Do you suffer from migraines every now and then? Guest contributor Joel Cordle shares some natural remedies that you can use to keep migraines at bay.
Migraines can happen at any time of the day. They sometimes come without notice. Most people who experience a migraine are often crippled for the entire day. People usually take pain medication to relieve migraine symptoms but even that may not be enough to subdue it sometimes. Why not try these natural remedies when you have your next migraine attack?
Exercise is one of the few natural ways to reduce the frequency of migraines and it may even lower the pain you feel during a bout of migraine. In 2011, a research from the University of Gottenburg in Sweden discovered that people who do aerobic exercises are able to prevent more bouts of migraine than the preventative medication topiramate. One-third of the patients in the study exercised on a stationary bike three times a week for forty minutes and had no migraine attacks during that period. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins which is known to relieve tension.
Feverfew is a herb that is related to daisies and is widely used by traditional Chinese doctors. It is used to prevent migraines and other types of headaches. One of the feverfew plant benefits is that it lowers the pain associated with migraine by reducing the inflammation process. Feverfew also has minimal side effects. It also helps with vomiting and nausea that may accompany a migraine attack.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be a natural anti-inflammatory substance. A Swedish study saw more than a 28% reduction in pain when patients ate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Examples of these foods include fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids also help protect the brain from damage and reduce the inflammation process. It also helps to reduce the frequency and duration of migraines.
Massage not only feels great but it also soothes the body. When stress is at its highest level, migraine sufferers tend to experience more bouts of migraine. This is why another great way to relieve migraine is to prevent it by getting a massage to release any buildup of stress. A massage relaxes the muscles and provides enough blood supply to the brain to wash out the chemicals that induce migraines.
Acupuncture has been around since the dawn of ages. When the Chinese discovered the healing effects of acupuncture, the world soon followed suit. It is already known that the thread-like needles that acupuncturists insert through several parts of the body trigger pain-reducing chemicals in the body. So find an acupuncture expert in your area and visit him/her right away.
Coffee is another great way to reduce migraine. Caffeine greatly multiplies the effects of pain medication. Research has shown that people who drink coffee twice or thrice a day are far more likely to feel happier and pain-free than those who do not drink any at all. Just be sure to drink more water after drinking coffee to avoid dehydration which can also trigger headaches and migraines.
Vitamin B specifically B2 or riboflavin is a strong and potent natural substance to relieve migraine. Riboflavin helps protect the cells from oxidation and is involved in the production of energy in the body. It also reduces the incidence of migraine by up to 59 percent. Taking 400 mg of Riboflavin per day for three months will help clear your noggin from migraine potential.
There you have it, natural remedies that are guaranteed to give you some much needed relief from migraines. What methods work best for you? Do share in the comments below.