Some natural supplements that may offer short-term alleviation of the symptoms of severe headache include the use of herbs, such as Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - Check that it has been standardised for Parthenolide content. Do not use in cases of allergy to the ragweed plant family, and beware of using feverfew in Pregnancy - if it must be used, limit its consumption to very low doses. See you Practitioner for further information and safety of Feverfew during Pregnancy. Other herbs include Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Butternut (Juglans cinerea), Wood Betony (Stachys betonica). Adaptogens may be beneficial if the symptoms are aggravated by stress. These include Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus, Withania, Korean Ginseng. With all herbs and supplements, there are commonly quality issues, so the herbal companies I recommend are Flordis, MediHerb and PhytoMedicine.

Other techniques include detoxification - intestinal cleansing ( with laxative foods such as prunes, spinach, fibre & also laxative herbs). A liver cleansing diet, kidney detox, prebiotic and probiotic supplementation, such as Inner Health Plus and other quality probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifido bacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus. Other supplements that may be of benefit in allevaiting symptoms are high dose B-vitamins, especially vitamin B2, antioxidants such as Rose-Hip Vital (natural vitamin C), a good quality pycnogenol, CoQ10, GliSODin (Super Oxide Dismutase - the most important antioxidant in the body) and turmeric. Taurine and Inositol (in high doses) can support the Nervous System. Tyrosine can reduce the acute affects of stress.

A mineral which is very important for headache sufferers is Magnesium. It can be very beneficial in a large number of people at reducing the frequency and occurence of the headaches. A common form of magnesium is as an oxide, which is very cheap to produce so is popular amongst the supplement companies, but has extremely low levels of absorption. To give you an idea of what magnesium oxide is, iron oxide is rust, so it is the rust form of magnesium. The best form is called diglycinated, and comes in a couple of different Practitioner Only product ranges. So your local naturopath or nutritionist will be able to prescribe it for you.

For short term alleviation of symptoms, you can try essential oils such as lavender, peppermint basil and geranium oil. One of the best sources for quality essential oils is Essential Therapeutics - ask your Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist or Dietician for details about ordering, as Essential Therapeutics are a Practitioner Only company.