Melatonin Has More Benefits Than You Knew

melatoninWhen you think of melatonin, the first thing that probably comes to mind is supporting sleep. It can be very helpful for initiating sleep, increasing sleep duration, as well as regulating circadian rhythm and reducing jet lag. But research shows that it also has other exciting and significant health benefits. For example, studies indicate that it can also protect against neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, help with migraines, provide important support for cancer patients, support heart health, and protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Continue reading “Melatonin Has More Benefits Than You Knew”

Read More

Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines

headache-painMigraine Basics

What is a migraine? It is a severe, painful headache that can last anywhere from several hours to several days. Migraines differ from traditional headaches in that they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or flashes of light.

Who is affected? Migraines can affect adults and children, but are most often reported by adults. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men.

Migraine Versus Headache: Which Do I Have?

To better understand headaches and to differentiate migraine headaches from other types, see common signs, symptoms and frequencies of headaches listed below. Our certified wellness counselors recommend keeping a headache diary—noting when your headaches occur, what your headache signs and symptoms are, and any diet or lifestyle triggers you can identify. This detail will help our professionals provide a personal assessment of your situation and make recommendations for you. There are many options for taking a natural approach to headaches and migraines.  Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines”

Read More

Life Extension’s Migra-Eeze: Migraine Support

Nearly a year ago, I wrote about the beneficial effects of butterbur in treating migraines. In clinical trials in both Germany and the United States, butterbur reduced the incidence of head cavity discomforts by up to 61%. In fact , according to doctors from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society, butterbur is as effective as many prescription medications in making make a difference in preventing migraine headaches.

Life Extension’s Migra-Eeze contains butterbur root extract standardized to provide 22.5 mg of petasins with each daily dose of two softgels. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ginger are included, based on the ability of these nutrients to exert functional changes that may also guard against head cavity discomfort.

If you would like more information about butterbur, please contact Village Green Apothecary 1-800-869-9159.

 

Read More

Help Prevent Migraines With Butterbur

Doctors from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society say there are seven prescription medicines and one herbal remedy that have been shown to make a difference in preventing migraine headaches.

The guidelines, which are based on research evidence from 29 migraine prevention studies, found that prescription anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure drugs, and an over-the-counter herb called petasites, more commonly known as butterbur, can help.

Butterbur can have profound physiologically-altering effects, but does so in a subtle fashion that requires sustained supplementation for longer periods of time. The most prominent studies were 12 weeks long, and were double-blind and placebo-controlled involving 128 people. Butterbur proved to be quite effective with patients who experienced as much as a 60% drop in frequency of migraine attacks compared to the placebo group. Other improvements in the petasites group included a reduction in the duration and intensity of such attacks, as well as a decrease in migraine-associated symptoms.

To learn more about butterbur and its benefits, please contact Village Green Apothecary or email us through Ask the Expert.

Read More

Migraines and Spinal Manipulation

A migraine is usually a throbbing headache that occurs on one or both sides of the head. The headache typically is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite. Activity, bright light or loud noises can make the headache worse, so someone having a migraine often seeks out a cool, dark, quiet place. Migraines can be triggered by certain activities, foods, smells or emotions. Some people are more likely to experience migraines when they are under stress, while others develop migraines when stress is relieved (for example, the day after exams or an important meeting). Conservative management may be effective for controlling symptoms of migraines and reducing their frequency. Further, a study was performed in Australia at the Chiropractic Research Center of Macquarie University that proved that spinal manipulation helps migraines. One hundred seventy-seven volunteers who had migraines for more than 18 years on average were used. The volunteers who received spinal manipulation showed a statistically significant improvement in migraine frequency, duration, and disability.

Those who received spinal manipulation were also able to considerably reduce the amount of medication they were taking, some eliminating the use of medication altogether. To learn about spinal manipulation, click here.

This information was provided by Sport and Spine Rehab.

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..
April 2024
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930