Natural Cures for Migraines
Published on Dec 19th, 2007 in Health with
No one likes a migraine headache! To say they’re extremely painful is an understatement!
However, if you dislike the thought of taking medications, experiencing their side effects, or spending the money for them, take a look at some natural migraine treatment options:
Treat from the Outside - The power of Touch and Smell:
Be Still - Lie down, close your eyes in a quiet, dark room, and just remain still. Let your muscles relax. Focus on breathing slowly.
Cold/Warm compresses/towels - Try one or all of these combinations:
- Cold compress/towel on your forehead
- Cold compress behind your neck
- Alternate between warm and cold compresses
- Put your feet in warm water and a cool towel on your forehead or entire head
Massage - Your face, neck, shoulders, and/or your back. (It’s best if someone else does this for you.) Rub your temples in a slow, circular motion.
Acupressure -
- Press firmly (or have someone else do it) on the fleshy area between thumb and forefinger.
- Think 2-2-2: Press on 2 points (behind your neck at the base of your skull) that are 2 inches apart for 2 minutes.
- Have someone apply pressure in the section of skin between your big toe and second toe. Press/Rub for one minute and then switch to the other foot.
Acupuncture - Please see a qualified acupuncturist if you choose this method!
Aromatherapy - Lavender, Peppermint, Jasmine, or Rosemary have been found helpful. Use in a bath or with massage. Check a health foods store in your neighborhood for these essential oils and directions on usage.
Treat from the Inside - Food and Supplements:
Calcium - May even help prevent the onset of a migraine. If taking a supplement, aim for 1,000 up to 2,000 mg. (Another added benefit - calcium helps your body burn fat!)
Magnesium - Foods rich in this mineral are:
- Spinach
- Halibut
- Nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Oatmeal
Ginger - Mix 1/2 teaspoon of fresh, ginger in warm water
Feverfew - Take 250mg a day day of this herbal supplement
Complex Carbohydrates - Potatoes with the skin on, wheat crackers, or toast. Helpful for some, yet can trigger a migraine in others.
Caffeine - Can also help or trigger a migraine, depending on the individual. Try a cup or 2 of strong coffee as soon as you feel a migraine coming on.
Natural remedies often have benefit of being less expensive with fewer (if any) side effects.
However, I make no guarantees as to their amount of effectiveness. Some of these treatments are very helpful to some, while some of these options can even trigger a migraine in others. Please speak with your medical provider when choosing alternative treatment methods.
Feel free to share what works for you when you have a migraine or just a bad headache.
Photo credit: channahÂ
