• Migraine Defense is composed of 100% all-natural ingredients and made in the USA. Each of the ingredients has been individually approved by the FDA as safe for use in herbal medications and dietary supplements. Unlike pharmaceuticals, none of ingredients or processes are from China.



• Migraine Defense was developed in 2003 as a migraine preventive through the work of Lyle Henry at the Christian Body Research Foundation. It is based on biological science including the study of neurology, genetics, and endocrinology. By tracing the path of a migraine back to the source of the problem, a natural solution was found. Migraine Defense works because it was designed to use nature to manage a natural problem and includes two important natural ingredients that were first used by the American Indians for relieving hormone-related conditions.



• Migraine Defense is not a "folk lore remedy" and does not contain such notions as butterbur, feverfew, or magnesium as do many of the "soup pot" migraine potions sold today. It is not an ancient Chinese recipe (the Chinese never had a formula to prevent migraines). Migraine Defense is different from anything you may have previously tried.



• Order Migraine Defense now and save by clicking here > "My First Order".



• Questions? Call us at 1-866-367-5953 or click here to send email.
  We know migraines and we want to help you.

Ingredient Reference

Our goal is to make you migraine-free and therefore we are proud to tell you what each ingredient does and why it is our Migraine Defense formula.

Borage Oil Powder (GLA)

Borage oil (Borage officinalis) and evening primrose oil are rich sources of GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Borage Oil is also rich source of the Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA.) Borage Oil is nature's richest source of GLA.

Studies on Gamma Linolenic Acid suggest that GLA plays an important role in regulating oestrogen and androgen action in target cells. The concentrations of neural oestrogen and androgen receptors in the body provide the key component as to how Migraine Defense product works.

GLA presence in the body regulates the hormones prolactin, progesterone, and oestrogen. It has been shown that during PMS the conversion of linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid) to gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is impaired. GLA found in borage oil may be an essential for synthesis of prostaglandin.

Dong Quai Extract (Angelica Sinensis) (root)

Dong quai (also called dang gui, which means "proper order") is considered by the Chinese to be the empress of herbs and more than 5,000 year it has been used to naturally balance and normalize the natural rhythms and cycles of the hormone system of the human body.

This herb is widely used for all gynecological conditions for men and women including menstruation cycle regulation, infertility, postpartum weakness, menopause imbalances and anemia. It has been proven to be beneficial to the entire hormonal system.

Chemical Structure: Dong quai root contains .4 to .7% volatile oil, primarily consisting of phthalides, butylidene being the major one of these. Butylidene phthalides possess antimicrobial activity and hence are perceived to act as phytoalexins. Among the isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds, glyceollins make up the main class of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are known to affect hormonal changes

Relation to Migraines: In order for a cell to respond to estrogens or androgens, it must contain the appropriate hormone receptors. In some cases there is more than one receptor subtype for the same hormone. For example, we know that there are two hormone receptors for estrogens: estrogen alpha (ER-a) and estrogen beta (ER-b). In order to be able to respond to estrogen, a ell must have at least one of these receptors.

A unique study on cells that contain an estrogen responsive receptor gene indicated that phytoalexin glyceollin (defined as a defensive compound) acts to prevent estrogen from activating certain gene responses. In other words acts as an anti-estrogen or antagonist to estrogen activity. These results were confirmed using a second bioassay developed to measure the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer cells. These results indicate that phytoestrogens block the harmful effects of estrogen. This is in contrast to drugs which are semi-synthetic human estrogenic hormones used to treat menopausal symptoms and act as replacements to bind to the human estrogen receptor.

The glyceollins represent a group of phytoalexins whose biosynthesis is increased in response to stress signals. The ability of the glyceollins to regulate estrogen signaling was analyzed using the ER-positive MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell line and ER-negative HEK 293 cells transfected with either ER (alpha) or ERß (beta). Although the glyceollins displayed only slight estrogenic activity, they did cause a dose-dependent suppression of 17ß-estradiol-induced trans-activation and MCF-7 cell proliferation. The glyceollins also functioned to suppress estrogen activity through both ER and ERß, which correlated with binding to ER and ERß, respectively. They exhibit a unique antagonistic effect on ER activity in a number of hormone-responsive systems.

Additionally, the ability of isoflavonoids to prevent carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis further demonstrates the potential anti-estrogenic effects of these compounds. Consistent with this information, certain phytochemicals have been reported to exert anti-estrogenic effects at higher concentrations. These studies suggest that many flavonoids may function as both ER agonists and antagonists in a dose- and cell type-specific manner. The recent identification of the second estrogen receptor ß (ERß) with different affinity for and trans-activation by phytoestrogens represents another mechanism by which flavonoids may function to regulate estrogen signaling.

Therefore, by regulating specific estrogen receptors through the use of butylidene phthalides phytoestrogens isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds found in the Migraine Defense formula appear to be an inhibiting factor in formation of migraines.

Dong quai is also a source of special acids including ferulic acid as well as various polysaccharides and coumarins. Research suggests that both ferulic acid and coumarins (ligustilide) are responsible for preventing spasms, relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood clotting in peripheral vessels. These properties may be responsible for the reported action of Migraine Defense acting as a mild ergotamine to reduce swollen blood vessels.

Ferulic acid is an organic acid which contributes to the effectiveness of pycnogenol. Your body's immune system can benefit from ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is also a natural source for the ultraviolet light UV protection.

Notice: Dong quai is not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or by persons taking prescription blood thinning agents (aspirin is okay).

Folic Acid

Folic acid (tetrahydrofolate) is necessary for development and balance of the nervous system. Folic acid is a water soluble B-vitamin that does not stay or store in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to maintain a proper level to support the functions of this vital nutrient.

