Headaches: Tension - Lifestyle Changes

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Magnesium. Some patients report that magnesium supplements can help prevent migraine headache attacks, but there is little evidence that magnesium is helpful for tension-type headaches.

Herbs. Feverfew and valerian are two popular herbal remedies for headache relief. There have been few studies to confirm the effectiveness of these or other herbs for headache treatment.

The following are special concerns for people taking these herbs:

• People who have a bleeding or blood clot disorder, or who take blood-thinning medications such as coumadin (Warfarin), should not take feverfew. Feverfew can interfere with these medications and can affect the time it takes blood to clot. Pregnant women or women hoping to become pregnant should not take this herb, as it may potentially harm the fetus.
• Valerian has sedative properties but can cause dizziness and drowsiness. High doses of valerian may cause blurred vision, excitability, vivid dreams, and changes in heart rhythm.

Review Date: 11/15/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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