OT: Migraines; Acid Reflux

[Guest guest]

There is an interesting article on Dr. Mercola's website about using IV

magnesium sulfate to treat some migraines.

 

I encourage readers to do research on Mg (magnesium) as there is a long list

of problems that Mg deficiency can figure into (asthma, some but not all

cases of high blood pressure, one type of kidney stone, muscles spasms,

tics, some cases of insomnia, nervousness, a tendency to form blood clots,

some immune system problems, etc.) Mildred Seelig, MD, American College of

Nutrition, is a good source of information. So is the CFIDS Association of

American. (A lot of PWCs (People With CFIDS) benefit from Mg

supplementation.) Some forms of oral Mg are better absorbed than others.

Malic acid will increase the absorption and utilization of Mg. Some people

require IM shots of Mg and some even require IV Mg. Mg deficiency problems

are likely in cases of bowel problems like celiac disease, Leaky Gut

Syndrome, etc.

 

Part of the reason Mg supplementation so often helps in cases of asthma,

muscles spasms, tics, and some blood vessel problems (not all) is that

muscles need Mg in order to relax. Without enough Mg, muscles will tend to

stay contracted. When the large muscles of the body tend to stay

contracted, this also can be very fatiguing.

 

Too little and too much Mg can be fatal. This is NOT a " if a little is

good, more is better " situation.

 

A couple of days ago there was mention on here of some migraines being

triggered by being dehydrated.

 

Dr. Mercola's sites also has articles on the following migraine

preventatives: Vitamin B2 and light therapy. I didn't see anything on his

site about the herb feverfew, but this is another preventative for many

migraines. The site does have an article on the scent of green apples

decreasing the severity of migraines.

 

Many headaches - including many migraines - respond very well to acupressure

(if one knows the right acupoints in one's individual case.)

 

The Mercola website also has an article on the use of antioxidant extract

wormwood Artemisia asiatica in treating reflux esophagitis. This study was

done on rats so it is not known how well this might carry over to humans.

 

I checked various TCM and western herbalism books I have for Artemisia

asiatica but couldn't find any info. I did find Artemisiae Annuae in

Bensky's and Gamble's Materia Medica, and it's listed as an herb for

clearing and relieving summer Heat. I don't know if Artemisiace asiatica

and Artemisiae Annuae are the same or if they have similar properties. It

also has Blood cooling properties.

 

A Handbook of Native American Herbs (Alma R. Hutchens) lists Artemisia

absinthium as ranking " first for conditions of enfeebled digestion and

debility. " She also mentions the use of the herb in some cases of

" melancholy due to liver inactivity " and the use of the herb in treating

jaundice and worms. (p. 230)

 

Mercola also talks about garlic being effective against H. pylori (a

bacteria which causes peptic ulcers), but cautions it must be fresh instead

of in capsules. The garlic glove should be pressed or diced in order to

activate the healing properties. TCM classifies garlic as an herb for

expelling parasites.

 

Mercola cautions against the unwanted side effects of various antiacid

drugs. The stomach needs a certain amount of acid for proper digestion, and

antiacids can interfere with this. Also, stomach acid guards against food

poisoning.

 

Mercola also mentions the benefits of fresh water and high dosages of

probiotic (beneficial bacteria) in treating various stomach disorders.

 

Victoria

 

 

 

 

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