Top 10 Ancient Home Remedies For Migraine

Migraines? It’s okay. These home remedies will give you a life free from a migraine!

 

Migraines are one of the most painful things that we come across. It is so painful that sometimes we feel like banging our head or taking the part of the head. We can’t sleep or relax with a migraine. The only thing that runs in our mind is the pain and the dreadful need of letting it go. Right? Yeah, that’s true. It is the most horrible and agonizing thing one could ever experience.

To overcome  migraines, we should all understand the basics of migraines. Understanding makes it easier and also gives our mind the power to handle it better.

So, what exactly is a migraine? What are the causes? How to deal with it in a simple and efficient way? If you know the answers, well and good.If not, no worries. You have come to the right place. You will understand and learn the best techniques to treat migraines.

 

 

Migraines are recurring, severe and painful headaches. They are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blind spots, tingling in arms and legs, and sensitivity to smell, light, and sound. It can last from an hour to few days with different frequencies.

Migraines are grouped into four stages depending on the symptoms and actions. Knowing the pattern gives you a clue of a migraine attack that is going to happen and you can take actions accordingly.

The four stages of a migraine are Prodrome, aura, attack and postdrome.

Prodrome or warning stage: You may notice unusual changes in your daily life which are one or two days in advance of a migraine. These symptoms may last from one hour to two days. They are as following:

• Mood fluctuations.


• Food cravings.


• Stiffness in the neck.


• Frequent yawning.


• Excessive thirst and urination.

Aura: Aura includes many neurological symptoms that may last for 5 minutes to 60 minutes before a headache. Sometimes, it also occurs during migraines, mostly in children. Below are the symptoms or changes that are seen in this stage.

• Change in vision resulting in colored spots, dark spots, stars or sparkles and zigzag lines.


• Disturbance in speech and hearing.


• Numbness, weakness or tingling sensations.


• Confusion and fear.

Attack: Attack is the stage where of suffering. The pain is severe and unbearable. It involves throbbing and becomes worse by movements.

• Pain starts on one side and sometimes on both sides of the head.


• Pain over the forehead.


• Tightening or Pressing pain.


• Extreme sensitivity to sound, light, smells and touch.


• Vomiting and nausea.


• Unclear vision.

 

Postdrome or migraine hangover: It is a recovery phase after a migraine attack. A person may feel drained or washed which lasts up to few hours to two days. Below are the symptoms of Postdrome stage.

• Muscle tension.


• Cognitive impairment.

Causes of a migraine

 

The current living and working conditions are the most common reason for migraines. Our lifestyle choices and environmental conditions also provoke migraines.

 

• Triggering of any underlying central nervous disorder.


• Imbalance of brain’s vascular system or blood vessel system and neurotransmitters in the body.


• Oral contraceptives, sleeping pills and Hormone replacement therapy.


• Physical stress and emotional disturbance.


• Disturbance in sleep or sleep patterns.


• Exposure to smoke or smoking.


• Bright and flickering lights. Loud noises. Strong smells.


• Unfavorable or change in environment and allergies.

 

Foods  that trigger migraine

 

Foods are also known to trigger migraines. Below are few of the foods that are known to be responsible for migraines.

 

• Tyramine foods like aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken, figs, livers, red wine, and some beans.


• Nitrate foods like bacon, salami, and hot dog.


• Fermented or pickled foods.


• Chocolates, peanut butter, avocado, citrus, banana, and onions.


• Unhealthy or irregular food habits.

These things and issues often trigger migraines. And sometimes it becomes difficult to avoid them due to our jobs or other compulsions.

Once a migraine starts, we can’t work even for a minute. All we can do is take the medicines and wait for them to react. But, it doesn’t help much.

What to do in that case?

I say home remedies are the best thing to do. They are more efficient without any side effects. Medicines make us dependent, whereas these techniques will keep you off and are also healthier to the body.

Most importantly, these techniques have been in use for ages for healing migraines and headaches. Besides, these also promote our health and prevent from migraines.

Home remedies for migraines

 

Feverfew

 

Feverfew is one of the ancient herbal remedies for mild and chronic headaches. Parthenolide, a particular element in feverfew controls expansion and contraction of blood vessels. It also balances prostaglandins which alleviate pain and swelling. Overall it controls blood flow and relieves from migraine effect, and it's symptoms.

• Take one tablespoon of dried feverfew herb.


• Put the herbs in hot water and let it steep for 10-30 minutes.


• Add lemon balm leaves or chamomile flowers to enhance flavors. They also alleviate migraine symptoms.


• Strain the liquid.


• Add honey, stir it thoroughly and drink the tea.

Chewing 2-3 leaves of fresh or dry feverfew is also efficient.

 

Basil

Basil is rich in analgesic elements. It works as a relaxation muscle component alleviating from the tension and tight muscles that cause headaches.

• Take 3-4 fresh basil leaves.


• Put them in a cup of boiling water. Let the water simmer.


• Add a teaspoon of honey and drink the syrup.

Chewing basil leaves or inhaling steam with basil leaves are also effective in the same way.

