Are you afflicted by bad migraines but hate having to take harmful medication for relief? Here is an easy way to make an all-natural cure with herbs that might already be growing in your garden.

Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs that you can take orally. They can be extracted in alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or apple cider vinegar. Tinctures are very easy and convenient to use because they are taken directly under the tongue, entering the bloodstream quicker than many other types of medicine.

The Herbs

Each of these herbs has a long tradition of use to relieve headaches. If you only have a few at your disposal, adapt the recipe accordingly. Together, each plant offers its own unique profile and using all three increases your chances of getting some relief from migraines and intense headaches.

Feverfew has the most basis in research, particularly in preventing migraine headaches and reducing their severity. Traditionally, it has also been used to reduce symptoms at the onset of a headache. The flavor of feverfew is not very tasty. This is where mint and lemon balm come in. Mint will not only make the tincture more palatable, it will also provide headache relief properties. Lemon balm has a long traditional use in treating migraines as well.

These herbs are known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and nervine properties. These properties help to relax and calm your mind.

Tincture Ingredients

To get the best results, use a high-proof alcohol with fresh herbs and a lower-proof alcohol with dried herbs. It is important to have enough water in your tincture so that water-soluble components, as well as alcohol-soluble components, are able to make it into the medicine. Dried herbs contain no water, which is why lower-proof alcohol is essential in ensuring there is enough water in your tincture.

Fresh Herbs

• High proof alcohol (150+ proof; 75% alcohol)

• 3 ounces of fresh herbs: 1 ounce

• Quart-sized jar

Dried Herbs

• Commercial vodka or bourbon (80 proof; 40% alcohol)

• 5 ounces of dried herbs: ½ ounce of

• Quart-sized jar

Steps

1. Measure your herbs. If you are using fresh herbs, make sure to mince them well to increase surface area.

2. Place herbs in a glass jar.

3. Pour alcohol over the herbs, completely covering them, adding about 2 inches over the herb level.

4. Cover the jar with a lid, and shake well.

5. Keep the jar in a dark, cool storage area.

6. Shake the jar daily for a few weeks.

7. Strain the herbs from the liquid – squeeze the herbs to get all of the tincture out.

8. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth.

9. Bottle your tincture in a dark glass dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

10. Use your tincture when you are feeling a headache come on. You should be able to use your tincture for several years if it is stored properly.

How to Usage

When you feel a headache coming on, take ¼ of a teaspoon, or about 4-5 drops under the tongue. Take an additional ¼ of a teaspoon every 20-30 minutes until your headache has subsided. Depending on your own body type and health, you can change the tincture according to what you think works best for you. That is the beauty of making your own! You have full control of what you put into your body.