Headaches

Herbs

Viginian skullcap: This herb has branching stems of oval leaves and purple-blue flowers that resemble a skullcap.

Rosemary: An evergreen, aromatic shrub, rosemary has resinous needlelike leaves. This plant has mauve-blue flowers in spring.

Betony: In the wild betony favors damp, cool places and tends to grow agianst the north or east facing side of trees and shrubs.

Golden feverfew: The golden variety is delightful in a pot and just as effective herbally as the common feverfew. Caution can cause mouth ulcers. Aviod if taking anticoagulants

Vervain: Dense spikes of pretty lilac-pink flowers appear on vervain in summer. In ancient times it was considered a holy plant by Druids and Christains alike.

Gathering:

Aerial parts of feverfew, rosemary, skullcap, betony, and vervain as needed.

Remedies

Tea for tension headaches

Make a tea using leaves from one sprig of rosemary and three leaves of betony per cup of boiling water. To retain the oils, keep the pot covered. This mixture of rosemary and betony makes a relaxing tea that will clear the head. Make and drink a cupful once or twice a day to relieve tension.

Feverfew for migraine onset

At the first sign of migraine, make a tiny sandwhich, putting leaf between two peices of bread with butter.

Tincture for chronic headaches

Make a tincture using equal parts of vervain and skullcap. Take one teaspoonful three times a day as needed.