Migraines are severe, throbbing headaches accompanied by light or sound sensitivity and nausea or vomiting, among other symptoms. A range of home remedies may help mitigate migraine attacks including diet changes, essential oils and acupressure treatments.
Frequent doses of feverfew supplements (Tanacetum parthenium) have been proven to decrease migraine attacks; however, one preparation was found to cause liver toxicity; for your own safety there are safer formulations available.
Valerian
Valerian root may help improve sleep for some people, yet its effectiveness at preventing migraines remains uncertain. More research needs to be conducted.
An effective food diary can help identify potential migraine triggers such as aged cheese, cured meats, caffeine and alcohol consumption, which could set off migraine attacks. Light pollution or strong smells may also trigger migraine attacks.
Herbal remedies like feverfew and butterbur can help prevent migraines by narrowing blood vessel dilation, both as supplements and tea made from dried roots. Exercise, as well as eating foods low in saturated fats that contain whole grains, fruits vegetables and beans is proven effective against migraines. A massage technique known as reflexology may ease stress and tension by applying pressure on specific points on feet – offering another effective solution.
Betony
If you find yourself suffering from migraines on an ongoing basis, alternative remedies could help such as feverfew, lavender, valerian, and peppermint may reduce frequency and severity of headaches.
Valerian root is a popular sleep aid used to promote relaxation and improve quality sleep, helping relieve migraine symptoms by decreasing anxiety and tension that exacerbate headache pain. Valerian can also provide comfort from its soothing properties in relieving tension headaches caused by anxiety.
Sajah Popham suggests that wood betony can assist in relieving deficiency-type headaches by increasing blood flow to the brain, and suggests using it either in tea form or tincture form to promote this result. Furthermore, wood betony may also be effective against premenstrual tension and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and heavy bleeding (3).
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a popular plant found worldwide that’s used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties as well as being added into skin care products to accelerate wound healing.
Natural treatments for migraines and other ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual symptoms and anxiety can include this herb. Studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects in improving digestion, relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, soothing headaches and relieving menstrual cramps.
Aromatic mint oil can be combined with rosemary and thyme to produce a pain relieving oil that can be applied directly onto neck and temple areas for relief from migraine-induced headaches. With anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help ease migraine-induced discomfort, as well as relaxing muscle spasms. Furthermore, this herbal treatment may reduce stress which often triggers migraine attacks.
Rosemary
Rosemary aromatherapy may help soothe symptoms associated with migraine headaches, including stress and nausea. Furthermore, its antispasmodic properties may ease discomfort. Unfortunately, not enough research exists on its efficacy for alleviating migraines.
Feverfew (commonly referred to as featherfew) is another natural remedy for migraines that has proven its neuroprotective benefits and can be taken in the form of tea or supplements. Feverfew may also be combined with other herbal treatments in order to combat migraines more effectively.
Linden
Migraines can be one of the most severe and disruptive of pain conditions. Migraine symptoms often include throbbing pain, nausea and vision problems that interfere with daily life – however there are natural solutions that provide relief from these attacks.
As well as taking medications for migraine, avoiding triggers, getting enough rest and exercising regularly are also vital to managing migraine pain effectively. Herbal remedies such as fever few, butterbur, ginger, lavender and peppermint may help soothe symptoms as well.
Other natural treatments for migraine include ice packs, hot showers and massage therapy; your naturopathic doctor may suggest adding these therapies into your migraine treatment plan. Essential oils derived from plant extracts could also be an option; however some people have reported allergic reactions from using essential oils.