A most significant factor of folic acid as an important ingredient of Migraine Defense may be it ability to lower homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the body may be direct or indirect causes of migraines and strokes. Homocysteine is an amino acid used normally by the body in cellular metabolism and the manufacture of proteins. High levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease, osteoporosis, and vascular diseases.

Homocysteine (HCY) has prothrombotic (characterized by increase risk of fibrinous clots being formed in a blood vessel or in a chamber of the heart) and atherogenic (formation of atheromatous deposits, especially on the innermost layer of arterial walls) properties that may explain the increased risk of vascular diseases. Experimental evidences suggest that endothelial (a thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines serous cavities, lymph vessels, and blood vessels) dysfunction is the major mechanism by which homocysteine exerts its harmful effect. Although the exact mechanism of this endothelial dysfunction is unknown, homocysteine probably leads to oxidative damage of endothelial cell by the reactive oxygen radicals that are produced during auto-oxidization of homocysteine in plasma.

Migraines have long been suspected to have a genetic link since sufferers often had close relatives that also suffered from the condition. Recent research has also found that patients who experience migraine with aura are at much higher risk (seven times) for tissue damage known as infarcts in the cerebella region of the brain than were those who experienced migraine without aura. Researchers from Victoria University in New Zealand and Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia analyzed DNA from 550 people and found that the mutation of a particular gene (Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) was far more common in those with the migraine with aura than those without. This mutation also leads to high levels of homocysteine.

"This mutation means migraine sufferers are likely to have higher levels of a particular amino acid or protein called homocysteine in the blood. But folate (folic acid) can reduce levels of homocysteine," said Dr Rod Lea. Previous studies have also shown that folate, by reducing levels of homocysteine, can cut the risk of stroke.

Homocysteine levels may rise due to normal aging, menopause, thyroid conditions, kidney failure, cigarette smoking, a number of different drugs and certain industrial toxins. Genetics also play a role in the development of high homocysteine levels that may lead to strokes. An inherited predisposition to stroke is homocystinuria, which means an excessive level of chemical homocysteine in the body.

The elevated levels of homocysteine in the body may be a factor a migraine. Folic acid, as in Migraine Defense formula, may be a factor for inhibiting the onset of migraines, says a member of the Australasian team that discovered a gene linked migraines with aura. And further noted that injection of 15 mg of folic acid in one study achieved total relief of acute headache within one hour in 60 percent of patients.

A 2005 study found that folic acid helps maintain mental health by slowing cognitive decline.  Building on this finding, a new study has found that folic acid can also maintain mental health and performance on tests of psychomotor speed.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is involved in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds, including chemical transmitters in the brain. Vitamin B6 is also critical in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function. Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism, energy production, and normal brain function. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to convert tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (Vitamin B3).

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is involved in the production of brain hormones (neurotransmitters). More than 50 chemical processes in the body are dependent on pyridoxine. Vitamin B6 levels can be low in depression or in women taking estrogen in the form of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Studies on Vitamin B6 have shown it to be of value in preventing migraines especially those associated with hormone regulation.

Vitex Agnus Castus Extract (Agnusides)

Vitex agnus castus medical and traditional use goes back to Hippocrates (450BC) who suggested it be used to treat injuries, inflammation, splenomegaly, and to help the uterus expel the placenta after birth. Dioscorides (50AD) recommended Vitex for inflammation of the uterus and promoting menstruation. Pliny used the Vitex agnus castus berries to promote menstruation, abate headaches, and to promote lactation in new mothers.

Today many scientific studies confirmed the use of Vitex agnus castus for a variety of hormone related disorders including menstrual time anomalies, PMS, and infertility. These studies have demonstrated improvement by modulating hormone ratios by way of implying action on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The reported beneficial effects of such modulation are normalization of menstrual cycle irregularities, reduction breast discomforts, joint swelling and reduction of migraine headaches are reported most often.

As women age they are prone to hormone imbalance due to excessive prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. Prolactin interferes with the beneficial effect of estrogen and may promote the development of estrogen-induced cancers. The primary clinical symptom of excessive prolactin secretion is a modest amount of breast milk production in a non-pregnant woman, noted by a milky discharge from the nipples of the breast (galactorrhea).

It is widely accepted that the level of estrogen in the body may trigger or prolong migraines. Therefore, the suppressed of prolactin secretion in its adverse relationship to estrogen may be defensive support for migraine sufferers. Milewicz et al. (1993) noted that vitex agnus castus extract (vitex) suppressed excessive prolactin secretion and promoted natural progesterone synthesis over a 3-month period with no side effects. Vitex acts on the pituitary gland to decrease prolactin secretion. This increases progesterone production because excess prolactin suppresses progesterone.

Notice: Not for use by pregnant or lactating women.

Wild Yam Extract (Dioscorea Villosa) (root)

Wild Yam extract is known to be an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent. The steroidal saponins including diosgenin that account for the traditionally use of wild yam root extract as a progesterone-like compound in alleviating condition attributed to an imbalance of hormones. Eventually, it was discovered that these saponins from wild yam could be chemically converted by an industrially process and made into cortisone, estrogens, and progesterone compounds. This valuable herb was at one time the sole source of the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacture. Wild yam continue to be a source for these drugs.

Contrary to popular belief, wild yam roots do not contain hormones. There is no way for the human body to convert wild yam root into progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or other hormone. This can lead to confusion. While wild yam can be a source of progesterone after being processed, it cannot be converted by the body.

Wild Yam Root is used in Migraine Defense for its ability to aid in managing the equilibrium of hormones as well as its ability to decreases the inflammatory response of the cerebral neurovascular system to abate vasospasm's frequently experienced during a migraine episode.

Notice: Not for use by pregnant or lactating women.