Home Remedies and Herbs for Migraine

A migraine is a specific type of headache. It is usually more painful than a regular headache. It can be difficult for patients to see. They may also develop sensitivities to light and sound. The type of migraine can vary, however patients often report similar symptoms with each occurrence.¹

What Causes Migraine Headaches?

The exact cause of migraines is unclear. What is clear is that there are usually what can be referred to as triggers that may induce a migraine headache. The list is quite lengthy, yet not all of these need to happen for a migraine to start making a patient ill. Some of the common causes of migraines include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Loud noises
• Stress
• Too much or too little sleep
• Caffeine (too much or withdrawals)
• Smoking
• Some over the counter medications
• Certain foods (especially those containing nitrates for preservative purposes such as bacon)
• Hormone fluctuation²

Migraine Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms associated with migraines. They can range from mild to severe and often are in combination with each other. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitivity to sounds
• sensitivity to smells
• sensitivity to light
• changes in vision
• floaters which may look like little balls of white light around the eyes³

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Migraine Headaches

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Dipping a cloth in apple cider vinegar may be helpful when treating a migraine. It is best to start treatment as soon as the symptoms begin to maximize the effect. Simply soak the cloth in cool ACV and apply to the neck for relief. You can also water down the ACV if the smell is too strong for the patient.
• Feverfew - This herb, taken in either pill or liquid for has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Since a migraine is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain to a certain degree, this herb may help to calm that inflammation and relieve the discomfort of the migraine. Take this remedy at the onset of symptoms for the maximum benefit.
• Magnesium - Magnesium is a natural remedy for helping to get rid of migraines. Many people do not have enough of this crucial mineral in their body. As such, they can be prone to migraine headaches. Magnesium is thought to help calm the body and nerves that can become overtaxed, leading to a migraine. Taking between 200 and 1,000 milligrams of this supplement a day may help prevent migraines before they start.

Migraines are never pleasant. When they come on, many patients are frustrated unless they have dealt with them before. In and of themselves, migraines are not something to be concerned about unless the frequency and severity starts to change. At that point, the patient should see a doctor to discuss their options for additional treatment. Many times, the patient may experience different effects from treatments. The key is to find the right combination of treatment that will help to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/home/ovc-20202432
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-headache
3. http://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/causes-of-chronic-migraine#Overview1