5 HTP
Has anyone tried 5-HTP for migraines? I had migrain problems for over 15 years. After I took 5-HTP once a day, not even 1 migraine. Of course there are many causes for migraines. But this might help someone.
(London, England)
08/02/2016
Gave it a fair trial. It did nothing
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
08/03/2016
Hello Beth,
Have you tried niacin (B-3) or the herb Feverfew? I have a video up on Earth Clinic that discusses migraines if you care to watch.
(London, England)
07/24/2020
Thank you, yes. I've tried both. Feverfew grows in my garden and I took it every day for years but the migraines only increased in frequency.
5-HTP
I tried 5-HTP and I can't really say it worked for migraines. I did find that it caused a bit of sexual dysfunction (and this is a noted side effect). Since it didn't really seem to work, I stopped it.
5-HTP
Warning
I was super excited about taking 5-htp, as I use Imitrex and from what I read 5-htp seemed pretty much like a natural Imitrex. Imitrex imitates serotonin and basically alters the body's pain reception for migraines. (or something to that effect).
5-htp is a precursor to serotonin, which means your body will take 5-htp, convert it to serotonin and it in theory will act like Imitrex. Though that's where the awesomeness ended for me.
I have a few major warnings for anyone interested in 5-htp:
1) You cannot use it if you are pregnant
2) You cannot use it with many anti-depressants
3) You cannot use it within about 24 hours before or after you use Imitrex. Both anti-depressants that increase serotonin and Imitrex that imitates serotonin used with 5-htp that creates even more serotonin can cause a serotonin overdose and can be fatal.
4) I did more research on it and it turns out that 5-htp is a chemical by-product of L-tryptophan, which is responsible for making serotonin in our bodies. They used to sell tryptophan supplements but after many people started developing eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, an incurable muscle and blood disease, from these supplements, as they were tainted, they banned the sale of tryptophan supplements in the US. (This happened mainly due to one large manufacturer going cheap, but who's to say this won't happen again with 5-htp??)
There have already been a few cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome being caused by 5-htp supplements to date and that got me thinking: "Is taking this 5-htp to hopefully have a cheaper more 'natural' form of Imitrex worth it?" I decided it wasn't worth it.
I just want to warn those who are thinking about taking 5-htp that just because it's natural doesn't make it safer, and just because they sell it doesn't mean it's guaranteed safe. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and only get any attention once a lot of people get sick from it. Use the information we are given to make the best decision for you. I ended up finding that Mint essential oil works really well for me and with no serious side effects. (or any at all for me)
I hope this helps someone, it would have been nice to have this all written for me when I was researching it. :)
(New York, US)
09/17/2014
Melissa.. About 5HTP
I am also leary of 5 htp after doing research on it.. Actually the last doctor who I didn't like said I should take it for anxiety.. she also gave me a supplement with L lysine, 5 htp and folate and L tyrosine in it.. the 5htp is 150 miligrams.. I am a bit scared to take it as I have read good and not so good things with 5 htp.... I also meditate and use essential oils.. maybe just stick to that.. I also try and get sun and take vit.D..
Thanks for the post Melissa. Two items that need clarifying. One, like most all supplements or drugs there is a dose dependent factor which must always be considered. Generaly speaking, natural supplements are much, much more safer at even large doses than their counterpart pharmaceutical drugs at small doses. Way too many folks have left this world as a consequence of overdose of drugs.
Second, supplements are regulated by the FDA by the same standards as foodstuffs. Hospitals report any problems w/ bad food or supplements from sick patients the same as drug interaction or overdoses, and these reports are monitored for public safety. Also many or most supplement manufacturers are standardized and inspected by oversight companies like GMP which is overseen by the FDA as well as WHO. So yes, nutritional supplements ARE regulated for safety.
(Il)
02/20/2018
I take amino acids to treat my gene mutation, enzyme deficiencies in Fibromyalgia. Migraines are a common symptom of Fibro. But I would NEVER recommend an amino acid or a hormone (like 5-HTP or melatonin) unless it muscle tested well for that person. The only way to tell if the product is right for you, or is any good or even tainted, is through Applied Kinesiology/ muscle testing. I believe everyone should learn how to detect if one's body's BP spikes when stimulated by something. AK enables a person to do this. I Say...Learn AK!
