PAEAN pain & inflammation guide · Reviewed by NIMH-registered herbalists
Herbal Medicine for Migraines
Migraine affects around 1 in 7 UK adults. While triptans manage acute attacks, prevention is often the goal. Herbal medicine offers evidence-based preventive options — feverfew and butterbur have RCT evidence for reducing migraine frequency without the side effects of conventional prophylactics.
01 · The practice
Pain is downstream of inflammation, the nervous system and lifestyle.
Migraine affects around 1 in 7 UK adults. While triptans manage acute attacks, prevention is often the goal. Herbal medicine offers evidence-based preventive options — feverfew and butterbur have RCT evidence for reducing migraine frequency without the side effects of conventional prophylactics.
Working with a registered PAEAN practitioner means a tailored protocol that addresses the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
“UK medical herbalists train 3-4 years at degree level under NIMH.”
National Institute of Medical Herbalists
02 · How it works
How herbal medicine reduces inflammation and modulates pain.
01
Tailored protocol
Each formula is matched to the individual, not just the diagnosis.
02
Root-cause approach
The aim is to address the underlying cause, not just suppress symptoms.
03
Evidence-informed
Where good clinical evidence exists, it guides the protocol.
04
Coordinated care
Treatment is coordinated with any conventional care you receive.
By the numbers
Pain reduction in numbers.
50%
Average pain reduction in Boswellia + Turmeric arthritis trials
8-12
Weeks for inflammation markers to shift
4-8
Herbs in a tailored anti-inflammatory formula
60-90
Minutes per initial consultation
03 · The herbs at work
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs.
Analgesic
White willow
Salicin-based pain support for migraine onset.
04 · What to expect
From flare-ups to fewer painful days per month.
01
Discovery call
A free 15-minute call to walk through your pain pattern and what you’ve already tried.
02
Pain-mapping consultation
60-90 minutes mapping pain triggers, flare patterns and existing medications.
03
Anti-inflammatory protocol
A bespoke formula combining systemic anti-inflammatories and targeted pain herbs.
04
Pain-tracking review
Reviews every 3-4 weeks to track flare frequency and reduce reliance on painkillers.
Safety note
Anti-inflammatory herbs (Turmeric, Boswellia, Ginger, Willow bark) thin the blood to varying degrees. If you take anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban), NSAIDs, or are scheduled for surgery, only use these under the guidance of a registered herbalist who can adjust doses and pause around procedures.
05 · Frequently asked
Questions from pain and autoimmune clients.
Will feverfew stop migraines completely?
Rarely. Realistic expectations: 30–50% reduction in frequency for around half of patients who try it. Best as part of a wider preventive strategy.
Can I take herbs alongside triptans?
Yes — feverfew, butterbur and magnesium are generally compatible with acute triptan use. Your herbalist will check for interactions.
How long until I notice change?
Most patients need 8–12 weeks of consistent use before judging effectiveness. Migraine prevention is a longer game than acute relief.
Can I book online from anywhere in the UK?
Yes — consultations are offered by video and home visits are available in selected areas.
Talk through your pain pattern with a practitioner.
A free 15-minute discovery call helps us understand whether tailored herbal support could reduce your reliance on painkillers.