If you suffer from migraines you know that finding relief can feel almost impossible. Everyone has their go to migraine remedies but, sometimes those don’t cut it or, you don’t have them with you. Here are some of my favorite natural migraine remedies for you to try next time one strikes.
What is a Migraine Headache?
Migraines are headaches that are typically coupled with other symptoms along with the pain.
Other Possible Symptoms
- Sensitivity to Sound
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Dizziness
- Blurred Vision
- Sensitivity to smells
*Each migraine is different even for the same person. This means that some or all of these symptoms may or may not be present with the migraine.
Possible Causes of Migraines
- Lack of proper nutrition - deficient in vitamins and/or minerals
- Environmental causes- smells, fluorescent lights, heat
- Food allergies
- Eye strain
- Family History
- Imbalanced hormones
Natural Remedies
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most common deficiencies for those who suffer from migraines (or any type of chronic headache). Adding a daily magnesium supplement you can decrease your chances of getting recurring migraines. A typical does is between 200 milligrams and 600 milligrams daily. To determine the best dose for you, please contact your doctor.
Avoiding Possible Allergens
Both food and environmental allergens can trigger migraines. Doing your best to avoid them will help minimize migraines. While avoiding environmental ones completely may not be possible, it is possible to limit them and stay on top of your daily allergy medications.
Ice Packs
Place an ice pack on your forehead and temples. Cold therapy for headaches goes back 150 years. Cold can constrict blood vessels and help reduce the neurotransmission of pain to the brain.
Essential Oils
If essential oils are something you are interested in than keeping both peppermint and lavender oils on hand will benefit you. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect and minimizes the muscle contractions while increasing the blood flow when applied to the forehead. Smelling the lavender oil has been proven as an effective remedy as well. No matter which oil you choose it is important that you are using quality oils or you won’t see results. I also recommend that you add a drop or two to a carrier oil (like coconut oil) to help avoid any possible skin irritation. Apply the mixture to your forehead, back of the neck and temples.
Chiropractor
Migraines can also be triggered by a nerve being pinched some were in or around your spine. Seeing a Chiropractor and getting adjusted can help to lessen the pain and even possibly take it away. While this may not be instant, the benefits are amazing.
It sometimes takes a bit after an adjustment to feel the outcome. Usually it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. An adjustment by a Chiropractor in addition to other methods are sure to relieve your migraine.
Consistent Chiropractic care can even help to minimize the number of migraines experienced.
Hydration
Staying properly hydrated can curb migraines as well. Making sure your water intake is up to par will significantly decrease your migraine attacks. Whether you have slacked on drinking water lately or, you have been drinking your necessary amount, an electrolyte deficiency can trigger a migraine. Drink some electrolytes and that will help. There are also fruits and vegetables you can eat that will increase your water intake on top of what you are already drinking.
Cream of Tartar
We found this post by Shea Staggs-Houck that swears by this method. She said "I put a little bit of cream of tartar under my tongue and then mixed a half of a teaspoon with about 8 oz of water and I swear on my life, within a few minutes I could feel the migraine easing up. I had even taken my migraine medication TWICE with no relief. Just thought I'd share this info bc it REALLY works."
Detox Bath
By adding things like baking soda [1 Cup], Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar [2 Cups] or essential oils to your bath, it will help to draw the toxins that are inside your body. Starting with the water as hot as you can possibly stand, the combination of add-ins and the cooling water will draw everything out.
When using the Essential oils in your detox bath, only use a few drops as it doesn’t take much.
Stretching
Along the same lines as the visiting the Chiropractor, stretching can alleviate tension in your muscles. Not to staying in the same position for long periods of time will help to relieve some of the building tension as well.
Reflexology
It isn’t any secret that all the nerves in our bodies are connected to the feet. It is for that reason that massaging or stimulating certain places on the feet will at the very least ease the migraine pain. You can either try to do this at home by looking up the specific points or, you can go to a place that specializes in Reflexology and have them do it.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant be very careful with using Reflexology as some pressure points can trigger preterm labor.
Migraines are nothing to write home about. The pain is intense and often interferes with daily life. If you experience migraines you only hope that something will cure the pain quickly. Any of these are great options to try before taking medication or, on top of medication. I hope any of these will help to provide the relief you are looking for.