 

Ginger

 

Ginger blocks prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for impacting hormones, muscle contractions, and regulating inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain. Also, ginger it combats migraine symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

• Take a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger.


• Place the ginger in water and boil it for 15-20 minutes under low heat. Let it simmer.


• Serve with lemon and drink it

Chewing raw ginger or adding it to foods is also effective.

Cayenne Pepper

 

Cayenne pepper stimulates the circulation and blood flow. Also, it contains capsaicin which is a natural painkiller. These things alleviate the migraines with efficient and fast results.

• Take one or one and a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper.


• Add it to a cup of hot water.


• Add lemon juice and honey which enhances the effects and improves the taste.


• Stir the liquid and drink it.

 

Chamomile

 

Chamomile with its varied health benefits is in use for centuries. It fights insomnia, stress irritability, and anxiety by slowing down and soothing the nervous system. It is one of the best herbs for calming down and give utmost relaxation. In addition, it reduces inflammation and pain.

• Take two tablespoons of chamomile herb.


• Put it in a bowl of boiling water.


• Let it steep for 30 minutes.


• Add honey or maple syrup for taste and also enhance the benefits.

Drink 2 cups at a time and 3-4 times in a day.

 

Butterbur

 

Butterbur is an ancient herb which has been in use to treat spasms, pains, and fever. Petasin and isopetasin in butterbur reduce the inflammation and spasms. Petadolex reduces the frequency of migraine attacks.

Butterbur supplements are readily available in the market.

Consume 50-75 mg of butterbur daily.

Butterbur in the form of tea, tincture of raw forms is not advisable as it contains pyrrolizidine that might harm the liver. The supplements available in the market are free of toxic pyrrolizidine.

 

Mint tea

 

Mint tea is one of the most refreshing drink. Menthol and menthone, the main components of mint gives great relief from migraines and give a fresh and calming mood.

• Take one tablespoon of fresh or dried mint leaves.


• Add leaves to 1 cup of hot water.


• Steep for 10 minutes.


• Strain the liquid.


• Add honey and drink it.

 

Place 2-3 tablespoons of mint leave in 2 cups of hot water. After the liquid cools down, soak the cloth in the mint water and wring the excess water. Place the cloth on forehead and temple. It gives fast and great relief.

Rosemary oil

 

Rosemary is one of the important herbs for balancing mental levels. It has analgesic properties and nervine characteristics. These properties enhance mental clarity and memory power. It relieves from a headache, strengthens mind and muscles. Alongside, its properties of acting on the central nervous system are of great help in treating migraine and other headaches.

Below are the ways for efficient use of Rosemary oil.

• Add few drops of Rosemary oil in hot water and inhale the steam.


• Add 2-4 drops of Rosemary oil in bath water.


• Massage head with Rosemary oil.


• Take a tissue or cotton and pour one drop of Rosemary oil on the top and inhale. Do not use more than one drop as it might trigger rather than curing migraine.

 

Peppermint

 

Peppermint has ample vasoconstriction and vasodilating properties. These properties enhance and balance the flow of blood in the body. It removes clogged

Migraines often result from poor blood flow. Inhaling peppermint oil gives instant relief. It also opens up the sinuses and enhances oxygenation of blood.

Ways to benefit from peppermint oil.

• Massage forehead and temple with peppermint oil.


• Make paste of peppermint leaves and paste it on forehead and temple regions


• Pour 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in hot water and inhale the steam.

Relaxing with your feet in hot water with peppermint oil is also effective.

Heat or cool your head

 

The ice pack is the best source to numb the effect of pain. Applying it to the back of the neck reduces the inflammation which contributes to headaches.

• Dip a cloth in ice cold or hot water and place it over the head for 5 minutes. Adding mustard powder enhances the benefits.


• Soaking feet in hot water also relieves headaches.

 

Preventive measures for a migraine

 

• Eat healthy and timely. Never skip your meals.


• If you work or live in a place with too much noise, cover your ears. In the same way, use glasses to avoid bright lights.


• Have a proper sleep and rest.


• Exercise regularly, but do not practice or do it beyond the limits.


• Do not stress either physically or mentally.


• Improve and keep a check on your environmental conditions.

Most importantly avoiding the migraine triggers mentioned earlier.

 

Precautions

 

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid or consult a doctor for supervision.


• People who are on medications or other drugs should consult the specialists in advance.


• It is better to avoid if prone to allergies by using the remedy.


• Extracts and teas enhance health benefits, it is better to check with the doctor as they might worsen the issue.

Conclusion:

 

Migraines are more severe than we can imagine. It drains our physical and mental energies. Most of all, the one thing that we need is calming and relaxation of our mind. At the time of migraine attack, we will be ready to do anything to get relief from a dreadful migraine.

I say home remedies are the best thing that helps out with efficient and fast results. Alongside it heals you soothingly with peaceful post effects. The benefits from these not heal but enhance our health by eliminating migraine triggers day by day.

With all these benefits and enrich life properties, there is no reason not to use these remedies. Keep a note of the symptoms and taking the remedies in advance would prevent the migraines.

Home remedies are the lights that drive away the dark and scary migraines.