If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they are. I get between 6-10 migraines a year, each time lasting anything from 1-3 days, and they make me physically sick. I generally have to take to my bed for at least a day but at other times I use a combination of natural remedies and painkillers, depending on the severity. Here are some of the natural ways to ease a migraine I have tried, with varying degrees of success.
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1. Lavender Oil
Lavender smells great. Lavender soothes your nerves. And, lavender eases headaches, including migraines. You can apply this medicinal oil topically or inhale it for pain relief. Simply boil a couple of cups of water and add four drops of lavender oil to it. Take slow, deep breaths to inhale lavender oil vapors that will help ease your migraine.
2. Peppermint Oil
This essential oil serves as one of the best home remedies for migraine because it has a soothing effect on your nerves. Thanks to its vaso-dilating and vaso-constricting properties, it works amazingly well to improve blood flow in your body. Poor blood flow may well be the reason behind your headache, so fresh-smelling peppermint oil will work wonders to improve your condition. Inhaling peppermint oil will also open up your sinuses and improve your oxygen intake, which will again make you feel relaxed.
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3. Feverfew
Yes, you're right – feverfew is a remedy for fever, but it's in this list for a reason. It works like your OTC pain relievers. Several studies have found it an effective herbal headache treatment as well. It proves even beneficial when used in combination with white willow, which has properties similar to aspirin.
4. Basil Oil
Basil is an essential ingredient in pastas and pizzas, but its oil is exactly what doctor ordered for someone having a hard time dealing with migraine. It serves as a muscle relaxant and is therefore a great remedy for headaches caused by tight muscles and tension.
5. Flaxseed
Inflammation is sometimes the underlying cause of your headache, and the best solution is to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed can help in this regard since it's a rich source of omega-3s. You can take it in the form of oil or as whole seeds.
6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil contains a substance called carvacrol that works as a COX-II inhibitor and creates an effect similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Simply dab a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil on each temple for migraine relief. Apply it on your forehead as well and massage gently for better effects.
7. Diet Fixes
Making careful changes to your diet will also help reduce headaches and migraine. You need to avoid certain foods that trigger migraine – the list includes dairy; certain fruits, like bananas, avocado, and citrus; meats with nitrates, such as hot dogs and bacon; onions; fermented foods; and foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG). Some experts believe that low levels of magnesium in your brain may cause headaches, so you may consider adding foods like mackerel, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and dried figs to your diet to reduce migraine attacks.
8. Ginger Tea
One of many effective home remedies for migraine is to steep fresh ginger root to make a tea. Ginger proves effective against migraines because it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. It also works amazingly well to quell the nausea that usually accompanies migraines. Take 2 cups of water and add three quarter-sized slices of gingerroot to it. Now, simmer it for half an hour. Strain and drink to ease that pesky migraine
9. Buckwheat
The presence of a flavonoid called rutin makes buckwheat effect for migraine pain. Flavonoids are phytochemicals and contain antioxidant properties, which help reverse damage to cells and reduce inflammation as well.
As a migraine sufferer, you will probably need to try a few of these natural treatments, if not all, to see if any work their magic for you. Do fellow martyrs to migraine know of any other natural remedies?
Comments
Marie: I just sleep them off. If I'm suffering that much, hell no I'm not going to find lavender oil or what ever the hell else I need. I'm going straight to my bed, no noise, no light, just 3-4 hours of sleeping that bitch off.
Kaitlin: With the peppermint oil, you can boil a cup of water and add a few drops into it, put your face over the pot and inhale the steam. Be careful to not burn yourself with the steam! Also applying peppermint oil to your temples and head can help!
Michelle: How exactly am I meant to use the peppermint oil? I doesn't say. Does anyone know?
Midnight: I find that a classic cup of English Breakfast tea (navy style) usually works - especially if I feel nauseous at the same time.
Triple: Unfortunately I get migraines before every period as part of my pms it's awful
Michelle: Okay I realized inhaling was mentioned
sharon: Great article Thankyou Neecey
Nicole: Well I guess I'm just backwards... I put a heating pad on my head, along with taking meds & trying to sleep it off. The smell of lavender actually gives me a headache.
Sarah: These sound like some good remedies. I've had "classic" migraines for a few years now. For the past few months I've been taking the vitamin riboflavin each night, and I haven't had one since.
Elaine: I suffered from migraines as a child and still get the odd one. After years of trying all different painkillers I have found that I get most relief from soaking a cloth in freezing cold water and laying it over my forehead and covering my eyes too. Don't get me wrong I do take 2 Anadin extra as well but it's when I use the cold cloth that after maybe 20 minutes it eases off. When I used to just take the pain relief it would take forever to go away. If anyone is suffering then please at least give it a try. Have the water as cold as possible and you may have to soak it again if it gets warm before you've had any relief. Might not work for everyone but it's worth a try. I used to be vomiting and ended up in tears at times it was that bad but for some reason this has definitely helped.
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