Migraines are the most debilitating and worst form of headaches. It is accompanied by several symptoms like blurred vision, upset stomach and flashing lights. Migraines occur when the blood vessels in the brain enlarge thus stimulating the sensitive nerve endings.
This gives rise to an excruciating headache. Women form the vast majority of sufferers of migraine headaches. Certain factors like stress, hormonal fluctuations and food allergies can bring on an attack of migraine headache. Here are some natural remedies to help you deal with a migraine.
Tips To Cure Migraines Naturally
Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb that is specifically meant to tackle migraine headaches. When taken daily, it reduces inflammation of blood vessels by interrupting the reactions that cause inflammation. They also reduce the severity and duration of a migraine headache. Take 500 mcg of feverfew daily to get relief from crippling migraines.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The most potent form of omega-3 fatty acids is found in fish oil. Take fish oil supplements daily. 4000-6000 mg of fish oil should suffice. Once the headaches taper off, you can reduce the dosage. Fish oil works by reducing the cell’s reaction to inflammation.
Coffee And Paracetamol
Most migraine sufferers know when a migraine is about to hit them because they begin to suffer from something called as an aura. In such cases, take a hot cup of strong, black coffee along with paracetamol, which is an OTC painkiller. This will prevent the headache from exacerbating and will save you the trouble of having to experience a full-blown migraine attack.
Lie Down In A Quiet, Darkened Room
Isolating yourself completely is one of the best treatment strategies for dealing with a migraine headache. Lie down in a quiet and dark room. Draw the blinds so that there is no trace of light. Place a cool compress on your forehead. Within minutes, your throbbing sensation should subside.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil or peppermint lotion works well when applied to any area affected by the migraine. Apply the oil on your neck, forehead, cheeks or other areas of pain and tension. You will gradually find the pain easing off.
Work On Your Posture
A strong back and an erect posture can do wonders for minimizing migraine headaches. Get in touch with a chiropractor who will routinely adjust your posture and recommend tips to maintain a strong and erect posture. Follow good form while lifting heavy loads as this too can trigger a migraine.
Try Heat Treatments
A hot water bottle placed below the neck or a warm cloth placed on the forehead can minimize a migraine. If this does not work, try standing under a hot shower. The hot water too should give some amount of symptomatic relief. This is a tried and tested technique for migraine sufferers.
Keep Your Tummy Full
A hungry stomach can bring on an attack of migraine before you know it so make sure your tummy is full and that you are regularly munching on energy giving foods. Try nuts, fruits or some fibrous snack like sweet potato to give you adequate energy.
Ice Packs
Use gel ice packs that are available at chemist stores, place them on your neck, and head to get symptomatic relief from migraines.
Breathing
A proper breathing technique done daily should minimize symptoms of a migraine. Breathe in slowly to a count of 7, hold the breath for a count of 7 and breathe out again to a count of 7. This technique is very effective in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Epsom Salt Bath
Take a luxuriating bath in Epsom salts as this can help you feel relaxed and calm just before the onset of a headache.
Avoid Food Triggers
Some food triggers bring on an attack of migraine. These work as allergens. Some foods that cause migraines are chocolate, caffeine and MSG. Read all your packaged food well and check out the ingredients before consuming these foods.
Drink
Drink enough fluids like water, soups and fresh fruit juices throughout the day. Dehydration too can bring on an attack of migraines before you know it.
Cut Down On Smoking
If you are a chain smoker, you will increase your chances of suffering from excruciating migraine headaches. Cut down on smoking and ban smoking from your life. This will reduce the severity and suffering caused by a migraine attack.
Avoid Bright Fluorescent Lights
Bright fluorescent lights can worsen a migraine headache. This is because of the patient’s sensitivity to light. Bright light tends to increase the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, which further stimulates the pain receptors. Stay in a dark room till the symptoms ease off.
Ditch The Oral Contraceptives
Because of the wide range of hormonal fluctuations brought upon by oral contraceptive pills, women have a tougher time dealing with a migraine headache. In order to ease the symptoms, it is best to ditch the oral contraceptives and use other substitutes like condoms.
Check For Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies
An acute vitamin and mineral deficiency can increase the periodicity and frequency of migraine episodes. Check with your doctor for a vitamin deficiency and treat it by taking a healthy diet and vitamin/mineral supplements.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy done with the use of essential oils like jojoba, lavender, jasmine and peppermint have been found to be useful in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Control Your Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the incidence of migraine episodes especially if you suffer from migraines. Keep your blood sugar levels under the strictest control because hypoglycaemia can bring on a severe attack of migraine.
Sleep
Get quality sleep by sleeping regularly at the same time at night. Take a warm shower before hitting the bed and sleep for at least 7-8 hours at night. Tiredness and fatigue can also trigger a migraine attack.
See A Doctor
If everything else fails, see a doctor who will suggest alternate medicinal approaches to treat your migraine headaches. These include acupuncture and reflexology.
With the help of these natural cures, your migraine attacks can be managed and brought under control. Make full use of preventive strategies, which minimize the occurrence of a headache.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.