Neurogenic migraines can be relieved with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Commonly used herbs include Gastrodia elata, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Angelica dahurica. Neurogenic migraines are often related to liver yang hyperactivity, qi and blood stagnation, or wind-evil invasion. TCM treatment focuses on calming the liver and extinguishing wind, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Gastrodia elata has the effects of calming the liver and extinguishing wind, and sedating the mind, and is often used to relieve headaches and dizziness; Ligusticum chuanxiong promotes blood circulation and qi flow, improves blood circulation in the head, and reduces pain; Angelica dahurica dispels wind and cold, opens the orifices and relieves pain, and is suitable for migraines caused by wind and cold. TCM treatment should be based on individual constitution and symptoms, and it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.
1. Gastrodia elata is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating neurogenic migraines. Its active ingredient, gastrodin, has sedative, anticonvulsant, and cerebral microcirculation-improving effects. Gastrodia elata can be decocted alone or used in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines, such as Gastrodia elata and Uncaria rhynchophylla decoction, which is suitable for headaches, dizziness, and insomnia caused by liver yang hyperactivity. When using Gastrodia elata, attention should be paid to the dosage; excessive use may cause dizziness or nausea.
2. Chuanxiong (Ligusticum striatum) is a representative traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, often used to treat migraines caused by poor blood and qi circulation. The active ingredient in Chuanxiong, ligustrazine, can dilate blood vessels, improve blood supply to the brain, and relieve headaches. Chuanxiong is often used in combination with Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao), such as in Siwu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction), which is suitable for migraines caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis. Chuanxiong should be avoided when taking it concurrently with anticoagulants to prevent increasing the risk of bleeding.
3. Angelica dahurica has the effects of dispelling wind and cold, clearing the orifices and relieving pain, and is suitable for wind-cold type migraines. The active ingredient in Angelica dahurica, angelicin, can inhibit inflammatory responses and alleviate headache symptoms. Angelica dahurica is often used in combination with Asarum and Saposhnikovia divaricata, such as in Chuanxiong Tea Decoction, which is suitable for headaches and nasal congestion caused by wind-cold. Care should be taken to avoid excessive use of Angelica dahurica to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for neurogenic migraines requires individualized diagnosis and treatment based on constitution and symptoms. It is recommended to use TCM under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. In addition to TCM treatment, lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding overwork, maintaining emotional stability, and having a regular sleep schedule can further prevent and alleviate migraines. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other underlying diseases.