There is a wealth of research backed evidence that natural and herbal extracts such as Feverfew and Valerian, can help relieve pain and headaches without the side effects and possible long term health liabilities associated with modern pain relief drugs.

Herbal Ingredients and what they do:

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is found in dairy products, eggs, meat, green leafy vegetables and whole grain foods. Vitamin B2 is suggested to keep up energy production within brain cells.

In a controlled study, 400mg a day of Vitamin B2 was added to the diet of 49 patients for 3 months. The group experienced a 68.2% reduction in the incidence of migraine symptoms.

The researchers concluded that high-dose riboflavin is an effective, low cost prophylactic treatment of migraine headache devoid of short-term side effects. (Schoenen, J., Lenaerts, M., and Bastings, E. High-dose riboflavin as a prophylactic treatment of migraine; results of an open pilot study. Cephalagia, 14: 328-29, 1994.)

White Willow Bark Extract is derived from the white willow tree (Salix alba) The bark has been used for centuries in China for pain relief and to lower fever. The active ingredient in White Willow Bark is salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid. It works in essentially the same way as aspirin, however, most aspirin is now synthetically manufactured, while White Willow is natural. It is not surprising that White Willow is often referred to as " herbal aspirin."

White Willow Bark has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to relieve headaches. White Willow Bark takes longer to begin acting than aspirin, but its pain relief effects may last longer. Moreover, unlike aspirin, it does not cause stomach bleeding nor does it have any other known adverse effects when taken as recommended. NOTE: Overdoses of willow bark may cause skin rash, stomach inflammation/irritation, nausea, vomiting, kidney inflammation, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). (Chrubasik S., Eisenburg E., Balan E., Weinberger T., Luzzati R., Conradt C. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double blind study. Am J Med.; 109:9-14, 2000).

DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) is a pain reliever. DLPA contains the amino acid, phenylalanine. Phenylalanine comes in two forms.

The "L" form is a natural substance found in protein-rich foods
the "D" form is made synthetically.

The combination of the "D" and "L" forms simultaneously help elevate mood, and combat pain. DLPA boosts the body's natural pain-killing response. Budd K. Use of D-phenylalanine, an enkephalinase inhibitor, in the treatment of intractable pain. Adv Pain Res Ther; 5:305-8, 1983). NOTE: Avoid taking DLPA with prescription antidepressants or stimulants, unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.

Feverfew Standardized Extract- Tanacetum parthenium or Feverfew has a long history of use for the prevention of migraine headaches. Feverfew was described in European herbal literature as early a 1772 eg:.

Feverfew inhibits both hyperaggregation of platelets and the release of serotonin. (Heptinstall S., White A., et al.

Double blind studies indicate that feverfew taken daily decreases the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

A study conducted at University Hospital in Nottingham, England utilized 72 volunteers. They were given either feverfew or a placebo over a period of eight months. The study concluded that treatment with feverfew was associated with a reduction in the number and severity of attacks. There were no serious side effects.
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 57 volunteers were divided into two groups and were given feverfew or a placebo. The results showed that feverfew caused a significant reduction in pain intensity compared to the placebo treatment. (Murphy J.J., and Mitchell J.R. Randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial feverfew in migraine prevention. Lancet, 2 [8604], 189-92, Jul 23,1988, and Palevitch D., Earon G., and Carasso R. Feverfew as a prohylactic treatment for migraine: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytotherapy Research, 11:7,508-11,1997.)

Valerian Root is most often used to treat anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, and headaches. The sedative action of valerian is partially due to valepotriates, epoxy-iridoid esters, found in the root. Valepotriates have more than just sedative properties, as their primary role appears to be the regulatory effects on the autonomic system. The relief of stress and tension may decrease the number and severity of headaches and help reduce pain. Valerian root also contains alkaloids that have blood pressure lowering effects. This may be particularly important in reducing the severity of headaches. (Carvalho, A. P., A. P. Cunha, F. Ferreira, T. Macedo, C. F. Ribeiro, M. S. Santos. Synaptosomal GABA release as influenced by valerian root extract-involvement of the GABA carrier. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 327(2):220-31, 1994).

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a member of the mint family. One of its constituents, scutellarian, has been shown to have mild sedative and antispasmodic actions. (Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 86-7, 1996). Because of its sedative properties, Skullcap is most commonly used for anxiety, insomnia, pain relief, and tension headaches.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is most often used to treat anxiety. A double- blind study published in 2001 confirmed the effectiveness of Passion Flower as a treatment for anxiety. (Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther; 26:363-7. 2001).

Recent studies indicate the primary constituents responsible for the relaxing and anti-anxiety effects of Passion Flower are flavonoids. Passion Flower is often used in combination with Valerian and Skullcap.

Herbal Migraine and Pain Relief Formula with Valerian and Feverfew is natural, effective and safe and can be purchased online here:

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Additional Research References

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