5-HTP
I came across 5-HTP on my doctor's vitamin website. The description said that it was for Depression, Mood Swings, Sleeplessness, Headaches, etc. Since I have all those things, I decided to give it a try! Much to my delight, I found that my 25 year struggle with Gluten and Casein related migraines was suddenly over!! After suffering through years of debilitating migraines, that effectively put a damper on my Junior High, High School, College, and Marriage life. When I was 27ish, I finally figured out that if I removed gluten and cow-related dairy products from my diet, I no longer had migraines. This was great! Except, that gluten and casein are in EVERYTHING! This food allergy (food intolerance) discovery was a blessing in disguise, because now I eat fresh organic fruit and veggies and organic/grass-fed meat. No packaged meals or fastfood ever! But eating out or over at friends' houses was still causing me to lose days due to the migraines. 5-HTP literally changed my life! I started taking 100mg/day in the morning and noticed after a month that I could have little cheats in my diet and get away with them!
Currently I take 200 mg/day and can have a sandwich for lunch and cheesecake! (it's SO wrong, I know! ) I still try very hard to keep the gluten and casein out of my diet. Even though I can cheat and not have a migraine attack, I still can tell that my body feels wrong or icky when I have those foods. But it's SO nice to go from 10 migraines a month, down to 1, maybe 2 per month. I plan to cut back to 100mg/day because I know that there is differing opinions about how much is too much. Plus being able to eat whatever I want makes it very hard to stay gluten/casein free. I hope this post helps other people to realize that they may have food allergies/intolerances that they are unaware of yet.
(Los Angeles, Ca)
01/21/2013
It sounds like you might have tyramine-triggered migraines, rather than simply a gluten/casein sensitivity. Check out the list of foods that contain tyramine. Glad the 5-HTP is working. I'm looking for something to help my aunt, who suffers from migraines probably due to tyramine.
Acupressure
I'm 68 in good health but still get migraines. I've had prescription medication for 20 years but sometimes it doesn't work. I tried the ice packs on the back of my neck for 2 hours and that helped. Then I pressed real hard on the top of my neck, both sides and my migraine was almost completely gone!
Acupressure, Garlic, Peppermint Tea
For the lady who thinks she will quit having migraines when she gets 50.You can quit dreaming. I am 64 and have had migraines for years. I take Imitrex and sometimes when it is not available and I get one, I pinch my hand between the thumb and index finger. And garlic does help, I also drink peppermint tea with honey. Dairy products cause me to have migraines because of the thick mucus it causes at night.
(Vancouver, Wa, Usa)
04/02/2011
(Spain)
02/18/2018
My mom's chronic hormonal migraines vanished definitively at menopause.
(San Diego)
03/15/2018
I am 67 years old and started getting migraines about 5 years ago. My migraines are severe. Along with vomiting, I get diarrhea which actually helps relieve my headache. I also use cold compresses on my neck and apply pressure to my lower neck.
(Arcadia, Ca)
03/19/2018
Dear Marthe,
What your feeling maybe something bad your sickness reminds me when I had bad headaches. I would get just like you with the vomiting and diahrrea. One day I felt a huge bang in my head it was a BRAIN ANEURYSM. Then it burst and that is when I found out I had a BA. Please go check yourself with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!
EC: In case anyone is interested, here's an interesting article on brain aneurysms from Prevention Mag: https://www.prevention.com/health/brain-aneurysm-warning-signs/
Air Purifier
I bought my daughter a very good air purifier with multiple filtration system and it cut her migraines back to next to none from almost constant.
Alka Seltzer
I have been a regular reader of this site and find the remedies very helpful. Thought I would add my remedy I stumbled upon by accident for migraine. Alka Seltzer, when taken before a full-blown migraine if you are someone that gets nausea during migraine helps relieve it. I have been suffereing from migraine for many years now and getting hold of ACV, baking soda etc is not always convenient. Trying to see if AC Gold without aspirin would have the same effect.
(Dallas, Texas)
06/20/2012
Anitha, thank you. You are the only person I have known to confirm my experience. The very first migraine I ever had was unbearable. I couldn't sleep, and was throwing up. My husband came home, and brought me an Alka Seltzer original, in a glass of water. It gave me total and complete relief. No headache, no upset stomach, and I could sleep. My migraines have lessened in severity, over time, however. So my other favorite remedies for migraine are 1) a glass of whole milk with a chocolate bar, and 2) a pinch of cayenne pepper on the tip of my tongue for 30 seconds, followed by a glass of water.
(Texas)
05/03/2014
Alka Seltzer works for me if I catch the migraine early.
