8 Home Remedies To Treat Migraines

Simply saying “bad headache” does not suit migraine. It is more than that. Migraine is a primary headache disorder that usually causes severe or intense pain in the head and other symptoms such as nausea, pain in the temples, ear, or eye, sensory disturbances, vomiting, and vision problems. Migraines can be so painful that they require an emergency room visit. It is of utmost importance to get consulted with a physician for its treatment and management. Here are eight effective home remedies to treat migraine. They help reduce the pain or prevent the onset of migraine attacks. 

8 Home Remedies To Treat Migraine

1. Eat wisely: Diet and certain nutrient deficiencies can largely influence migraine attacks. Fasting or skipping meals can increase the risk of migraines. Do not skip meals and eat at the same time each day. Certain foods and drinks such as chocolate, alcoholic beverages (particularly red wine), cheese, beans, dried fruits, and pickled or fermented foods may hold responsibility for triggering up to thirty percent of migraines.

Keeping a food journal and tracking the foods you eat can help you figure out what foods might trigger you. If you suspect a particular food is triggering your migraine, avoid eating the food and look what happens. Make sure your diet contains enough vitamin B2, magnesium, and CoQ-10, as deficiencies of these nutrients in your diet may trigger migraine attacks. 

2. Use cold packs or showers: Placing hot or cold packs (such as heated towels, towels wrapped with ice cubes, frozen vegetables, or heating pads) can help relieve headaches. Cold packs or cold showers are particularly preferable for people with migraines. It can narrow the enlarged blood vessels, decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

Apply a cold pack to the temples, forehead or neck. Keep the pack for 15 minutes, have a 15 minute break and keep the pack again. If you have disorders with circulation, high blood sugar, or skin conditions, avoid using high temperatures and check with your doctor if this therapy is suitable for you. 

3. Essential oils in migraine home treatment: The analgesic and mood-stabilizing properties of some essential oils can help in the management of migraine. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin after dilution with carrier oils or added to the bath. Apply or inhale lavender or peppermint oil to manage pain and prevent triggers. A 2012 study states that inhalation of lavender oil for fifteen minutes reduced the headache severity significantly in some people.

4. Ginger: It is one of the best home remedies to treat migraine attacks. What makes it best? Ginger can help decrease the severity of migraine headaches and additional symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. Ginger contains constituents shogaols and gingerols that possess pain-relieving effects and may also elevate serotonin levels in the brain.

Serotonin can help reduce inflammation and stop migraine. A 2013 study states that ginger powder in the treatment of common migraine attacks is comparable to the drug sumatriptan. 

How can you take it? 

Prepare ginger tea by boiling an inch of chopped ginger with a cup of water for five or ten minutes. Strain it and drink. You can also add sugar or honey for taste. Ginger drinks can also be a good choice for tension headaches. 

You can apply ginger oil by diluting it with a carrier oil. Apply on the temples or forehead and massage once or twice daily. 

5. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is one of the major triggers of migraine, and even mild dehydration can lead to severe pain. Make sure you drink not less than two liters of water each day, and if you sweat a lot or do heavy exercise, increase your water intake up to three liters. If you have got a migraine, drink a glass of water.

6. Move to a dark and calm environment: For many migraine patients, loud noises, natural light, and bright or fluorescent lights can worsen the pain. When you have a migraine, try to get into a dark and quiet room as soon as possible. It will help you with a speedy recovery. When you are outside, wearing sunglasses can be helpful.

7. Sleep well: Good sleep helps repair all parts of the body, and people with irregular sleep schedules are more prone to migraine attacks. Behavioral changes can help you get better sleep and may decrease migraine frequency. Make sure you have a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day.

Get into bed and wake up at the same time each day. Say no to heavy exercise, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, and eliminate electronic devices (television, computer, mobile) usage before going to bed.

8. Manage stress: American migraine foundation states that stress is a trigger for almost seventy percent of people with migraine. Some of the common and better ways to manage and reduce stress include:

• Regular exercise
• Massage
• Breathing exercises
• Yoga
• Mindfulness meditation
• Listening to soothing music

Migraine Is NOT Just A “Headache”

Migraine headaches can affect your quality of life and leave you searching for any kind of relief. Before trying any alternative therapies, it is best to discuss them with your physician. He/ she can suggest management options suitable for you.