Cannabis Chronicles

Recently Our buddy AFLAC has begun a series on the trials and toils of Migraine headaches. . . unfortunately he is all too familiar with the disabling and excruciating associated pain and stress. . . . We hope this article adds to the series and inspires . . . . it certainly did us and we came upon it quite by accident and we wanted to share it here. whether it really works like all herbs may be dependent on the individual. . . in any case a good cup of tea fixes everything

by M.T. Nieh, Ph.D. The author’s serendipitous discovery revealed that a decoction of a spearmint species (Mentha spicata, Lamiaceae) successfully treated her migraine headache attacks. This is a very easily prepared and inexpensive remedy with no adverse side effect. This remedy exceeds the efficacy of large doses of riboflavin (vitaminB2), that has been reported as prophylaxis for migraines 1,2, and that the author used it for over two years before spearmint. Consumption of 5-6 cups of a spearmint decoction of a species grown in the garden miraculously cleared her headache within 75 minutes one summer day in 2001. Subsequent consumption of this decoction became a daily refresher. The author experienced no additional migraine problems. The major component in the spearmint is l-carvone or R-(-)-carvone (~70%) in addition to nearly sixty minor components, many of which are terpenoids. The author proposes a possible correlation between the pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids as found in feverfew, butterbur, monoterpenoids as found in cannabis, and of monoterpenoids as found in spearmint. She speculates that those terpenoids that are potential migraine remedies might be stereospecific (levorotatory). She further promotes studies of spearmint decoction as a safe and very low-cost natural antimigraine remedy. The known natural antimigraine remedies, e.g. feverfew (Tanacetum partheniuim) and butterbur rhizomes (Petasites hybridus, Asteraceae) contain sesquiterpene lactones and sesquiterpene esters, respectively. Studies showed that they inhibit: blood platelet aggregation, release of serotonin in addition altering the arachidonic acid pathway which decreases the synthesis of the inflammatory chemical mediators, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A most recent research study revealed that terpenoids of the non-psychoactive cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and terpineol, modify the serotonin-binding activity at the 5HT1a and 5HT2a receptor sites. The potential of CBD suggests an acutely active anti-migraine drug while that of terpineol, putatively prophylactic. . Preparation of Spearmint Decoction Into a 4-qt crock-pot, place 6-7 pieces of fresh or dried above-ground (leaves and stems) parts of a spearmint (mentha spicata) plant, 10-12 inches/piece. Add hot water to the top of the pot, set the pot to “high” until the water boils. Decant and drink the clear dark amber color liquid without condiments. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack. Alternatively, if spearmint plant is not readily available, commercial Organic Spearmint tea bags are available at natural food stores. I suggest that the tea made from the bags be concentrated. Use one bag in 8oz hot water in a ceramic/glass CLOSED container (to avoid evaporation of essential oils). Allow it to boil 3-5 minutes until the liquid is clear dark amber color. Drink 6-7 cups within 90 minutes for an acute attack. For prophylaxis: Drink a more diluted tea several glasses daily. Disclaimer This abstract and preparation reflect ONLY the experience/opinion of the individual who posts the message. The information contained above is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question.

BIOGRAPHY MARJORIE T. NIEH, Ph.D. Marjorie Nieh is trained an Organic Chemist (Ph.D., Purdue University) Currently, she is an Independent Scholar who actively conducts research on Complementary and Integrative Medicine based on her personal experiences. 1. Schoenen, J., Lenaerts, M., Jacquy, J.: Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis, Neurology, 50, February 1998, 466-470. 2. Boehnke, C., Flach, U., Reuter, U., et al.: High-dose riboflavin treatment is efficacious in migraine prophylaxis, Eur. J. Neurol., July 2004, 11(7), 475-7