(San Antonio)
02/23/2017
(New York, USA)
08/15/2022
I too, use Alka-seltzer. I get the “Gold” one. It doesn't contain any aspirin and is potassium bicarbonate instead of sodium bicarbonate. It works well on migraine with nausea and ones that have an intense pounding feeling.
(Philippines)
08/15/2022
Hi LMF... It is incorrect to say that Alka-Seltzer Gold ingredients contains "potassium bicarbonate instead of sodium bicarbonate." The full list of ingredients for Alka-Seltzer Gold is shown below:
Anhydrous citric acid 1000 mg
Potassium bicarbonate 344 mg
Sodium bicarbonate (heat-treated)* 1050 mg
*When sodium bicarbonate is heat-treated it becomes sodium carbonate.
After the acid-base reaction between the citric acid and the bicarbonates when water is added, the drink then essentially contains sodium citrate and potassium citrate -- notably with the sodium citrate in much higher quantity than the potassium citrate.
This drink mixture of sodium citrate and potassium citrate is more or less in exactly the same amounts and proportions as advised in Ted from Bangkok's alkalizing sodium/potassium citrate remedies on EC. Except that his version is made with the bare ingredients, which is perhaps a much cheaper way of doing it than buying Alka-Seltzer Gold.
Almonds
About a month ago, I experienced a migraine that did not respond to my usual treatment (Excedrin Migraine) so I took a second dose even though the package said not to. I was still suffering and getting worried when I remembered having read about eating almonds to stop a migraine. I happened to have some and by the time I had eaten six of them, the migraine was completely gone! Last night, I got another migraine and took the Excedrin, but also ate about a dozen almonds, and the headache stopped within just a few minutes. I don't know what it is about almonds, but it worked for me.
Amalgam Fillings Removed
I was 50 when I had my amalgam fillings removed. I did not see any benefit to having them removed and was later informed that once you have amalgam fillings it is best to keep them as having them removed causes a lot of mercury to be released into the body system. I chose to have them removed on the suggestion of an naturopath who I was attending because I suffered from migraine. Didn't help with migraines.
(Leeds, West Yorkshire, Uk)
06/23/2011
My migraines started about 5 years ago and affected the right side of my head near the temple. At first I would get them several times a year but in the past two years they became a daily event. When my migraines started I was sensitive to light and noise. I would have to draw my curtains and get into bed. I would pass out at some point, waking up several hours later.
I too have amalgam fillings and having done some research on the net I figured I needed to remove my fillings. I was advised by my dentist to take Chlorella for a week prior to having the fillings removed and to continue for another week after removal of the fillings. However, an article I read on the internet suggested taking Chlorella for 3 months before and after removal of the fillings. I came across a free book online called
Superfoods For Optimum Health: Chlorella and Spirulina
by Mike Adams, the Consumer Wellness Research Center (chlorellafactor. Com). Google it!I started on 2.5g Chlorella powder combined with 5g Spirulina powder (a ratio of 1:2 is advised) for 2 weeks (twice a day) to allow my body to get used to these superfoods. After the initial 2 weeks I increased the amounts to 5g Chlorella and 10g Spirulina and I having been taking that for the past 5 weeks (twice a day). To be completely honest I can't remember exactly when my migraines stopped. What a relief!
I purchased my Chlorella (1kg powder for £55, and Spirulina (1kg powder for £45) from Indigo-Herbs of Glastonbury in the UK.
I still intend to have my amalgams removed, but my priority now is to deal with my eczema (face and back of hands)
The introduction (extract) from the free online book reads as follows:
Some have called this book, "The most courageous voice yet... " on chlorella and spirulina. That's because inside this book, you'll get the astounding truth on how these two superfoods are far more than just "supplements" like vitamins and minerals: they are disease preventing and even reversing foods from nature that can actually help conquer cancer, nerve damage, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, clinical depression, and much more.
You probably haven't heard that before, and here's why: no company selling chlorella or spirulina is allowed to tell you the truth about it. That's because the FDA would consider such statements to be "medical claims. " So you never hear the real story on how these amazing superfoods can actually reverse serious diseases with no side effects and often without surgery, drugs, or other barbaric treatments like chemotherapy."
(Phoenix, Arizona, Usa)
08/25/2011
(Las Vegas, Nv)
11/01/2012
TO Noell in nebraska. Due to yours being from trauma you may want to check into seeing a chriopractor to have adjustments made that may work better along with acupressure and puncture.
