Natural remedies may help alleviate migraine pain and prevent future episodes, including dietary modifications, essential oils and acupressure.
Keep a headache diary and look for patterns to identify food triggers, then try various home remedies such as ice packs, heat or caffeine to manage symptoms and prevent attacks.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil provides a cooling, soothing sensation on the skin and can relax tense muscles. Furthermore, it contains menthol that can ease migraine and headache pain relief; one study demonstrated how peppermint oil applied directly to forehead and temples reduced pain intensity by an equal degree to over-the-counter migraine medications.
Other oils that can help relieve migraine and tension headaches include eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender essential oils, which may be mixed with coconut oil and massaged into temples and scalp. They may also be added to bath water or heated to inhale as mist mist mist mist misters for added benefit.
Be mindful that essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA for purity or quality; thus they should only be used under guidance from an experienced aromatherapist or healthcare provider. If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, make an appointment with your GP to determine their cause; they may refer you to a neurologist for further testing and treatment if necessary.
Ginger
Ginger can help reduce indigestion and nausea, as well as provide pain-relief properties. Ginger extracts have been shown to inhibit prostaglandin production which causes inflammation. Furthermore, they reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels; and can even be taken in capsule or tea form for easy consumption.
Hot ginger tea may provide relief from headache symptoms. For best results, drink it as soon as the symptoms arise – you can find it at most health food stores and consult with a physician prior to taking any new medicine; those suffering from frequent or severe migraine episodes should see a specialist trained in treating and diagnosing headache disorders.
Home remedies may help alleviate migraine symptoms, though they won’t prevent them altogether. Some individuals find relief through acupressure, essential oils or using a migraine stick.
Essential oils
Migraines affect nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in your brain and is a very specific type of headache which may be brought on by hormones, stress levels, food allergies or medication side-effects as well as barometric pressure changes.
Aromatherapy can provide relief from migraine-related nausea and tension. Try mixing rosemary, eucalyptus or lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, massaging into the skin or diffusing in your home; lavender oil also has great effects when applied directly onto temples or forehead during an attack.
If you are susceptible to headaches and migraines, keeping a diary can help identify triggers. If they interfere with daily activities and interfere with life as usual, see your physician immediately.
Belladonna
Homeopathic medication Belladonna can be an effective remedy for migraines. Derived from Deadly Nightshade of the Solanaceae family, it works best when sudden migraine attacks start up with light sensitivity or touch pain that worsens when moving or touched, with relief only found by lying down or stopping moving altogether. Belladonna can also help those experiencing headaches after receiving haircuts or before menstruation.
Homeopathic remedies for migraine include Iris versicolor (commonly referred to as Northern Blue Flag). This herb possesses sedative properties which help alleviate nausea and dizziness; it is available as tinctures and liquid extracts. Furthermore, yarrow is another medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects as well as being effective at alleviating nausea and stomach upset symptoms – these tinctures and capsules can also be purchased. However, for maximum effectiveness it should always be prescribed by a qualified homeopathic practitioner based upon individual symptoms as well as individual constitutional type.
