Jen
Migraines can be debilitating, and over the years, I’ve tried everything to find relief. While medication helps, I prefer a more natural approach whenever possible. That’s why I started growing medicinal herbs right in my backyard. These plants have powerful properties that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and ease migraine symptoms.
The best part? Most of these herbs are easy to grow, even in small spaces like a balcony or windowsill. Whether you prefer herbal teas, essential oils, or fresh leaves for aromatherapy, these 15 herbs are excellent natural remedies for migraines.
1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint is one of my go-to herbs for migraine relief. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect that helps relax muscles and improve blood flow, easing headache pain.
How I Grow It:
I grow peppermint in a pot because it spreads aggressively. It thrives in partial shade and moist soil. To keep it from taking over, I prune it regularly and harvest the leaves for tea.
How I Use It:
When I feel a migraine coming on, I brew a cup of peppermint tea or apply diluted peppermint essential oil to my temples for instant relief.
2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is known for its calming scent and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for tension headaches and stress-induced migraines.
How I Grow It:
Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil. I plant it in a large pot and make sure it has plenty of airflow to prevent mold.
How I Use It:
I use dried lavender flowers for tea and make my own lavender essential oil by steeping the flowers in carrier oil. Diffusing lavender oil or placing a sachet under my pillow helps me relax and prevents migraines.
3. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew has been used for centuries to prevent and treat migraines. It contains compounds that reduce inflammation and prevent blood vessel constriction, which is a common trigger for headaches.
How I Grow It:
I plant feverfew in full sun with well-drained soil. It grows easily and self-seeds, so I trim it regularly to keep it manageable.
How I Use It:
I chew a fresh feverfew leaf when I feel a migraine coming on, or I dry the leaves for tea. It has a slightly bitter taste, so I often mix it with honey or lemon.
4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is famous for its relaxing effects, which help with stress-related migraines. It also has mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
How I Grow It:
Chamomile grows well in pots with well-drained soil. It loves full sun, but I keep it in a spot with afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
How I Use It:
I make chamomile tea from dried flowers, which helps me unwind before bed. A cup of warm chamomile tea is often enough to soothe a mild headache.
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that helps reduce migraine pain and nausea.
How I Grow It:
I grow ginger in a deep container filled with loose, nutrient-rich soil. It prefers partial shade and moist conditions.
How I Use It:
I slice fresh ginger and steep it in hot water for tea. If my migraine is accompanied by nausea, a ginger-infused drink works wonders.
6. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is excellent for calming nerves and relieving tension headaches.
How I Grow It:
I grow lemon balm in pots since it spreads quickly. It thrives in partial shade and moist soil.
How I Use It:
I make lemon balm tea when I’m feeling stressed, and I sometimes add it to my bath for a relaxing soak.
7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps relieve migraines caused by poor blood flow.
How I Grow It:
I grow rosemary in a clay pot with well-drained soil. It loves full sun, so I keep it near a bright window indoors during winter.
How I Use It:
I brew rosemary tea and inhale the steam for quick migraine relief. I also rub fresh rosemary leaves between my hands and breathe in the scent.
8. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil contains muscle-relaxing compounds that can ease tension headaches and improve circulation.
How I Grow It:
I plant basil in containers with rich, well-draining soil. It needs regular watering but doesn’t like soggy roots.
How I Use It:
I chew fresh basil leaves or make tea with honey. The aroma alone is enough to help me feel refreshed.
9. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian root is known for its calming effects, making it useful for migraines caused by stress and poor sleep.
How I Grow It:
I grow valerian in a shaded part of my garden and keep the soil moist.
How I Use It:
I dry the roots and use them in tea. It has a strong smell, but the relaxation benefits are worth it.
10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties, which help with migraines triggered by hormonal changes.
How I Grow It:
Sage thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s a drought-tolerant herb, so I don’t overwater it.
How I Use It:
I drink sage tea, especially during my menstrual cycle when hormone fluctuations trigger migraines.
11. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passionflower is great for calming nerves and preventing stress-related headaches.
How I Grow It:
I grow it as a climbing vine on a trellis. It needs full sun and well-drained soil.
How I Use It:
I use the leaves and flowers to make a calming tea.
12. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
How I Grow It:
I grow turmeric in pots with loose, well-draining soil. It takes several months to mature.
How I Use It:
I add turmeric to tea or golden milk. Mixing it with black pepper enhances absorption.
13. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
How I Grow It:
I plant yarrow in a sunny area with well-drained soil.
How I Use It:
I brew yarrow tea or use the dried flowers in herbal blends.
14. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip has a mild sedative effect that helps relieve stress-induced migraines.
How I Grow It:
I grow catnip in pots and keep it trimmed.
How I Use It:
I make catnip tea to help me relax and prevent migraines.
15. Betony (Stachys officinalis)
Betony has been used for centuries to relieve headaches.
How I Grow It:
It thrives in partial shade and moist soil.
How I Use It:
I brew betony tea when I need fast headache relief.
Final Thoughts
Growing these herbs has transformed how I manage migraines. Instead of relying solely on medication, I now have natural options right at home. If you suffer from migraines, try growing a few of these herbs—you may find that relief is just a garden away!
