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is a natural brain tonic and antidote. This herb promotes regeneration of brain cells, enhances memory and improves concentration. This herbal product pacifies Vata and Kapha Dosha.
Dosage-2 capsules two times a day with plain water
Conclusion
In order to sum up the discussion, other system of medicine will surely work in emergency situations but Indian medicinal herbs have proved to be best alternative treatment for migraine.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4416971/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4412887/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590146/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9474709