not tonight, honey - Brief Article

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 2000 by Melissa Winkler

If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from recurring tension headaches and rely solely on aspirin for pain relief, we've got great news for you.

Nearly 90 percent of all chronic headaches are brought on by tension, specifically emotional and physical stress, according to the National Headache Foundation in Chicago. Tension headaches can be occasional, triggered by a stressful event, or recurring, associated with longer periods of stress and sometimes fatigue and depression. You know you're getting a tension headache when the muscles in your face, neck and scalp begin to tighten. "It starts as a steady, dull ache that gradually spreads, causing your head to feel like it's in a vice," says Donna Bryant, R.N., a nurse and herbalist practicing in Pembroke, N.H.

There's no harm in taking an occasional analgesic such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But using these drugs regularly can irritate the stomach and harm the liver. Besides, aspirin only treats symptoms. "The best answer to a tension headache is dealing with the causes," says Sheva Carr, L.Ac., a Los Angeles herbalist and acupuncturist. "Learning how to relax muscles, breathe properly and let your mind clear will help release tension. Getting enough rest and taking little walks throughout the day are key to prevention."

Herbs can reduce the tension that leads to headaches, without causing the side effects of drugs. Some are even effective painkillers. If relief eludes you, consult a physician to make sure headaches aren't signaling a medical problem.

This month's contributors are Bryant, cofounder of the Innerseed School of Herbal Studies in Pembroke, N.H., and Carr, an herbalist at Elixir Tonics and Teas in Los Angeles.

Herb            Function

Lemon balm      Antispasmodic; calms the
(Melissa        nervous system and relieves
officinalis)    tension

Peppermint      Antispasmodic; relieves
                pressure, pain and muscle
(Mentha         tensions; stimulates
piperita)       circulation

Skullcap        Antispasmodic; reduces muscle
(Scutellaria    spasms and relieves nervous
lateriflora)    tension; tonic for the
                nervous system

Valerian root   Antispasmodic and muscle
(Valeriana      relaxant; calms the nervous
officinalis)    system, reduces anxiety and
                relieves pain

White willow    A mild anti-inflammatory and
(Salix alba)    pain reliever known as nature's
                aspirin; the bark contains
                salicin, the natural analgesic

Herb            Dosage(*)

Lemon balm      Tincture: 1 dropperful or 1/4 tsp., 3-6x/day
(Melissa        Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2- 3 tsp.
officinalis)    dried herb or 5 tsp. fresh leaves. Steep 10
                minutes; drink as needed

Peppermint      Tea: 1 cup boiling water over 2 - 3 tsp. dried

(Mentha         herb or 4 tsp. fresh leaves; steep 10 minutes;
piperita)       drink when symptoms appear
                Essential oil: Apply 1 - 2 drops oil on skin
                and massage forehead, temples and neck
                to alleviate muscle spasms

Skullcap        Tincture: 2 droppersful or 1/2 tsp. liquid
(Scutellaria    extract, 3x/day
lateriflora)    Tea: 1 cup boiling water over 2 - 3 tsp.
                dried leaves. Steep 15 minutes and strain;
                drink 3x/day for prevention

Valerian root   Tincture: 2 droppersful or 1/2 tsp. with juice.
(Valeriana      Can repeat 4x/day as symptoms persist
officinalis)    Capsule: 1 or 2 capsules, 3x/day. Follow label
                instructions for dosage

White willow    Tincture: 2 - 4 droppersful or 1/2 - 1 tsp. in
(Salix alba)    water, 3 - 4x/day
                Capsule: Amount of salicin in product
                varies; most contain 100-300 milligrams;
                take 3x/day

Herb            Comments

Lemon balm      No known side effects. Excellent for
(Melissa        relieving children's headaches. Flavor
officinalis)    combines well with other herbs to
                make tasty infusions.

Peppermint      Avoid direct contact with oil if you

(Mentha         have sensitive skin. To make a compress
piperita)       for the forehead or eyes, steep
                tea bags in hot water or soak a
                washcloth in 1 cup hot water with 2
                drops essential oil.

Skullcap        A member of the mint family, skullcap
(Scutellaria    is easy to cultivate in gardens.
lateriflora)    No known side effects.

Valerian root   Herb has a stimulating effect on
(Valeriana      some people. Avoid during pregnancy.
officinalis)    Don't mix with alcohol, antidepressants
                or sleeping pills.

White willow    Those with stomach problems and
(Salix alba)    children should avoid. Don't take if
                you're allergic to aspirin, pregnant or
                breastfeeding.

(*) Note: Dosages given are recommendations only; check with your health care professional before using any herbal or homeopathic supplement. especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription drugs.