Migraines can cause throbbing, pulsing pain that can be eased with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicines; however, many people also try natural treatments as an additional solution.
But because dietary and herbal supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, it is wise to be wary. Butterbur may offer relief. But you must be wary about quality as this varies widely across brands.
Peppermint oil
Stress, hormonal fluctuations and altered sleeping patterns are among the many sources of headaches; essential oils may provide a safe and natural alternative to prescription medications for managing these headaches.
Peppermint oil contains menthol, an analgesic that works by blocking pain fibers from transmitting pain signals to the brain and relieving tension and nausea associated with migraines. Massage diluted peppermint oil onto your temples or use it on a cold compress for relief from headaches.
Lavender has long been recognized for its relaxation properties; however, studies have also proven its efficacy as a headache treatment. Lavender oil may also be applied directly onto the skin or added to an essential oil diffuser for use as a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or coconut oil – though for optimal use rosemary oil should also be mixed into warm bathwater or used with lavender as part of an essential oil blend. Eucalyptus oil may help relieve sinus pressure that contributes to headaches by relieving sinus pressure caused by sinus pressure build-up or tension between sinus pressure points that cause headaches.
Ginger
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) has long been used as an effective home remedy for migraine headaches and nausea, providing both temporary relief and long-term prevention. Its natural oil contains chemical compounds which reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels – two steps toward relieving pain – while increasing serotonin production which plays an integral part in alleviating both headaches and nausea.
A 2021 study demonstrated the efficacy of ginger powder as an effective solution to treating migraines and relieving nausea. Combining half a teaspoon with water to create “ginger juice” or sipping hot tea made with ground ginger are convenient ways of using this remedy for migraines.
Ginger supplements can be purchased at most pharmacies or food stores. Before taking them, it is advisable to consult your physician as some dietary supplements can interfere with certain medications. You could also try using a ginger essential oil to soothe nausea; just make sure it meets food grade purity organic certification and non scented requirements so as to avoid allergic reactions.
Essential oils
While research may not support using essential oils to alleviate migraine attacks, they can assist with nausea, anxiety and sleeplessness caused by them as well as some of the pain and sensitivity caused by an attack. When selecting, diluting and applying essential oils it’s wise to consult a trained aromatherapist or healthcare professional as this is a highly concentrated chemical that must be carefully chosen, diluted and applied correctly to avoid harmful reactions.
Eucalyptus oil contains antiseptic and analgesic properties that may reduce inflammation and swelling associated with migraines, as well as having a soothing and relaxing effect that is ideal for use during the prodrome stage (hours to days before headache symptoms appear).
Massage lavender oil, peppermint oil and rosemary oil into the back of your neck to alleviate symptoms such as tingling, numbness and stiffness. Diffusers are an ideal way to scent your home while providing relaxation. Basil oil should be avoided as it has been linked with allergic contact dermatitis – and contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloid that damage livers and lungs.
Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has long been utilized as a natural treatment for migraine headaches. Its pain-reducing properties come from biochemicals known as parthenolides that block widening blood vessels responsible for migraine-related headaches and reduce their associated pain.
Feverfew can also block the production of compounds that promote inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which play a part in migraine attacks and cause nausea or vomiting associated with them. Feverfew may help ease both aspects of migraine headaches.
If you’re thinking about taking feverfew for migraine relief, it is essential that you consult with a healthcare provider first. Feverfew could interfere with some medications like blood-thinners and NSAIDs; furthermore it is also essential that all other supplements or herbal remedies you are taking be reported, since certain herbs could interact with specific medicines and cause adverse reactions. Lastly for safety’s sake ensure only purchasing products without pyrrolizidine alkaloid content (for instance the products offered by Therafleuva),
