Migraines can be an intractable condition, yet home remedies can often provide effective relief from migraine symptoms. From keeping hydrated and using cold compresses or supplements, there are various strategies available to you to ease symptoms of migraine headaches.
Avoid bright lights and loud noises during an attack; sensory stimulation can stimulate the brain, while rest may reduce pain. Sleep may also provide respite.
Peppermint oil
Essential oils like peppermint and lavender can provide indirect aid by relaxing and soothing the body. Ruhewell offers all-natural, toxin-free oils which can be used in aromatherapy devices or placed into boiling water to be inhaled safely by inhalation.
Menthol is the active component in peppermint oil and clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy as an effective headache remedy.
Consistency of sleep routine is another crucial element to prevent migraines. Dimming lights before bed, avoiding screens before sleep, and practicing a relaxing nighttime ritual all are beneficial steps. Also keeping a diary can be useful to identify migraine triggers; write down when and for how long migraines strike as well as any relief measures taken that help. Over time you may notice patterns and be able to make adjustments accordingly.
Valerian
Herbal allies such as feverfew, valerian and butterbur can help alleviate symptoms and decrease frequency of migraine attacks in some people. These herbs contain compounds with analgesic and vasodilatory properties which may reduce inflammation of blood vessels while alleviating headache pain.
Valerian oil can be inhaled or applied topically as a diluted form to relieve migraine-associated tension and anxiety, helping relax muscle tissues that lead to migraine attacks. Valerian’s sedative properties also provide temporary relief, offering potential relief against anxiety that often contributes to migraine attacks.
Before taking herbal remedies, always consult your physician first as some could interact with medications or be harmful for certain individuals. Our free support community at MyMigraineTeam can be an invaluable source of comfort – you’ll meet others who understand life with migraine here!
Yarrow
Yarrow oil, as a natural vasodilator, helps ease pain, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure while also speeding healing of wounds and burns. People have used herbal yarrow for treating ailments like headaches and migraines for many years; people typically consumed it as tea or tincture but now it comes available both as capsules and essential oil products.
Yarrow essential oil is produced through steam distillation from flowers of Achillea millefolium plant. Its deep blue hue derives from naturally occurring compounds called chamazulene that is known to have soothing properties, and its pleasant herbaceous scent makes it a wonderful addition to diffuser blends. Yarrow has long been part of spiritual and ritualistic practices among many cultures including Native Americans who believed yarrow could protect against negative energy while aiding astral travel and lucid dreaming.
Rosemary
Migraines can cause intense head pain, nausea and light/sound sensitivity. While medication may help ease and prevent migraine attacks, other options include diet changes, natural remedies or acupressure to manage them more effectively.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) boasts antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as improving memory retention, relaxation and decreased anxiety levels. A 2023 study discovered rosemary contains carnosic acid – which provides brain and nervous system protection – thereby providing yet another medicinal advantage of using this plant in everyday life.
People can apply a drop of rosemary oil directly onto their temples and forehead, inhale its scent, or take some natural headache remedies such as caffeine to alleviate symptoms. You can purchase eucalyptus oil online – such as Cliganic USDA Organic Eucalyptus Oil in a 2 fl oz bottle suitable for use with a diffuser – from stores such as Cliganic.
Linden
Linden oil, extracted from the flowers and bracts of this tall European tree, helps soothe nerves. As an antispasmodic medication it relieves cramping associated with migraines while simultaneously soothing the digestive system. Linden can be taken in tea form, tincture form or liquid extract form for maximum effectiveness.
As well as acting as an anxiolytic, magnesium can also act as a vasodilator and cause blood vessels to relax, thus lowering blood pressure.
Dandelion is packed with vitamins A, B and C as well as minerals like iron, potassium, zinc and copper – making it a nutritious herb with many uses from adding it to salads to brewing it as tea. Furthermore, its soothing qualities may make it particularly helpful in relieving insomnia as a natural sleep aid.
