6 alternative plants to aspirin against headaches

November 3, 2022 19:47

One of the main indications of medicinal plants is relieve pain. The plants that we propose have proven their effectiveness in treating different headaches.

In natural medicine it is personalize the treatment to the maximum. A plant does not produce the same effects in all people. That is why we recommend that you try each plant and choose the one that is most effective and pleasant for you.

Remember that drugs are not free of side effects including those sold without a prescription. Pain relievers have been linked to different problems:

Ibuprofen increases the risk of heart attack. Paracetamol also increases the risk of heart disease and stomach bleeding. Aspirin is related to digestive bleeding.

Of course, the plants, while much milder, are not without side effects either. If you are taking medication, ask your doctor if you can take them.

6 analgesic plants for migraine and headache

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Petasites

Migraines that accompany the menstrual cycle can be treated with petasite (Petasites hybridus). A study published in the journal Neurology found that taking two tablets of 75mg extract with meals reduces the frequency of headaches by 48%.

Very important! Acquire a mixture of butterburs that is pyrrolizidine free, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the plant, but is toxic to the liver.

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feverfew

With antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used for prevent migraines. Contains parthenolide, an active principle with analgesic action.

You can take 500 mg daily of dry extract to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. It should not be combined with anticoagulants or aspirin. You can mix it in equal parts with basil, marjoram and rosemary to prepare an infusion with a teaspoon of the mixture.

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Lavender

It is effective in tension headache. Massage your temples, eye sockets, neck and behind the ears with your fingers moistened with two drops of essential oil.

You can also prepare a infusion with dried lavender flowers (one tablespoon for 10 minutes in freshly boiled water). If you take it before going to sleep, it promotes good sleep and helps you wake up rested.

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white willow

White willow bark extract (Salix alba) in decoction improves all kinds of pain, including headaches. Also digestion. Its effectiveness is based on the salicin content, the natural precursor of acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin.

The dose of extract must provide between 120 and 240 mg of salicin daily. To prepare the decoction, leave 3 to 5 g of bark in boiling water for 5 minutes, and then leave to rest for another 10.

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Ginger

The active principles of ginger (Zingiber officinale) can improve circulation in the intracranial blood vessels, thereby preventing one of the causes of migraine. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting that sometimes accompany pain.

are recommended 3 capsules of 250mg of ginger powder a day, divided between the main meals.

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coriander

The plant and leaves, which are used like parsley, are known as coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Coriander, on the other hand, is the name of the spice prepared from the seeds, which has beneficial properties against headaches.

Take 15 ml, three times a day, of ethanolic extract of coriander seeds halves the duration, intensity and frequency of migraines, according to a study conducted at a university in Iran.

Plant alternatives to acetylsalicylic acid

salicylic acid It is a phenolic acid with three main actions: anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (reduces fever). It is used with remarkable success in various rheumatic conditions.

salicylic acid It is found in its natural state in various plants.

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is made from it.to which an acetyl group has been added to make it more stable, because in its natural form once extracted it is very perishable.

In case of allergy to aspirin, salicylic acid may not cause a reactionalthough before taking an alternative remedy it is key to have sensitivity tests.

The richest plants in salicylic acid are meadowsweet (Filipendula meadowsweet) and willow (Salix alba)although it is also present, to a lesser extent, in other species.

Although it is often confused, it is key to know that horsetail (Equisetum arvense) does not contain salicylic acid but silicic acidnecessary to keep the supporting tissues (joints, bones, skin, nails, hair, teeth, etc.) in perfect condition.

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