Exploring the Benefits of Moneywort for Migraines and Allergies

Moneywort

Dear Dr.
Huang,
A.
My husband frequently suffers from migraines, which I believe are caused by work-related stress.
Recently, my father-in-law gave me some peppermint and suggested that I crush it and mix it with honey for him to drink.
I researched online and found that peppermint seems to be more effective for headaches caused by trauma.
I would like to ask Dr.
Huang if it has any efficacy for tension-type migraines.
If so, how should it be consumed? Is it hygienic to crush it directly, or are there other more suitable herbs that can be used? A neighbor gave me a leaf that resembles mulberry but is fuzzy and very bitter, claiming it treats headaches and supports liver health, which aligns with what I am looking for.
However, I did not catch the name; do you happen to know it? My husband's migraines have been quite bothersome, and when they are severe, he feels nauseous.
I see that he is increasingly reliant on Western medications, which is not a sustainable solution and may be harmful to his liver.
Could you provide any more effective suggestions?
B.
My child has nasal allergies (inherited from his father) and has been taking medication since a young age.
Now that it has become severe, it seems that pediatric consultations are ineffective, and we have to see an ENT specialist for relief.
I feel that the medications from the ENT are stronger; is that true? Since he has been on too much Western medicine, we initially tried Traditional Chinese Medicine, but after two visits, there was no significant improvement.
His symptoms are too severe, and he cannot sleep well at night, so I had no choice but to take him to an ENT, which helped.
I am genuinely unsure of what to do next.
I wonder if his condition is due to excessive Western medication or picky eating, as he is not growing well—he is in the fourth grade and is less than 130 cm tall.
Do you have any good solutions? He also experiences dizziness or headaches occasionally, but they resolve after a good night's sleep.
I look forward to your response and sincerely thank you.

jojo, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/03/03

Dr. Huang Yicheng reply Pharmacology

The causes of headaches are quite complex.
If headaches occur frequently, it is best to consult a physician to identify the underlying causes and determine the appropriate medication based on individual constitution.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), factors such as wind, heat, dampness, dryness, cold, and fire can lead to headaches or bodily discomfort, and treatment should be tailored to the specific symptoms.
For example, for wind or cold pathogens, herbs like Schizonepeta, peppermint, perilla, mulberry leaves, and cinnamon twig are used as dispersing agents.
Different locations of pain also require different treatments; for frontal headaches, which are classified as Yangming headaches, Bai Zhi is used; for occipital headaches, classified as Taiyang headaches, Gui Zhi Decoction is adjusted accordingly; for headaches on both sides of the ears, classified as Shaoyang headaches, Xiao Chai Hu Decoction is utilized.
Clinically, the most commonly used formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, which can treat all types of migraines.
However, this formula consists mainly of dispersing herbs, which can deplete Qi; therefore, if the pain subsides after taking it, those with a deficiency in Zheng Qi should stop taking it immediately.

Of course, if the headache is purely tension-type, it is advisable to learn to release various stresses to avoid excessive reliance on painkillers.
Moneywort (Glechoma hederacea Linn.
var.
grandis (A.
Gray) Kudo, Lamiaceae) is a folk remedy that can be used fresh or dried to relieve fever, promote diuresis, and invigorate blood circulation, which may help alleviate symptoms.
However, caution is needed as it can be confused with similar-looking plants such as Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kupr.
and those from the Apiaceae family like Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, and Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides.
Persistent nasal allergies that are not well-managed can lead to inadequate rest and difficulty concentrating, resulting in various physiological symptoms.
In fact, both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine have established treatment strategies for nasal allergies; however, treatment is often interrupted after acute symptoms improve (for example, with commonly used nasal corticosteroids), leading to a recurrence of symptoms and reduced effectiveness.
TCM believes that the nose is connected to the lungs, and if there are issues with the heart and lungs, the nose will also be affected.
Therefore, nasal problems should not be viewed solely from the nasal cavity but rather from a holistic perspective involving the heart and lungs.

