Kampo medicines as alternatives for treatment of migraine: six case studies

Kampo is a well-recognized form of traditional medicine in Japan. This paper reports upon six cases of successful use of Kampo medicines, herbal medicine preparations, for the treatment of migraine. Most of the patients had been treated with conventional medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or triptans, but were not satisfied with the outcomes of these conventional treatments with regard to their effectiveness or feelings of discomfort after administration. We administered two Kampo medicines, goshuyuto for prevention of migraine and senkyuchachosan as a painkiller. Both Kampo medicines worked successfully in the treatment of migraine and the patients were satisfied with their effects. Kampo medicine seems a favorable candidate for alternative therapy of migraine.