8 Home Remedies For Migraines That Actually Work
A migraine is characterized by severe pain that affects one side of the head, and it is normally associated with abnormal activities in the brain. When suffering from a migraine, one becomes sensitive to light, sound, and smell. Common symptoms include eye pain, nausea, vomiting and severe pain usually on the temples.
Migraines may come without a warning but either way, you have to find a remedy. While migraines can respond to over-the-counter prescription, home remedies have proved to cure migraines. The good news is that most probably you have these ingredients within your reach. Here are eight drug-free home remedies you can try to cure migraines.
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Lavender Oil
Not only does lavender oil contain beautiful fragrance but the oil has also proved to be useful in the fight against a migraine. You can either apply directly to your skin or inhale. Lavender oil does not require dilution. Applying it to your temples and on the neck will give you a relieving sensation. For the latter method, add 2 to 3 drops of the oil in three cups of boiling water. Breathe in deep the vapor for a better outcome.
Light Exercise
Participating in light exercise can help reduce migraine pain. Instead of just sitting down and looking at your smartphone or watching television the whole day, try to take a break and participate in some light activities such as rolling your head in circular motion, stretching and taking some yoga classes. This will help loosen your muscles and thus relieving a tension headache.
Magnesium
Having inadequate magnesium in your diet results in a severe migraine. Magnesium help alleviates migraine pain by blocking pain transmitting chemicals in the brain. Getting magnesium from taking beans, whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens will help curb a migraine. However, in the event this is not possible, taking 200 to 600 milligrams of magnesium for migraines as a supplement is advisable.
Cinnamon
This is a spice that effectively treats a migraine. For effective result, grind the cinnamon sticks then add water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the gore head and temples. Lie down for 25 to 30 minutes then wash off the cinnamon with lukewarm water.
Heat Compression
Wrapping few ice cubes in a clean towel and applying it on your neck, temples and the back of the neck for about fifteen minutes helps ward off a migraine headache. This is because the ice has a numbing effect. Also, alternating cold and warm compresses at an interval of fifteen minutes as required has a relaxing effect. Adding lavender or peppermint to the compressed water will help relieve the pain quickly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health effects among them is curing a migraine. Adding a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and mixing it with a tablespoon of honey has a healing effect. Drinking it daily will prevent as well as treating a migraine.
Feverfew
Apart from being used as a food additive, Feverfew is also used as a remedy for a migraine. Its leaves have parthenolide chemicals which help in relieving head pains. However, it is encouraged to take feverfew in freeze-dried capsules as the leaves’ taste is not that appealing.
Ginger
The list cannot be complete without including this spice. Ginger has the ability to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, stimulates digestion and subdue nausea which occurs during migraines.
There comes a point where daily work overwhelms our brain. This result in a strain which eventually causes a headache as the brain is unable to cope with the pressure. Taking painkillers over a long period, causes the body to develop resistance towards drugs.
However, trying different remedies could have opposite effects. Studies show that some home remedies have been proven to work better than prescribed drugs to cure a migraine. If you have a chronic migraine, trying these home remedies may prove vital.