Plant-based, alternative headache treatment
Because there are different types of headaches, and they can vary in intensity, frequency, location, and root cause - they can be very difficult to treat. While most headaches can be managed with over the counter pharmaceuticals and occur sporadically, others can experience regular, intense headaches and require prescribed treatments. Recently, anecdotal evidence suggests that plant-based products may be also able to reduce the severity of pain felt during a headache, and could be a suitable option for some.
Am I eligible?3 Million
workdays are lost due to headache related absences in the UK each year.
190,000
migraine attacks take place every day in the UK, say Brain Research UK.
76%
of sufferers support the use of plant-based migraine treatments survey finds.
47%
reduction in headache severity reported after natural treatment in a patient survey.
“Having a medical cannabis card makes me feel better - and that counts“
Daisy, Releaf Patient
October 2023
Symptoms
Moderate to severe pain
Throbbing pain
Pulsing pain
Sensitivity to light
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Problems with vision
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may have Headaches. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Acute headache treatments try to help during an attack, while preventative treatments can be used to try to stop headaches occurring, or reduce their frequency. In the UK, analgesics and anti-sickness medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort during a headache, while options like deep brain stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation may be recommended as a preventative treatment.
Corticosteroids
Lithium
Verapamil
Triptans
Anti-sickness medications
Beta blocking drugs
Amitriptyline
Find out if you may be eligible for alternative, natural headache treatments here
Am I eligible?A word from our specialist
Dr David Tang
Clinic Director
Can plant-based products help relieve headaches?
There are four types of headaches: cluster headaches, tension headaches, hypnic headaches and migraine headaches.
But, regardless of their type, headaches can have a large impact on a person’s day-to-day activities and their ability to work or concentrate, which can poorly impact their quality of life, and contribute to the development of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
In 2018, plant-based, alternative treatments emerged as a new option for patients who were struggling to find relief with conventional approaches. This is because emerging evidence suggests that certain natural, plant chemicals can interfere with pain signals, and reduce the perception, or severity, of pain, when they enter the body.
Anecdotal reports show that many of those who have tried these natural alternatives note a reduction in pain and an improvement in their quality of life. These options are not suitable for everyone, but they may be able to offer relief to patients who have yet to find this response with conventional approaches.