In terms of medication, Ge Gen Tang can treat nasal issues, as the cinnamon twig within it has cardiotonic and vasodilatory effects, while Ge Gen and Bai Shao provide relaxation.
For nasal conditions, additional herbs that open the orifices, such as Yuan Zhi and Acorus, can be added.
Xiao Qing Long Tang is also very effective but has limitations, as it contains many warming herbs; if nasal discharge or phlegm is thick, yellow, and sticky, it can exacerbate the condition.
Conversely, if the discharge is thin and white, resembling egg whites, it indicates a cold syndrome, which is appropriate for treatment.

Clinically, if allergies are classified in TCM as a Qi-deficient cold constitution, during the acute phase, in addition to Xiao Qing Long Tang, formulas like Xin Yi San and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang can be given for relief, followed by nourishing formulas (such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) to strengthen the constitution.
To control allergies, it is essential to avoid allergens (such as dust, etc.), and in daily diet, one should reduce or avoid cold foods like bok choy, bamboo shoots, and watermelon.
Treatment should be coordinated with a physician's prescribed medications, and adherence to medical advice is crucial for comprehensive management.

Respectfully, Huang Yi-Cheng, Pharmacist, Hualien Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/03/03

More Info

Moneywort, also known as *Lysimachia christinae*, has been traditionally used in various cultures for its potential medicinal properties. It is often associated with treating conditions such as migraines and allergies, although scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Benefits for Migraines
Regarding your husband's tension-type headaches, which may be exacerbated by stress, Moneywort has been noted in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. While it is true that some herbal remedies can provide relief for headaches, the effectiveness of Moneywort specifically for tension-type headaches is not well-documented in clinical studies.
The preparation you mentioned—crushing Moneywort leaves and mixing them with honey—can be a natural way to consume the herb. However, it is essential to ensure that the leaves are thoroughly washed to remove any contaminants. The juice may provide some relief due to the soothing properties of honey and the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
For more effective management of migraines, it is advisable to explore other herbal remedies that have been studied more extensively. For instance, feverfew (*Tanacetum parthenium*) and butterbur (*Petasites hybridus*) are two herbs that have shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if your husband is already taking medications for his migraines.

Benefits for Allergies
In terms of your child's allergies, Moneywort is not typically recognized as a primary treatment for allergic rhinitis or other allergic conditions. Instead, antihistamines and other medications are commonly prescribed to manage allergy symptoms. If your child has been experiencing persistent symptoms despite medication, it may be beneficial to explore potential environmental triggers or dietary factors that could be contributing to their condition.

The mention of a "hairy leaf" plant that your neighbor suggested could be *Mulberry leaves* (*Morus alba*), which are sometimes used in traditional medicine for their potential benefits in treating allergies and supporting liver health. However, the bitterness you described may indicate that it is indeed a medicinal herb, as many effective herbal treatments have a strong taste.

Recommendations
1. Consultation with Healthcare Providers: Given the complexity of your husband's migraines and your child's allergies, it is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals. A neurologist may provide insights into alternative migraine treatments, while an allergist can help identify specific allergens and recommend appropriate therapies.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise, can be beneficial for reducing the frequency of tension-type headaches. For your child, ensuring a balanced diet and regular physical activity can support overall health and potentially alleviate some allergy symptoms.

3. Herbal Remedies: If you wish to explore herbal remedies further, consider discussing options like feverfew or butterbur for migraines and potential herbal teas or supplements that may help with allergies. Always ensure that any herbal treatments do not interact with existing medications.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a diary of symptoms for both your husband and child. This can help identify triggers for migraines and allergies, allowing for more targeted interventions.

In conclusion, while Moneywort may offer some benefits, it is essential to approach treatment holistically and in consultation with healthcare professionals. This ensures that both your husband and child receive the most effective and safe care for their respective conditions.

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