(Nebraska)
01/05/2016
I just started taking migraine medication this year, I always thought the pain on the left side of my head was caused by sinus pressure. In the past I've gotten relief from sinus medication, but the past 4 months, I've been sensitive to bright light, just unbearable pain with no relief. I never thought it could of been all the dental work I had done. on the left side of my mouth. Last year I've had a bridge put in and I've been numbed so many times on that side, I believe my nerves have never been back normal. I've seen a neurologist had a scan of my brain which is normal, now I take topiramate 25mg 4tab every night. so far they have been working. I can definitely tell when I miss a day. But I don't want to take these for the rest of my life. I would like to get these fillings removed, but I don't want to be injected with anymore numbing medication again, I think they went overboard on me with that. Maybe I should try chlorella spurlina. I know I spelled it wrong.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV and honey for migraines.
The other day one of my co-workers was sitting at her desk with her head lowered, cupping her forehead in one hand and massaging her head and neck with the other. I asked her if she was all right and she said I have a migraine. So I logged in to see what Earth Clinic has posted for migraines and saw the remedy of 2 Tbsp. of ACV and 2 Tbsp. of raw honey in a glass of water.
I asked if she usually takes something for it and she said she takes Excedrin but that she did not have any with her. So I told her that my #1 resource for natural healing recommends ACV and honey in a glass of water and told her that I had both of them if she would like to try it. She looked up at me and said let's do it. I mixed it up and she drank it. About 20 or 30 minutes later another co-worker asked her how she was feeling and she said she felt a lot better! And for the rest of the day she was her usual bubbly self.
What is particularly interesting about this is that I work for a tribal government and these folks are Native Americans who, for the most part, have lost or forgotten the old ways, replacing them with medical services provided by the federal government through Indian Health Services. But many of them have witnessed my journey and have come to me for help for themselves and for their animals. They are re-discovering that Mother Nature has provided all that we need!
Thank you to all who post on this website, you are changing and saving lives! Flower's Mom
Apple Cider Vinegar
I normally take four peppermint oil capsules for a headache and add white willow bark if it gets out of hand, but when I woke up yesterday with a migraine, nothing was really working. I took two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother with a spoon by mouth and within about an hour, the pain was reduced. It eventually went away almost completely. I will now use the ACV sooner in the course of a bad headache.
Update: I awoke with a migraine headache and tried two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar by mouth first. Within about one and a half hours, the severity had been reduced from an 8 on a scale of 10 to about a 2. I must add that I also drank coffee, but I will be using the ACV first from now on.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar for migraines: A TRUE MIRACLE WORKER... ACV unpastuerized and Raw Honey has been a God sent. About 4 days ago I realized I forgot to get a refill for some anti depressants I have been taking for 2 1/2 yrs now for migraines and headaches. I needed to wait for my Dr. to approve the refill at the pharmacy which would have taken about 2 to 3 days. NOT GOOD. Anyone who is taking anti depressants know that you can not miss a day because the affects are horrific. As I was about to panic, I remembered Earth Clinic. The first day without my pills I was having a terrible migraine which I expected. I drank 2 tbsp ACV unpastuerized, 2 tbsp raw honey and 8 ounces of water (I warmed the water first, before I added the Apple Cider Vinegar and honey) Because my migraines are extemely bad I had to drink this MAGIC POTION 3 times in 2 to 3 hour increments. After the 3rd drink my migraine was gone completely. For the past 3 days I have been drinking this potion 3 times a day, breakfast, lunch and before I go to bed. I began to feel a slight headache yesterday because I was feeling soooo good that I thought my migraines were gone for good (silly me) and I was experiencing an increase of energy that I have not felt in years so I did not drink the potion for lunch and I began I feel a slight headache getting worse quickly. I made the potion and I could feel the headache go away within 15 to 30 minutes. I drank the potion this morning and lunch so far no headache. I will be drinking it again before I go to bed. I will be my new drink for many years to come... I say this drink is a true miracle worker.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Thank you all so much for posting this info about ACV for migraines. One day a couple months ago I was hit hard with a very painful one with sinus issues too. Desparate because pain relievers didn't work, I thought, "well, one more google search. " I read your page, and following someone's story I: drank ACV water, started to feel better. Earlier I could barely walk. Then put some ACV in hot water and "steamed" my face over it for a few minutes, took an epsom salt bath, and felt almost normal after word. Took another "shot" of ACV water and I was good to go! What a relief! Now I drink a generous splash of ACV in water a couple times per day and haven't had a headache or migraine since I started doing that. Seriously, not making this up. Really grateful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Have had maybe 4 episodes in 30 years so no expert but when they occur they're doozies. Yesterday AM I'm getting ready for work when my vision began to blur and got flashing. This was as bad as I've ever had and probably the worst symptoms ever. After determining it was a migraine attack I quickly jumped to Earth Clinic for what to do. Found the ACV mixture and immediately drank down about 3 tbs with water and honey. Laid down while covering my eyes as they were already super sensitive and felt nausia and the following headache beginning. Within a half hr I was up and around with only a somewhat upset stomach and a little woozie. By noon I was pretty much myself again.
