Migraines are more than headaches and can drastically impact work, family life and travel plans. There are various natural remedies that may help alleviate symptoms and prevent migraine episodes altogether, including diet changes, essential oils and acupressure.
Studies show that peppermint oil’s menthol component can significantly decrease nausea and potentially prevent migraines, and daily ingestion of 400 milligrams of riboflavin is another effective means of mitigating migraine symptoms.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil has shown great promise as a natural remedy for migraines. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy at relieving pain and other symptoms associated with migraine.
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which has been shown to relax muscles and soothe the nervous system. Research indicates its efficacy at equalling 1000 milligrams of acetaminophen – equivalent to two extra-strength Tylenol pills.
Aromatherapy research using essential oils is also promising, often employing peppermint oil applied diluted directly onto temples and forehead during migraine attacks – one study showed this treatment significantly reducing pain after two hours compared with control groups.
Some people can tolerate scented oils while others are sensitive to strong smells that could trigger headaches. Consult your physician first before trying these remedies as they can assist in finding an ideal combination of treatments to address your migraines as well as provide access to other people who understand what you’re going through.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to soothe upset stomachs and nausea – common symptoms of migraine. Furthermore, studies indicate it helps alleviate headache pain.
Ginger supplements may be taken in capsule or lozenge form, although eating ginger root may be more effective for some individuals. Furthermore, eating ginger may have fewer side effects than prescription migraine medication such as ondansetron (Zofran) or prochlorperazine (Compazine).
If migraine-related digestive issues are an issue for you, try adding ginger into your diet in the form of fresh root, tea, candy or essential oil diluted with carrier oil to soothe nausea when applied topically. Apply the oil directly onto pressure points associated with stomach channel. These can be found on inner wrists, temples and neck. But make sure not to consume butterbur (Butterflyweed), which contains an alkaloid known as pyrrolizidine alkaloid which could damage livers kidneys and circulatory systems as it contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloid which could potentially harm livers kidneys and circulatory systems causing issues when consumed directly or applied topically topically if applied topically directly onto skin contact points that link back to stomach channel channels on inner wrists, temples and neck pressure points associated with stomach channels on pressure points found therein for optimal results – avoid Butterbur.
Essential oils
Studies have reported the positive benefits of essential oils for migraine headaches; however, additional large-scale research should be conducted to validate these claims. It should also be remembered that essential oils should be used as complementary remedies rather than replacement treatments by healthcare practitioners for migraines.
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which may help lessen migraine intensity by activating receptors on nerve cells. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects may help relieve stress – another trigger of migraine attacks.
Lavender oil may help ease tension and anxiety that lead to migraines, while its soothing aroma relaxes muscles and improves sleep quality – essential components of managing future migraines. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, blue gum eucalyptus) opens nasal passages and relieves congestion that contributes to migraines while its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties also provide relief; you can apply diluted oil topically, diffuse it, or add it into a steam inhalation session for relief.
Vitamin D
All people at some point experience headaches, from dull throbs associated with stress to more intense migraine attacks. Many natural remedies exist that can ease discomfort including diet changes and physical activity.
Vitamin D, found in foods like dairy and eggs, may help prevent migraines. A recent study demonstrated that those with lower blood levels of this essential nutrient had more days of migraine attacks compared with those consuming adequate levels of this vital element.
Ginger can help to calm an upset stomach. Migraine sufferers may find relief through inhaling lavender essential oil, available both as a tincture and directly applied oil, to the skin.
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea and some sodas, has been shown to reduce the duration of migraine attacks. However, too much caffeine consumption can lead to withdrawal headaches; therefore, it’s wiser to maintain a steady consumption pattern over time.
