• Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies for Migraine
  • Traditional Homeopathic Treatments for Migraine Headaches
  • Other Natural Options
  • References

Studied Homeopathic Remedies

  • Belladonna
  • Ignatia
  • Lachesis
  • Silicea
  • Gelsemium
  • Cyclamen
  • Natrum muriaticum
  • Sulphur

The term migraine refers to a class of headaches sharing certain characteristic symptoms. Migraine pain may be preceded or accompanied by visual changes or other symptoms, such as severe sensitivity to light or sound, heart palpitations, faintness, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms that precede the onset of a migraine attack are known as prodromal symptoms.

In migraines, headache pain usually occurs in the forehead or temples, often on one side only and typically accompanied by nausea and a preference for a darkened room. Headache attacks last for several hours up to a day or more. They are usually separated by completely pain-free intervals. In some cases, headache pain is accompanied by a visual (or occasionally nonvisual) disturbance known as an aura. Migraines are classified as migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

Migraines can be triggered by a variety of causes, including fatigue, stress, hormonal changes, and foods, such as alcohol, chocolate, peanuts, and avocados. However, in many people, migraines occur with no obvious triggering factor.

Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies for Migraine Headaches

Four double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have evaluated the use of classical homeopathic approaches to treat migraines and other forms of headache. One found significant evidence of benefit, while the others did not.

In the positive study, 60 people who suffered from migraines were given either a classical homeopathic remedy or placebo. 1 At the start of the study, researchers evaluated each person and, based on classical homeopathy, prescribed one or two of the following remedies: Belladonna, Ignatia, Lachesis, Silicea, Gelsemium, Cyclamen, Natrum muriaticum, or Sulphur, each in 30c potency. Once an appropriate remedy was determined for each participant, researchers randomly divided participants into treatment and control groups.

At the conclusion of the 4-month study period, the treatment group showed statistically significant reduction in the intensity, duration, and frequency of migraine attacks as compared to the placebo group.

Another 4-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of about the same size also evaluated the effects of individualized homeopathic treatment on migraines, but with less positive results. 2 On most measurements of headache severity, no statistically significant differences were seen between the treated group and the placebo group.

Lack of benefit was seen in two other trials as well, each involving individualized homeopathic treatment, and enrolling a total of more than 150 people. 3 (The larger of these two trials, however, included people with various forms of headache, not just migraines.)

Traditional Homeopathic Treatments for Migraine Headaches

In classical homeopathy, there are many possible homeopathic treatments for migraine headaches, to be chosen based on various specific details of the individual seeking treatment.

If your headache is throbbing and the pain increases from the slightest disturbance of light, motion, or noise, and your condition worsens in the afternoon, you may fit the symptom picture for the remedy Belladonna . Other features include a flushed, hot face and cold hands and feet.