For three long days, my world shrank to the size of a dark, warm bedroom. What started as a crushing headache spiraled into a migraine so intense that relief only came—briefly—after vomiting. I tried the standard over-the-counter medications, hoping for a quick fix, but the pain wouldn’t budge. I spent those days in a cycle of meditation and warm baths in total darkness, just trying to breathe through the throbbing.
By the fourth day, the “migraine hangover” was there, but the clouds were lifting. I managed to get some housework done and even slipped out for a little shopping, though that familiar ache behind my right eye lingered like a warning. Day five felt like a victory; I was well enough to go out and see my step-daughter’s orchestra concert and keep up with the cleaning.
Then came day six. The descent back into the fog was terrifying. I felt that building pressure behind my right eye again, and I knew I couldn’t go back to that dark room for another three days.
Turning to the Garden
In that moment, I turned to the wisdom of herbalism. I needed something to halt the momentum of the pain, so I brewed a potent tea of feverfew, skullcap, chamomile, lemon balm, and rose.
The result was nothing short of a miracle for me. Within 15 minutes, the pain vanished. I felt like a “nice young woman” again—clear-headed, present, and free. It was a powerful reminder that while modern medicine has its place, sometimes the most profound healing is found in a simple cup of tea.
Why Feverfew?
If you struggle with migraines, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an herb you should get to know. It has been used for centuries as a “febrifuge” (fever reducer) and a remedy for inflammation.
- Parthenolide Power: Feverfew contains a compound called parthenolide, which helps prevent the constriction of blood vessels in the brain—a major culprit in migraine pain.
- Inflammation Control: It helps inhibit the release of serotonin and inflammatory substances that trigger the pain response.
- The Support Squad: In my tea, I paired it with skullcap to soothe the nervous system, chamomile and lemon balm for relaxation, and rose to lift the spirit.
Finding the Middle Ground: Pharmaceuticals and Herbalism
Because I had two episodes so close together, research suggests this might be moving toward a chronic stage. To take control, I’ve started journaling everything—sleep patterns, diet, stress levels, exercise, and pain ratings. It’s about finding the “why” behind the pain.
The chart above is a free download. It is a PDF. This is the chart I use to keep track of it all and then give to the doctors when then ask for a diary or journal.
My journey has taught me that we don’t have to choose between a pill bottle and a tea kettle. There is a beautiful, effective middle ground where pharmaceuticals and herbalism work together.
Sometimes we need the immediate intervention of modern medicine, and sometimes we need the gentle, restorative power of plants. There is no shame in using both. If you are suffering, I encourage you to look at your health as a whole picture. Use the tools that science provides, but don’t forget to look to the earth for its quiet, potent remedies.
Healing isn’t always a straight line, but with a journal in one hand and a warm mug of feverfew in the other, I’m finding my way back to the light.
This is the link to feverfew that I like. https://amzn.to/4t1h0Yy
I love mountain rose herbs as they are so high quality. But they can be a bit spendy at times. The link above is what I use when in need to save some money.
Frontier Co-op in another company I just love!
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