| Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) | | | | for several months (Neurology, 2005, vol. 64, no. 4). |
| What it is: Feverfew grows throughout Europe and | | | | Compared with those taking placebo, Co-Q10 users |
| North America. An extract from the dried, powdered | | | | experienced fewer migraine attacks, had fewer days |
| leaves of the plant can ease the frequency, severity, | | | | each month with migraines, and had fewer episodes |
| and length of migraine attacks. | | | | of nausea. To prevent migraines, take |
| How it works: Several studies show that taking this | | | | 150–300 mg of Co-Q10 daily. (Be prepared |
| herb daily protects against migraines (Cephalalgia, | | | | for sticker shock, however, as taking a preventive |
| 2005, vol. 25, no. 11), though scientists aren't certain | | | | dose of this supplement costs $50 to $100 a month, |
| exactly how feverfew does so. Keep in mind that | | | | depending on the brand.) |
| this herb is preventive; although feverfew can reduce | | | | Side effects: None. |
| the frequency and severity of attacks, it is not | | | | |
| useful to start taking it once a migraine sets in. | | | | Magnesium |
| Side effects: Only minor problems, such as | | | | What it is: The mineral magnesium plays numerous |
| gastrointestinal upset, have been reported with the | | | | essential roles in the body, including building strong |
| use of feverfew, and even these are fairly | | | | bones, relaxing muscles, clotting blood, and helping to |
| uncommon. | | | | produce mitochondrial energy. |
| | | | How it works: Similar to Co-Q10, magnesium is |
| Coenzyme Q10 | | | | thought to quell migraine attacks through its role in |
| What it is: Coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10), a compound | | | | increasing energy production in the mitochondria. |
| made naturally by the body, helps turn food into | | | | People with recurrent migraines tend to have lower |
| energy inside a part of the cell called the | | | | levels of magnesium. When frequent migraine |
| mitochondria. Co-Q10 also has powerful antioxidant | | | | sufferers supplemented with 600 mg of magnesium |
| properties. | | | | daily for three months, they reported a |
| How it works: A lot about migraines remains a | | | | significant—42 percent—drop in |
| mystery, but one leading theory suggests that | | | | the frequency of their migraines (Cephalalgia, 1996, |
| impaired energy production within the mitochondria | | | | vol. 16, no. 4). |
| could set the stage for a migraine. Through its | | | | Side effects: The high amount of magnesium used in |
| support of mitochondrial energy production, Co-Q10 | | | | most research studies (600 mg daily) could cause |
| appears to help prevent migraines. In one recent | | | | diarrhea. If that occurs, try lowering your dosage to |
| study, 42 migraine patients took coenzyme Q10 daily | | | | 200–300 mg. |