Thanks again Earth Clinic, you'ved saved me from the pill dispenser once more!
(Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa)
09/11/2012
I have suffered severe migraines since a car accident in 1994. Despite the onset being caused by trauma, I do still get the same 'classic' migraine symptoms as people who have not had a trauma. Of course, have seen every doctor and tried every drug available. My current cocktail has been a triptan - Relpax, four Advils, a Relpax 2 hours later (if needed), and Stadol (if the second Relpax fails). If I get to that point, I am in for 72 hours of hell.
A few days ago, I found the ACV cure and was so excited that I ran right out and bought organic ACV and organic honey. I almost wished for a headache to test it out. I was so positive it would work! Watch out what you wish for. A mere 2 days later and the familiar feeling in the right temple started. No worries. I can get rid of it easily! I mixed 2tsp ACV and 1tsp honey in 8ozs warm water. (Ugh! ) Went up to bed. Forty five minutes later, husband noticed I was agitated from pain. "Your new thing didnt work?" Me, "Not yet. " I just knew that if I could go to sleep that it would be gone by morning. My positive attitude had to count for something, right? No. At 2:00AM, I was up to a level 8/9. It was almost as if I had drank wine (one of my worst triggers) Two rounds of Relpax and 1200mg's of Advil... Four hours later... and sleep finally came.
Ok, I am willing to try it again... Even though I feel like the ACV actually exacerbated my condition! I dont think I used enough ACV. I thought I remembered it being 2tsp, but now I see that people are using 2 and 3 TBSP. I will give an update after I try it again.
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the honey? Is it to make the whole sour cocktail more palatable? Or is there an actual purpose for it?
(Elkhorn, Ne, Usa)
09/25/2012
I tried it again last night. Felt the migraine coming on. After a couple of hours, it was worse. I took the appropriate amount of ACV. Migraine actually got worse. An hour later, I tried a second 'dose'. Fast forward another hour. Migraine getting out of control... Level 8 . Took Relpax (triptan) and four Advil. Another hour later, headache under control. I really wanted to join the majority on this miracle ACV cure, but it just doesnt work for me. It actually worsens the migraine as if I had drank wine or champagne.
(New York)
09/28/2012
Getting migraines less frequently due to dietary changes, however still get them once in awhile.
Last night began to see squiggly lines, vision impaired etc, all letting me know the pain was coming. I remembered seeing cures for migraine on this site and looked again. Immediately took 3 tablespoons of ACV with a little honey in 8 ounces. OMG!!! No pain, no vomiting. I feel tired, but there was and is no pain.
I am so grateful. I have tried numerous cures including medication and nothing has worked like this. THANK YOU for posting this remedy.
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
09/28/2012
Yes the stuff is amazing for fixing the squigly lines and the throbbing headach after. If you take a capfull in the morning and evening the thing stays away permanently and if you forget for a week or two when you do get an attack its over with quickly and theirs no headache. Which only serves as a reminder to get back into the habit.
(Morrison, Tn)
12/13/2012
I used apple cider vinegar for my migraine the other day. I had the eye problem first (auras) and then the migraine begins. But about 20 minutes into the aura phenomenon, I came on here and saw the ACV recommendation and did it. My migraine never really had a chance to begin. I felt a little pressure all day, just a little. I drank the ACV (2 tbsp in a glass of water), throughout the day and was just fine!
(Nyc)
05/06/2016
The same thing happens to me when I take AVC for a migraine, it will get worse, and I mean like a 10. if I do not have a migraine it will bring it on. I wish someone would address this issue as to why.
(San Antonio)
02/23/2017
ACV also made my migraine worse.
