he author’s serendipitous discovery revealed that a decoction of a spearmint species (Mentha spicata, Lamiaceae) successfully treated her migraine headache attacks. This is a very easily prepared and inexpensive remedy with no adverse side effect. This remedy exceeds the efficacy of large doses of riboflavin (vitaminB2), that has been reported as prophylaxis for migraines 1,2, and that the author used it for over two years before spearmint.

Consumption of 5-6 cups of a spearmint decoction of a species grown in the garden miraculously cleared her headache within 75 minutes one summer day in 2001. Subsequent consumption of this decoction became a daily refresher. The author experienced no additional migraine problems.

The author proposes a possible correlation between the pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids as found in feverfew, butterbur, monoterpenoids as found in cannabis, and of monoterpenoids as found in spearmint. She speculates that those terpenoids that are potential migraine remedies might be stereospecific (levorotatory). She further promotes studies of spearmint decoction as a safe and very low-cost natural antimigraine remedy.

1. Schoenen, J., Lenaerts, M., Jacquy, J.: Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis, Neurology, 50, February 1998, 466-470.
2. Boehnke, C., Flach, U., Reuter, U., et al.: High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis, Eur. J. Neurol., July 2004, 11(7), 475-7.

Preparation of Spearmint Decoction

Into a 4-qt crock-pot, place 6-7 pieces of fresh or dried above-ground (leaves and stems) parts of a spearmint (mentha spicata) plant, 10-12 inches/piece. Add hot water to the top of the pot, set the pot to “high” until the water boils. Decant and drink the clear dark amber color liquid without condiments. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack.

Alternatively, if spearmint plant is not readily available, commercial Organic Spearmint tea bags are available at natural food stores. I suggest that the tea made from the bags be concentrated.

Use one bag in 8oz hot water in a ceramic/glass CLOSED container (to avoid evaporation of essential oils). Allow it to boil 3-5 minutes until the liquid is clear dark amber color. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack.

For prevention: Drink a more diluted tea several glasses daily.

I have also found that adding 2-3 drops of the essential oil of Spearmint to my hot tea daily also helps to prevent migraines.  I use about 6-8 drops daily.

Disclaimer
This abstract and preparation reflect ONLY the experience/opinion of the individual who posts the message. The information contained above is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question.