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Herbal Hacks for Headaches & Migraines

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

We’ve all had a headache before. While some are mercifully mild and short-lived, others can completely debilitate you for hours or even days. 

For most of us, headaches are just an occasional inconvenience. But for the over 39 million Americans who suffer from more severe migraines, they can be a major struggle that interferes with everyday life.

If you’ve tried countless remedies with little success, it might be time to look beyond temporary fixes and consider trying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for headaches and migraines.

TCM has been treating headaches for thousands of years using a holistic approach that goes beyond masking symptoms. By identifying the root cause of headaches – whether it’s stress, poor circulation, digestive imbalances, or hormone fluctuations – Chinese herbs can offer tailored solutions for lasting relief.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Relieves Headaches

In Western medicine, we think of headaches as being caused by things like too much stress, too much screen time, too much atmospheric pressure, or too much alcohol. And while these can be common causes, TCM has a slightly different take on why we get headaches. 

In TCM, headaches are often caused by blockages or imbalances in the body’s energy (Qi), blood flow, or organ systems. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, TCM classifies headaches based on their cause, location, and symptoms:

  • Tension Headaches
    Often due to Qi stagnation from stress or poor posture, leading to tightness in the neck, shoulders, and temples.
  • Migraines
    Commonly linked to Liver Yang Rising or Blood Deficiency, causing throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
  • Sinus Headaches
    Typically caused by dampness or phlegm accumulation, leading to pressure in the forehead and around the eyes.
  • Hormonal Headaches
    Linked to imbalances in the Liver and Spleen, especially during menstruation, ovulation, or menopause.

When you understand what type of headache you have, and the pattern of imbalance you’re facing, you can easily find natural relief with a science-backed Chinese herbal formula. 

The Best Chinese Herbs for Headaches and Migraines

Chinese herbs for headaches can be a powerful tool for pain relief and long-term headache prevention. Incorporating these remedies into your routine can help restore balance and reduce the frequency of headaches.

Best Chinese Herbs for Stress-Related Headaches

Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
This powerful formula is a great antidote to inflammatory, stress-induced headaches – especially those felt in the temples, jaw, or eyebrows. It helps soothe tension, regulate emotions, and ease irritability.

Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Wan
If your headaches come with anxiety, restlessness, or a pounding sensation in your head, this formula works to calm the nervous system and bring energy down from the head to restore balance. 

Best Chinese Herbs for Hormonal Headaches

Xiao Yao Wan
This formula is similar to Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, but more balanced and less focused on heat. Perfect for premenstrual headaches, this formula helps move Qi, relieve tension, and support hormone balance.

Si Wu Wan
Some women find that their headaches follow the start of their bleeding. In most cases, this is due to insufficient blood. Periods tend to be light and short with little bleeding and even feelings of dizziness or great fatigue. What’s happening here is that there is not enough blood in the system to properly nourish and enrich the body. As more blood leaves during menstruation, the body is stressed and a dull, tired headache creeps in.

If your headaches occur during your period and are accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, or light bleeding, this formula supports blood-building and circulation:

Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan
Ovulation is a big job for the Liver system – we need smooth flowing Liver energy to help us ovulate fully and smoothly. During this time, the Liver can be stressed with its extra work. If you notice headaches midcycle, try Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan. This formula is particularly helpful if you also notice chest, breast, or rib-side soreness, irritability, or tension around ovulation or before bleeding.

Best Chinese Herbs for General Headaches and Migraines

Chuan Xiong Wan
There is one formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine that works particularly well to help relieve the pain from headaches in general. Ligusticum Teapills, and its main ingredient Chuan Xiong, is a well-known pain reliever, especially for headaches. Chuan Xiong Wan is a great formula to have on hand for those pesky headaches that come up out of nowhere or after spending too much time outside in cold or windy weather.

Magic 4 Headache Aid Herbal Tea
A soothing blend of Chinese herbs for headaches, this caffeine-free herbal tea is designed to promote relaxation and relieve tension. Magic 4 Headache Aid Herbal Tea supports healthy circulation, eases stress-related headaches, and encourages overall well-being. Enjoy a warm cup at the first sign of discomfort or as part of your daily wellness routine.

Quick-Relief TCM Hacks for Headaches

While herbal formulas work best over time, sometimes you need fast relief. That’s where topical remedies come in. Having these on hand when a headache strikes can ease your symptoms quickly – and in some cases can prevent you from having to take painkillers.

White Flower Oil
A cooling, minty oil that soothes tension headaches and clears sinus congestion when applied to temples, forehead, and the back of the neck.

Po Sum On Oil
Great for muscle tension headaches, especially those caused by poor posture or tight neck and shoulders. Massage into sore areas or even the soles of your feet for extra relief.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Pair with Chinese Herbs for Headaches

Before turning to herbal remedies, consider these simple, natural ways to prevent headaches before they start.

  1. Identify Any Food Triggers

Headaches are often your body’s way of signaling an imbalance – especially when it comes to diet. Common culprits include:

  • Alcohol (especially red wine)
  • Aged cheese
  • Processed meats (nitrites)
  • MSG
  • Caffeine (too much or withdrawal)

Instead, focus on nourishing foods that support circulation and reduce inflammation:

  • Magnesium-rich foods: dark leafy greens, quinoa, sunflower seeds
  • Omega-3s: salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseeds
  • Hydrating fruits: watermelon, berries, apples
  • Whole grains: brown rice, amaranth, whole oats
  1. Manage Stress and Tension

Stress is a major trigger for tension headaches and migraines. Regular exercise, deep breathing, acupuncture, and mindfulness practices can help ease stress and prevent headaches from recurring.

  1. Prioritize Sleep and Hydration

Dehydration is one of the most overlooked causes of headaches – and easiest to fix! Drink plenty of water or herbal teas (like Magic 4 Headache Aid Herbal Tea or Triple Stress Relief Tea) throughout the day and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to keep your body rested and in balance.

Conquer Your Headaches with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Headaches don’t have to control your life. By understanding your headache type, making small lifestyle adjustments, and using the right Chinese herbs for headaches, you can reduce their frequency and severity – or even prevent them altogether.

Let’s not forget how powerful plant medicine can be. Even the over-the-counter aspirin you might take in a pinch is derived from willow bark.

If you’re ready to explore a fully natural, holistic approach to headache relief, check out our selection of Chinese herbal formulas for headaches, migraines, and overall well-being. With the right herbal formula, your headaches can be a thing of the past!

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About the Author

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

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