8 Home Remedies For Migraine Headaches

There are certain physiological conditions that may not have a long-lasting impact on the body, but they recur and make you longing for instant relief! Migraine headache is one such instance that affects both women and men from various age groups. The duration and severity of migraines can vary greatly.

Causes of Migraine Headaches

There is no single reason which triggers migraine headaches. Most often have genetic roots and people suffering from it have at least someone in a family with a history of migraine attacks. The major triggers for migraine headaches are:

• Elevated levels of stress
• Alcohol consumption
• Strong odors
• Hormonal imbalance in the body
• Dehydration
• Skipping meals
• In taking junk food
• Lack of sleep

Symptoms of Headache and Migraine

• Aura- visual disturbances- like blurred vision, blind spot, seeing a bright light, etc.
• The headache just over the eyebrows.
• Throbbing pain
• Pain radiating to neck sometimes

Treatment Options for Migraine

Those who have undergone migraine pain attacks know how excruciating the situation can be! Naturally, a lot of them opt for OTC medications as a quick fix solution. However, it is far better that you try out natural and Ayurvedic solutions to combat migraine pain. The main benefit of opting for Home remedies for Headache is that the risk of side effects is reduced.

Top Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches

The home remedies for migraine headaches are easily available but not all of them may be effective for everyone affected by the condition. You can try the solutions to see which fits your bill.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one natural solution that can be used to battle the onslaught of migraine headaches. It also helps in detoxification, regulating high blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and relieving constipation. You may mix a spoon of apple cider vinegar with honey and a glass of water. Drink this every day to reduce the impact and recurrence of migraines.

2. Ice Pack

This is possibly one of the most commonplace and old age solutions for Chronic Strain Headaches. Applying an ice pack on the head may help in numbing the pain to an extent. You may also wrap a few pieces of an ice cube in a soft towel and wrap it around the forehead and head during migraine attacks.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint has proven anti-inflammatory property which may help soothe nerves attacked by migraines. You may drink peppermint tea to which honey has been added. You may also apply peppermint essential oil after mixing it with olive or jojoba oil on the forehead to soothe the pain. Bathing in warm water to which this oil has been mixed can also be helpful.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile has proven antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be ideal to bring relief from Cluster Headaches caused by migraine. You can buy chamomile tea from the market or make your own tea mixture at home. Take dried chamomile flowers in a pot of hot water and pour in some honey and lemon juice. Drink this mixture after straining.

5. Ginger

Using ginger can help in battling migraines. It helps in battling inflammatory conditions in the human body. You may take ginger tea every day or use ginger to make drinks and meals.

5. Feverfew

It was a herb that was earlier native to the Balkan Mountains. It has been used widely to treat cases of fever, inflammation, and migraine. It's dry leaves and stems have medicinal values.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine is found in coffee and many other beverages nowadays. You may take a hot coffee to counter the headache. However, it is not advisable to intake, caffeine in large amounts or on a regular basis.

7. Lavender Oil

It is used in a lot of aromatherapy products. Its Fragrance can soothe your aching nerves and relieve the pain. You may rub the oil after mixing it with olive oil on the forehead when pain occurs. Bathing in warm water to which lavender oil has been added can also help. You can use the oil in a diffuser in a room for the same effect as well.

Ayurvedic treatment for Migraine

Like a lot of people, you may also resort to Ayurveda for coping with migraine headaches. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on evading triggers and controlling them for coping with the pain. Certain ayurvedic formulations like Godanti Bhasma, Sudhanidhi rasa, Mayura ghrita, Pathyadi khada are used to control Sinus Headaches and migraines. Saffron soaked in pure ghee is also used to get relief from this condition. This can be inhaled to get relief from throbbing pain.

Preventive Approach

A migraine can be caused by so many factors, evading certain foods, items, and making lifestyle changes can often be helpful in controlling migraine.

• If migraine is triggered by eating spicy and oily foods, eating such foods is not ideal. Even if you have to eat such food on some occasions, limit the intake.
• Sometimes in taking certain medications or supplements may be the root cause behind a recurring migraine. Your doctor can help you in finding out such drugs and you can try using some alternative for better results.

• Stress is often the root cause of migraine. Managing stress and reducing it is what you need to do. This can be done in so many ways. You can try meditation and yoga for example. At times, seeking counseling and professional intervention can be helpful.
• Getting rid of addictions like alcohol, smoking, and even caffeine can help people battling a migraine.
• Sometimes going out in the sun or staying for long in sunlight may lead to the onset of a migraine. Using sunglasses, an umbrella and protective clothing can help.

Points to Remember

While using herbs and natural extracts is nice for battling migraines, you should practice caution. Not all herbs work the same way for everybody. Those who are pregnant need to be more cautious in this regard. You also need to figure out if using specific herbs can interact with your existing medications or not. ask a ayurvedic doctor who can guide you with this.