Although migraine-type headache is not life-threatening, it is a common disease that negatively affects the patient’s quality of life. Drugs used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches cause problems due to their limited effects as well as some side effects. As a migraine patient, I have mentioned several times in my articles that I smell medicinal peppermint oil to prevent attacks. The most important point here is that when you feel that the migraine attack will begin, that is, during the aura, you should smell it deeply. However, if it is not intervened immediately, there is not much benefit after the pain starts. In a clinical study, it was shown that coriander (Coriandrum sativum) fruit, Isparta rose (Rosa damascena) flower and violet (Viola tricolor) flower may be useful for this purpose in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Dried and powdered coriander fruit, Isparta rose and violet flower were mixed in equal proportions and placed in 500 milligram capsules in a scientific format (randomized, placebo-controlled) clinical study conducted on 88 patients aged between 15 and 45 who were diagnosed with migraine with or without aura. In the empty drug (placebo) group, starch was placed in the capsule. Capsules containing the herbal mixture or placebo capsules were given to the patients three times a day for four weeks.
During this application, all patients, that is, those who were given both the herbal mixture and the starch, were given propranolol capsule (40 milligrams per day), which was prescribed for migraine patients twice a day. At the beginning of the study, patients were asked to rate the change in frequency, duration, and severity of headache over the past 3 months, during the experiment (second week), and at the end (fourth week). When the results were evaluated, a statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease was observed in the frequency, duration and severity of migraine attacks in the patients given the herbal mixture starting from the second week compared to the patients given placebo.
Actually, this result is not surprising. Previous experimental and clinical studies reveal that coriander seeds have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The effect of coriander fruit on opiate receptors in the brain has been demonstrated by a study in rats. In other words, there is an effect like strong painkillers (narcotic analgesics). In another study conducted on 66 migraine patients, the application of coriander fruit syrup was shown to be effective in migraine attacks compared to the placebo group. In this study, one group of patients was given coriander syrup, the other group was given an ineffective syrup, and sodium valproate (500 milligrams) was administered to both groups of patients every day.
Results were evaluated every week for 4 weeks. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated by published scientific studies that rose flowers have a soothing effect and violet flowers have an anti-inflammatory effect. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to investigate how effective this mixture can be in higher patient numbers and longer applications. However, since it is extremely simple and does not have any risks, I find it useful for migraine patients to try it.
