Home Remedies for Migraine

Migraine are a neurological disorder that triggers severe headaches, typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. According to the National Library of Medicine, migraine is the second most common cause of disability globally. It impacts about 1 in every 7 individuals worldwide.

Risk Factors

Some people may be more prone to migraines due to certain risk factors such as age, sex (women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men), family history, and other medical conditions like depression, anxiety, or epilepsy.

• Sex: Migraines are three times more prevalent in women than in men.
• Age: Most people begin experiencing migraines between the ages of 10 and 40. But after age 50, many women discover that their headaches improve or disappear.
• Family background: Four out of five people with migraine have a family history of the condition. A child has a 50% chance of developing these headaches if one parent has a history of them. The risk increases to 75% if both parents have them.
• Other medical conditions: Your risk may increase if you have conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or a sleep disorder.

Natural Ways to Reduce Migraines

Various natural remedies may assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines, including:

• Getting enough sleep: Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night to help minimize the risk of migraines.
• Regular exercise: Engaging in exercise or yoga can help alleviate stress and tension, which are frequent triggers of migraines.
• Managing stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help reduce the risk of migraines.
• Avoiding triggers: Maintain a diary to identify potential migraine triggers, like specific foods or drinks, and try to avoid them when you can.
• Acupuncture: This alternative therapy has been proven to help reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines.
• Massage: Consistent massages can help ease muscle tension and relieve migraines.

Home Remedies

This section covers natural remedies and lifestyle tips to help relieve and prevent migraines.

Food & Diet

Certain foods and beverages can trigger migraines, including nitrates, chocolate, cheese containing tyramine, alcohol, MSG, cold foods and drinks, processed foods, pickled foods, beans, dried fruits, and cultured dairy products. However, a small amount of caffeine may help relieve migraine pain, although too much caffeine may trigger a migraine or cause caffeine withdrawal headaches. Keeping a daily food journal can help identify trigger foods.

Essential Oils – Lavender Oil & Peppermint Oil

Inhaling lavender essential oil may also ease migraine pain, and a 2016 study found that three months of lavender therapy before a migraine attack reduced the frequency and severity of migraines. However, more research is needed. A 2020 review of studies found mixed or limited evidence supporting other herbal treatments for migraines, but didn’t note strong evidence supporting using lavender.

The use of peppermint extract, vapours, and oil has been shown to reduce migraine symptoms. Peppermint is helpful for migraine pain relief. You can use a vaporiser to heat peppermint oil and ingest the vapours. 5 Boiling peppermint stems in water will yield peppermint tea. Simmer the combination for a while. In a cup, pour the peppermint tea.

The following lifestyle modifications can help avoid and treat migraine symptoms.

Ginger

Migraines can be prevented and treated with ginger, according to research. Numerous phytochemicals found in ginger may be the reason it can relieve migraines so well. To ease migraine symptoms, prepare some ginger tea. Boil some freshly crushed ginger rhizome in water to create ginger tea. After a brief simmering period, filter it, and your ginger tea is prepared to be served.

Caffeine

There is a lot of caffeine in herbs like tea, coffee, and guarana berries. Because it may either alleviate or exacerbate migraine symptoms, caffeine may be a double-edged weapon. Caffeine should be used with caution; it is recommended. Introducing coffee gradually might be the best option.

Stress Management

In 7 out of 10 migraine sufferers, stress brings on symptoms. It might even start a vicious cycle where worry causes more migraine pain, which in turn causes more stress, and so on.

It is best to avoid circumstances that can cause stress whenever you can. Writing, exercising, and meditating might be beneficial. Take a warm bath, listen to music, or practice deep breathing as additional stress-relieving methods.

Compresses

Some people find that applying cool or warm compresses to their heads can be calming and lessen migraine pain.

However, individuals with circulatory issues, diabetes, or certain skin conditions should stay away from temperature extremes.

Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room

To help calm migraine pain, lie down in a dark room. This environment serves two purposes: it helps you relax and reduces exposure to bright light, which may worsen migraine symptoms. A quiet space is essential for minimizing external triggers.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Placing a cold compress on the head or neck can numb the area, helping to reduce pain signals. Alternatively, a heating pad might help relax tense muscles. Switching between hot and cold therapies may offer additional relief, including using a warm bath or shower.

Boost Magnesium Intake

Magnesium plays an essential role in preventing migraines. Magnesium deficiency can be a major trigger for menstrual migraines or migraine aura. Eating magnesium-rich foods, like leafy greens, almonds, avocados, and dark chocolate, can help. If getting enough magnesium from food is difficult, you may consider taking a supplement, though always consult a doctor beforehand.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) for Prevention

Vitamin B2, found in dairy products, fish, and poultry, may help in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Research by the National Library of Medicine has found that taking 400 mg of Vitamin B2 daily for 3 months can significantly reduce the number of migraine days. While it’s found in food, you may also take it in pill form after consulting with your healthcare provider.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Migraines

Research indicates that insufficient vitamin D levels could lead to more frequent migraines. Ensuring you have adequate vitamin D levels, either through sunlight or supplements, may help reduce migraine occurrences.

Permanent Cure

While there is no permanent cure for migraines, there are several strategies that may help prevent them from occurring. Some potential strategies include:

• Identifying and avoiding triggers: Keep a diary to track potential migraine triggers, such as certain foods or drinks, and avoid them when possible.
• Taking preventive medication: Talk to your healthcare provider about prescription medications that may help prevent migraines.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Prioritize adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise to minimize the risk of migraines.
• Managing stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help reduce the risk of migraines.
• Considering alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and other alternative treatments may assist in decreasing both the frequency and intensity of migraines.

When to Seek Medical Assistance from a Neurologist?

It is recommended to consult a neurologist if the headache is unbearable and does not go away after several hours. It may go along with the following:

• Difficulty speaking
• Vision problems
• Mental confusion
• Seizures
• Balancing difficulty.
• A feeling of numbness or tingling
• Sudden headache

You shouldn’t depend solely on natural remedies when treating migraines at home. Instead, you should consult a neurologist if home remedies do not relieve the symptoms.