Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Migraine Headache
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Butterbur | Adults: 75 mg twice a day of an extract standardized to contain at least 15% petasins; children: reduce amount according to body weight |  [3 stars] Butterbur extract has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
|
Feverfew | Standardized herbal extract delivering 250 mcg of parthenolide per day | [3 stars] Feverfew is the most frequently used herb for the long-term migraine prevention. Continuous use of feverfew may reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches. |
Magnesium | 360 to 600 mg daily | [3 stars] Compared with healthy people, migraine sufferers have been found to have lower magnesium levels. Supplementing with magnesium may reduce migraine frequency and relieve symptoms. |
Vitamin B2 (For adults only ) | 400 mg daily | [3 stars] Studies have shown vitamin B2 to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
|
5-HTP | 200 to 600 mg daily for adults, 20 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight for children |  [2 stars] Several studies have found 5-HTP to be effective at reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches. |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid | 600 mg per day | [2 stars] In a small double-blind trial, supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid significantly reduced the frequency of migraine attacks. |
Coenzyme Q10 | 100 to 150 mg daily | [2 stars] In a preliminary trial, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 for three months reduced the average number of days with migraine headaches by 60%. |
Folic Acid (For a subset of people ) | 5 mg per day | [2 stars] Taking folic acid may improve migraines in people with high homocysteine levels and a certain genetic characteristic.
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Ginger | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Anecdotal evidence suggests ginger may be used for migraines and the accompanying nausea. |
Melatonin | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion may be disturbed in people with migraine headaches. Taking melatonin may correct this problem and reduce symptoms. |
Vitamin B12 | 1 mg daily | [2 stars] In a preliminary trial, vitamin B12 reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by at least 50% in 10 of 19 people with recurrent migraines. |
Calcium | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Taking large amounts of the combination of calcium and vitamin D has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the incidence of migraines in several women. |
Chili Peppers | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Capsaicin, the active constituent of cayenne, may be applied inside the nose as a treatment for acute migraine under a doctor’s supervision. |
Fish Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Fish oil containing EPA and DHA has been reported to reduce migraine headache symptoms. Fish oil may help because of its effects in modifying hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. |
Ginkgo | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Ginkgo extract may also help because it inhibits the action of a substance known as platelet-activating factor, which may contribute to migraines. |
L-Tryptophan | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Preliminary research has found abnormally low levels of serotonin in the brains of people suffering a migraine attack, which was reversed with L-tryptophan supplements.
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SAMe | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Preliminary research suggests that supplementing with SAMe may reduce symptoms for some migraine sufferers. |
Vitamin D | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking large amounts of the combination of calcium and vitamin D has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the incidence of migraines in several women. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.