Rosemary is not hardy outdoors in zone 5, so it should be in a separate container so that she can take it indoors for the winter.

What about Meadowsweet, one of the plants from which the original Aspirin was made? The other one was White Willow, but that's someone on the largish side.

Other herbs for headaches include:
Sage, Wood Betony, ordinary Tea (Camellia sinensis), Lemongrass, Thyme, Peppermint, Hops, Oregano, Lemon Balm, Lime Blossom.

Hi Daisy
I think I ordered some Betony too. Unfortunately I never received an order confirmation from Richters, so I'm afraid I'll have to re-order. I sent them an email and still haven't gotten a response. Maybe they are having computer issues.
When I googled Meadowsweet it says it grows on the edge of water or in bogs. I don't think my friend has a suitable place to transplant it. I'd love to have a stand of willow in my yard, but doesn't willow like damp ground too? There's alot growning around here, but in lower lying areas. Would all the other herbs you listed be taken as a tea? Thanks for your response. I hope you get to feeling better soon! Kathy

Meadowsweet prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun, though best in partial shade in warmer climates. Grows well near a water feature or pond. In short, just keep it very well watered, and in a 'low spot'.

All the other herbs mentioned can be made into a tea.

However, I always warn people that herbal teas are medicines, not to be taken as a beverage. Most of the herbs have other medicinal uses besides 'headaches', so you need to do a bit of homework to find out their main uses, and other information like side-effects, contraindications etc.

I think your idea is a very thoughtful one, but I hope she also is aware that herbs shouldn't be mucked around with. Especially if she intends to mix-and-match her herbs - not always a good idea, unless you really know what you're doing.

In herbal medicine, it's more usual to take the holistic approach - treat the condition, not just the symptom. If her headaches are a symptom of menopause, then perhaps you could toss in herbs to treat that - not necessarily the plants, but supplements of, say, Wild Yam, or Ginkgo biloba, Passionflower, Motherwort, Yarrow, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Oats, Chaste-berry (Vitex), Aniseed, Fennel, Red Clover, Lady's Mantle, or numerous others.

Good Morning Daisy-
I've included three "recipes" I found to give you an idea how I intend to present this gift. I'll print them out and make a little booklet, so my friend will have a guideline if she wishes to use the herbs. If not, they will simply be additional plants for her flourishing gardens. She did mention that she really needed to replace a Feverfew she had lost recently. I don't want to make this gift too complicated, and it certainly isn't meant to replace medical treatment. She will understand that. I probably won't use the last recipe, as I haven't found a Vervain plant and am waiting to hear from Richters on the Virginian Scullcap I ordered!

Tea for Tension Headaches

Use one sprig of Rosemary,
and three leaves of Betony
per cup of boiling water.
To retain the oils,
keep the pot covered.
This makes a relaxing tea
that will clear the head.
Make and drink a cupful
once or twice a day
to relieve tension as needed.

Migraine Relief

At the first sign of Migraine
make a tiny Feverfew sandwich-
One Feverfew leaf between
two pieces of bread and butter
to mask the bitter taste.
Feverfew increases your
blood circulation to
head off and reduce a
Migraine attack.

Tincture for Chronic Headaches

Using equal parts of Vervain and
Scullcap (4 oz. dried or10 oz. fresh)
make a tincture with one pint of
30 percent proof vodka in a large
screw-top canning jar. Seal the
jar and let steep for one month,
shaking well everyday. After one
month, strain the mixture through
a cheescloth and discard the herbs.
Store tincture in a clean, dark
glass bottle until needed.
Take on teaspoonful, three
times a day, as needed.

Nice idea all round! I do think plants make a lovely living gift, and the trouble you're taking will be much appreciated.

The little booklet to go with it is a nice touch.

No need to be too 'heavy', but warnings never go astray when it comes to herbs.

I wish your friend well.

Tasymo, a really nice gift for your friend. A few comments I would suggest though: Valerian is Valeriana officinalis, not Centranthus ruber - which is "red" Valerian or Jupiter's beard. It is the true valerian which has the medicinal properties you are looking for (easing tension and helping sleep). Also, feverfew is best taken as a prophylactic for migraines. In other words you take a little every day to prevent them. It's not as useful if you take it at the start of a migraine. The 30 proof alcohol (which is 15% alcohol) will NOT preserve your tincture. A minimum of 25% alcohol or 50 proof is needed to prevent spoilage. The preferred ratio of alcohol with these two herbs (dried) is 50% or 100 proof. Many say that fresh skullcap is better in a tincture and then the alcohol would need to be 150 proof. Skullcap and vervain make very useful teas with the dried plant material. I agree with Daisy that she needs to have her headaches diagnosed. Oh yeah, Horizon Herbs is a terrific retailer of medicinal herb plants. As is Crimson Sage. Best of luck with your adventure!

Thanks, Herbalbetty-
I'll probably replace the Centranthus ruber with Scullcap and Vervain, if I can find them. I'll check with the retailers you mentioned. If I manage to locate them, I'll edit my recipe to a higher proof vodka. It's good to know she can use them in tea, if she chooses not to make a tincture! Kathy

One more question- do any of you recommend one variety of skullcap over another? I found Scutella lateriflora and Scutella baicalensis, both of which are hardy in my zone. Thanks! Kathy

Scutellaria lateriflora leaf is what you want for headaches. The other, Scutellaria baicalensis is Baikal skullcap and the root is used in Chinese medicine for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral actions.