How To Cure A Migraine

Migraine is a type of headache accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, disturbed vision, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and cold hands and feet. The pain is caused due to inflammation from release of chemicals from nerve fibers situated in the head which in turn compels the swelling of blood vessels. The pain normally occurs on one side of the head which may subsequently switch over.

There are certain factors that trigger a migraine attack. The most common forms of triggers are stress, empty stomach, allergies, bright colors, noise or strong smell, exposure to sunlight, certain food, insomnia, smoking or drinking or fluctuations in menstrual cycles. However, the symptoms and triggers vary from person to person.

Ways To Cure A Migraine

Magnesium

Sometimes, a person may suffer from migraine simply due to deficiency of magnesium, as low magnesium elevates the stress hormones known as cortisol which causes headache. However, our body can’t make magnesium which makes us dependent on food and dietary supplements. Therefore, in order to ward off migraine, it is very essential for us to get sufficient amount of magnesium.

Magnesium is a mineral that is abundantly found in fibrous food like leafy vegetables, whole grains, broccoli, squash, seeds(sesame, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc) and nuts, specially almonds. Munching two to three pieces of almonds daily keeps migraine at bay. Other rich sources of magnesium are soybeans, black beans, salmon, dairy products and chocolates.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are essential fats abundantly found in sea foods like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, halibut, pacific oysters and sardines as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts. These fats are responsible for protecting the brain cells.

They have anti-inflammatory properties and helps in bringing down the frequency and duration of headaches from migraine. Extra-virgin olive oil used in salads and breads provide omega-3 fats to the body.

Holy Basil (Tulsi in hindi)

Tulsi is full of medicinal properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties are equivalent to that of ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. Moreover, it is a great stress buster.

A drink prepared by boiling a few tulsi leaves and ginger pieces, popularly known as Tulsi ka Kadha has been used in India over the centuries as an antidote for headache. A paste of raw tulsi leaves mixed with sandalwood paste, if applied on the forehead provides great relief if the migraine pain is on the forehead.

Feverfew

Feverfew is an aromatic herb that helps in alleviating pain from migraine by reducing inflammation of the blood vessels present in the brain. It is widely used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to get rid of inflammation arising from migraine. In the year 1970, it became widely popular in Great Britain as a medicinal cure for migraines.

However , it should be taken in moderation. Nutrition expert Jonny Bowden suggests that 300 mg of feverfew should be taken twice daily for two weeks. It is worth mentioning that feverfew has blood thinning properties and may increase the risk of bleeding. Infants, pregnant and nursing women should refrain from taking it.

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Water

Migraine may sometimes occur due to dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to drink a lot of fluids, especially plain water. It is better to avoid sweetened or milk based drinks, shakes or fruit juices as the stomach can easily get upset during dehydration, which will only worsen the headache. It is good to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.

Butterbur

Butterbur consists of anti-inflammation and muscle relaxing properties and hence, has been used for ages to treat migraine pain. It also has the ability to induce normal flow of blood to the brain. A study conducted by the Department of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine showed remarkable results when used as an ailment on some patients.

Side effects arising from consuming butterbur are rare, although mild stomach upset has been reported in some cases. Apart from the goodness associated with it, there are some liver-toxic alkaloids present in it, which needs to be removed before consumption.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are not exactly oils as the name suggests. They are of lighter textures and extracted from various parts of plants like flowers, leaves, barks, roots, etc that are aromatic in nature. The aromas are soothing and respond to the body chemistry very well, and works on various systems and body organs easily.

The essential oils widely used for treating migraine are lavender, rosemary, jasmine, eucalyptus, peppermint and Melissa. You may blend two or more types of essential oil for better results before applying it on your head or a single variety can also be applied.

Another method is to make an aroma lamp which is also very effective. There are various types of aroma lamps available in the market. You may also put a few drops of oil on a burning candle.