Natural Cures For Migraines

The pounding in your head that can put you out of commission is not just any regular headache – migraines are in a class of their own. They are so powerful that they can affect other parts of the body. Luckily, there are natural cures for migraines that can lessen the amount of time you must suffer the pain and aftereffects.

What is a Migraine?

Migraines differ from the typical headache because they cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head – accompanied by other equally uncomfortable symptoms [1]. The pain can last for only a couple of hours or linger on for days. Before and during a migraine headache, you may experience sensory warning signs, such as a tingling in one of your limbs.

Causes and Symptoms

The causes of migraines aren’t fully understood, but genetics and your environment tend to play an important role. Many people experience a great deal of attacks because of the foods they eat [2]. Certain foods and drinks are really big triggers, such as beer, red wine, aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeinated products, salty foods, processed meals, and monosodium glutamate (found in some Asian cuisine). Other triggers for migraine headaches include:

• Hormones – such as women on their period, pregnant or undergoing menopause
• Stress at home or work
• Bright lights and sun glare
• Smoking or secondhand smoke
• Changes in sleep pattern – such as jet lag
• Environmental changes – like a drop in barometric pressure
• Intense physical exertion – such as too much time on the treadmill
• Certain medications – including oral contraceptives and vasodilators

There are four stages that a migraine headache may enter. The first is called prodrome, which is characterized by symptoms that can appear one or two days before the actual headache. You may experience constipation, diarrhea, food cravings, hyperactivity, irritability, a stiff neck, and depression. The second stage brings auras that disrupt your sensory, motor or verbal responses – like loss of vision, feeling pins and needles on limbs, and slurred speech. Not everyone will develop an aura.

A migraine attack is the last stage, which can typically last from four to 72 hours. The full-blown migraine can cause:

• Pain on one side of the head
• Pulsating, throbbing pain
• Sensitivity to light, sounds and sometimes smells
• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision

Migraine Natural Cures

The pounding discomfort of a migraine headache can disrupt your regular schedule and make life much difficult to enjoy. A quick response can lessen the severity of symptoms. Thankfully, Mother Nature provides us with an assortment of natural cures for migraines. Suggestions include:

a) Peppermint Oil:

Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with olive oil, and rub the mixture on your temples. The peppermint works to make you feel more alert and the overall remedy helps slow down the progression of a migraine headache.

b) Elderberries:

When the first signs of a migraine appear, add 10 to 15 elderberries to one cup of water in a saucepan. Use a fork to mash the berries, and then bring the contents to a quick boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for close to10 minutes. Strain the ingredients and sweeten before drinking the concoction.

c) Thyme:

Treat a migraine headache by adding one teaspoon of dried thyme to one cup of hot water.

d) Wood Betony:

Take two to six milliliters of wood betony tincture three times per day to deliver a sedating, healing effect on the nervous system.

e) Bay:

Bay works towards inhibiting the release of serotonin, which causes migraine headaches in some people.

f) Ginkgo:

Take 30 drops of a standardized ginkgo extract that has at least .5% flavonoid glycosides for three times per day. Repeat this remedy for up to two days. If you prefer the capsule form, a suggested dose is 60 to 240 milligrams per day.

g) Red Pepper:

Relieve the pain of a migraine by taking advantage of the capsaicin found in red peppers. It is best to take this remedy in a capsule form.

h) Primrose Oil:

Primrose oil keeps down the inflammation associated with constricted blood vessels caused by a migraine headache.

i) Flaxseed:

With a rich source of essential fatty acids, flaxseed helps place fewer chemicals in the bloodstream that can lead to constricted blood vessels and an increased sensitivity to pain. One to two tablespoons of fresh, cold-pressed oil taken daily is suggested.

j) Vinegar:

Bring equal parts of water and vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. Stand over the pan and inhale the fumes for several minutes. Repeat if necessary.

k) Tansy:

The parthenolides in tansy can help prevent a migraine headache, but it is important to not overdo a dosage. A few ways to use tansy for migraines is to create a tea infusion or take the tincture. Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoonful of dried tansy to make an infusion. Leave the ingredients for 10 to 15 minutes, and then drink the strained contents two times daily. Take one to two milliliters of tansy tincture for three times per day.

l) Evening Primrose:

The high amounts of phenylalanine found in evening primrose can treat the pain of a migraine. You can take six to eight capsules of evening primrose oil on a daily basis.

m) Lemon in Your Coffee:

Adding one tablespoon of lemon juice to a strong cup of coffee can help lessen the effects of a migraine headache.

n) Skullcap and Rosemary:

A combination of skullcap and rosemary can treat migraine treatments. The rosemary is a circulatory stimulant that delivers an increase of blood and oxygen to the brain. The skullcap is relaxing and provides nourishment to the nervous system. It is suggested to combine one teaspoon dried (or one tablespoon fresh) of each herb per one cup of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the herbs, cover and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes before drinking.

o) Lemon Balm:

Add one to two teaspoons of dried lemon balm herb per cup of boiling water. Steep until the liquid has cooled. To enhance the results of this herbal remedy, take with feverfew, ginger and/or turmeric.

p) Feverfew:

Some will say that feverfew is one of the best ways to naturally treat migraine headaches. The herb helps with the pain. Eat fresh leaves (one to four per day) to prevent and treat the headaches. When taking herbal capsules, a recommended dose is from 60 to 380 milligrams per day.

q) Honey:

Migraine sufferers who experience frequent attacks may want to start sipping on a ½ glass of warm water with a couple of added teaspoons of honey to treat their symptoms. Before drinking, let the honey dissolve in the water. Repeat a serving after 20 minutes has passed if needed. This remedy especially caters to stress-related migraines.

r) Chamomile:

Drink a cup of chamomile tea to reduce the symptoms of a migraine headache.

s) Willow:

The salicin contained in willow bark creates a chemical response similar to aspirin that relieves the pain of a migraine headache. It is recommended to take 60 to 120 milligrams of salicin, which translates into around one teaspoon of high salicin barks – 1 ½ teaspoons of white willow.

t) Garlic and Onion:

The combination of these herbs offers blood thinning assistance to your body. As a result, platelet activity is reduced and the triggers of your migraines can lessen in intensity.

u) Stinking Iris:

This species of Iris is found in open woodland, hedgebanks and sea-cliffs, and can be used to treat headaches [3]. This herbal remedy offers natural pain-killing power that is beneficial for a person with a migraine. Chop one tablespoon of stinking Iris and add to two cups of water. Boil the ingredients for 15 minutes, and then take up to three tablespoons per day.

v) Nettle:

Add two tablespoon of dried nettle to two cups of milk. Simmer the ingredient for 10 minutes, and the strain the contents. Sweeten with honey and drink while the liquid is still warm.

w) Peppermint:

Mix peppermint oil with a small amount of alcohol, and rub on the temples to gain relief from a migraine headache. To enhance the results of this remedy, add a bit of lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary when available.

x) Ginger:

Take 500 to 600 milligrams of dried ginger mixed in water whenever you feel the beginning signs of a migraine headache. Repeat every four hours. Fresh ginger is also helpful – take 2 ½ teaspoons of fresh, grated root.

Resources

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120
[2] Food Cures by Joy Bauer; pg. 328.
[3] http://www.somersetwildlife.org/stinking-iris.html