If you have ever experienced the pain of a migraine attack, you’d know how devastating it feels. As soon as the first symptom strikes, you need immediate relief. Quite irrefutably, migraine headaches are profoundly debilitating.
According to the World Health Organization, migraine headaches are one of the 20 most disabling medical conditions worldwide. When we talk about migraines, we are talking about throbbing and nerve-wracking pain, usually confined to one side of the head, which tends to get worse with movements. Generally, this pain lasts for four to 72 hours. Blind spots, flashes of light, an increase in the sensitivity to light and sound, tingling sensations in the arms and legs, vomiting and nausea are some of the most common symptoms of migraines.
One may also experience a stiff neck, food cravings, constipation and irritation a couple of days prior to a migraine attack. Now, although there is no known cure for treating migraines effectively, there are plenty of effective natural remedies that help to relieve migraine.
Let’s take a look at natural remedies to relieve a migraine and stick to what works for you best.
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Ice Pack
One of the most popular and hugely effective natural remedies for treating migraine is using an ice pack. Wrapping a few ice cubes in a towel and placing it on the temples, forehead, and back of the neck for 10 minutes has a numbing effect that alleviates pain.
Alternatively, a hot or cold compress can also work. You can also add lavender and peppermint essential oils to the water for the compress.
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Infuse Magnesium
A few empirical studies have found that people who suffer from migraines are often deficient in magnesium. Now, of course, when you get a migraine attack in your office, infusion of magnesium isn’t a practical tip. But magnesium supplements can help.
A daily consumption of 200 milligrams of magnesium tablet should be safe and effective for those who are prone to having a migraine attack. Do not increase the dose as that may cause adverse side effects such as diarrhea.
Moreover, try fetching magnesium from foods such as:
- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Peanut butter
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Milk
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Consuming Omega-3s
Inflammation is a culprit in migraines. So consuming Omega-3s, a healthy fat, can aid in fighting inflammation. You can get Omega-3s in cold water fishes such as salmon and sardine. For vegetarians, Chia seeds and flax seed oil are the best option.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
In addition to regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) also helps reduce migraines.
Add one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix one tablespoon of honey. Drink this mixture daily to treat and prevent migraines.
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Drink Chamomile Tea
Regular drinking of chamomile tea is advisable for treating migraine. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and soothing properties, all of which are amazing for relieving migraines.
Take a cup of hot water, steep two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers. Feel free to add lemon juice and honey, if needed. Then, strain and drink this tea three times a day to feel a noticeable difference in your pain.
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Massage
Massaging the head helps in blocking pain signals sent to the brain. Moreover, it also augments serotonin activity and stimulates a few serotonin receptors, which results in a reduction of symptoms and frequency of migraines.
With the help of your first two fingers, gently massage your head in a circular motion. While kneading, ensure that you press the pressure points at locations such as the middle of the forehead and corner of the eyes.
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Eat an Apple
As soon as you begin to experience the warning signs of a migraine attack, eat an apple. Research shows that the smell of a green apple can also help in reducing the severity of a migraine. So always keep an apple in your bag.
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Peppermint
Peppermint helps to soothe the nerves, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it has an antispasmodic effect known to provide calming effects. You can drink peppermint tea sweetened with honey or also massage each of your temples with one drop of peppermint essential oil. Allow the oil to sit on the temples for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this process a few times a day to get relief.
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Feverfew
Feverfew is an ancient remedy used for centuries to treat migraines. It is an herb that contains a compound called parthenolide that relieves spasms in smooth muscle tissue and also prevents inflammation.
You can prepare an herbal tea by steeping one teaspoon each of dried peppermint and Feverfew leaves in a cup of boiling water. Strain and drink this prepared tea a few times in a day. Alternatively, you can even eat two or three fresh Feverfew leaves daily for the pain to subside.
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Coffee
When you get a migraine attack, it is a good idea to go for a strong cup of coffee. Since coffee contains caffeine that restricts blood vessels and also blocks certain receptors, which could be causing the migraine, having coffee is a good idea.
To increase its effectiveness, you can also add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will work. But, keep in mind, caffeine may trigger migraine in some people. Hence, having too much of coffee isn’t advisable. Keep your coffee intake limited.
Final Words!
Not all migraine headaches are the same. Clearly, the intensities and frequencies of each headache differ, which means unique treatment is required for each case. Generally, with a migraine attack, the sufferer is so much in pain that s/he would do anything to make it go away. But not all treatments are effective and safe.
The list mentioned in this article comprises of natural and home-based treatments that are drug-free and safe. These tips are sure to help you reduce and duration and severity of your migraine headache.
In addition to trying out these tips, it is also advisable to manage your triggers. For instance, stay away from red wine, cured meats, bright lights, a high altitude, and strong odors.
Migraines can be debilitating; you might miss work or other important activities. If you get migraines, try the above remedies and avail relief. Only in those cases wherein none of the home-based treatments are working for you, consult a doctor.
Lastly, remember that this article is for information purpose only. You must check with your physician and clear all your doubts.
Take care!
