20 Natural Migraine Relievers
Migraine headaches, the unruly troublemakers of the neurological world, love nothing more than to wreak havoc on our brains with their twisted sense of humour. They have a knack for causing chaos by toying with our blood flow, nerve signaling, and even our muscle functions. Truly, they are the jesters of our nervous system. These migraines, playful as they may be, have a whole repertoire of triggers up their sleeves. They delight in increasing inflammation, playing with our blood flow like a mischievous game. And let's not forget the party they have with nerve signals and neurotransmitter levels, throwing pain into the mix for their own amusement. Serotonin levels beware, for they are often found dancing to their own tune in the midst of a migraine extravaganza. But what really gets these migraines cackling with laughter is the power of stress. Feeling overly anxious, rushed, or nervous? Well, that's their cue to dive headfirst into a mind-bending performance. Hormonal changes and poor diets also make for a great sideshow, adding a dash of unpredictability to this migraine circus. Sometimes, these mischievous migraines owe their existence to a brain stem that's just not functioning properly, thanks to past injuries or illnesses. And let's not forget the timeless classic: a lack of sleep. Oh, how those restless nights serve as an open invitation for migraines to take centre stage. Even medications aren't safe from these master pranksters. They love nothing more than to mess with our nerves, hormones, and blood pressure when given the chance. Rumour has it that their most wicked trick is a genetic susceptibility, passed down through family lines like a curse. It seems that intense headaches run in the family, with a staggering 70% to 90% chance of sharing the stage with these migraine jesters.
"Oh no, not you again!" These vicious migraines, the uninvited guests who always show up fashionably late and ruin the party. Those pesky little headaches that can turn your day into a rollercoaster ride of pain. Picture this: a throbbing sensation in your head so intense that it could give a jackhammer a run for its money. Your vision decides it's time to play Picasso, with colourful auras dancing around like mischievous fairies. And let's not forget the nausea that turns your stomach into a rollercoaster. They even have the power to mess with your favourite foods like a culinary prankster. Migraines, the party crashers that make you question: "Will you please stay away tonight?" Suffering from Migraines can sometimes feel like battling an invisible enemy determined to ruin your day. While there are numerous medications available, why not explore some natural remedies that could offer relief with a side of wit and whimsy?
Natural Remedies
Anyway, don’t be desperate, for you are not alone in this battle! With the help of natural remedies and a little detective work, you can outsmart these troublemakers and reclaim your headache-free kingdom. Ah, the quest for natural migraine remedies, where ancient wisdom meets modern-day headaches. Imagine a mystical garden filled with herbs and spices, where ginger and peppermint dance a tango of soothing sensations, while lavender and chamomile serenade your senses with their calming melodies. It's like a spa day for your brain, where acupuncture needles tap-dance on pressure points, and yoga poses twist away tension like contortionist wizards. And let's not forget Hydration: The power of hydration, where water becomes your trusty sidekick, flushing out those annoying migraine villains. So, embrace the magic of nature, my friend, and let these natural remedies be your secret weapons in the battle against migraines. So, gear up, my friend, and let's show those migraines: "Who's the boss!" Let's have a closer look at an eccentric list of 20 natural methods to fight migraines and bid farewell to those mean, pounding headaches!
Pure Ginger Zest: When life gives you Migraines, add Ginger! This powerhouse root can ease headaches, reduce inflammation, and liven up your taste buds in a zingy beverage or tasty dish. The simplest way is adding a teaspoon of Pure Ginger Powder to a glass of hot water. Sipping Ginger Tea is a tasty way to help sooth headache pain or reduce the nausea caused by a migraine attack. Try drinking this herbal tea when your headache first starts. If necessary, have another cup 1 or 2 hours later.
Capsaicin Cream: Move over, Migraines, there's a hot new remedy in town! A recent study showed that slathering on some topical capsaicin might just be the spice of life for those suffering from those pounding headaches. Say goodbye to migraines, and hello to a sizzling sensation that'll knock those symptoms out of the park!
Dark Chocolate Delights: Yes! You did read it correctly! The answer to every chocolate lover's dreams! Rich in magnesium, real Dark Chocolate aids in regulating serotonin levels, easing Migraines while treating your taste buds to bittersweet bliss.
Caffeine Kicks: Good news for coffee connoisseurs! A modest amount of caffeine can jump-start your day, but too much may exacerbate Migraines. So, again, it needs to be a modest amount. Find the sweet spot that works for you and enjoy the buzz responsibly.
Yoga Magic: Strike a pose and find your inner Zen! Despair not, for yoga comes to the rescue, armed with its flexibility and tranquillity. Imagine this in your head: you, gracefully contorted into a downward dog, while your Migraine tiptoes away, unable to handle the Zen vibes. As you flow through sun salutations, your tension melts away like ice cream on a sunny day. Yoga's magical combination of deep breathing and gentle stretches massages your brain, coaxing those disturbing Migraines to take a vacation. So, roll out your mat, strike a pose, and bid farewell to those head-splitting visitors. "Namaste, Migraines, Namaste!"
Cold Compress Calmness: Grab a wacky ice hat or a regular ice pack and embrace the cooling sensation on your forehead or neck. A cold compress can numb the pain and provide a refreshing relief from Migraines.
Magical Magnesium: Boost your magnesium intake with foods like spinach, avocados, almonds, and bananas. This mineral plays a vital role in maintaining brain health and could potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of Migraine attacks. In addition, you could take a high-quality Magnesium Supplement.
Relaxing Herbal Tea: Sip your way to serenity with herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, ginger or our ancient native Aussie bush medicine, known as Maarr Tea (Native Lemongrass). These delightful concoctions can soothe both your soul and your pounding head.
Sleep Sweetly: Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep! Regular and adequate sleep promotes brain health, decreases stress, and could be a game-changer in preventing Migraines.
Laughter Therapy: This is definitely my favourite way of getting rid of a splitting headache. Let laughter be your best medicine! Engage in activities that make you giggle or laugh out loud, whether it's watching a comedy show, sharing the latest jokes with friends, or enjoying a hilariously dumb movie. The endorphin rush can provide a natural pain-relieving effect.
Omega-3 Fish Oils: Turns out, those fancy omega-3 supplements have an outstanding talent - they know how to kick Migraines where it hurts! Studies have spilled the beans on their magical powers to reduce the severity and frequency of those head-pounding, eye-watering episodes. So, if you're tired of Migraine's evil plot to ruin your day, omega-3s might just be your secret weapon!
Aromatherapy Adventures: Discover the enchanting world of essential oils and their Migraine-relieving properties. Oils like eucalyptus and rosemary can be inhaled or applied topically to soothe your senses while combatting Migraines and severe headaches.
Show Your Acupressure Skills: Channel your inner masseuse! Gently apply pressure to specific points on your body - such as the space between your thumb and index finger - believed to correlate with headache relief, promoting the flow of energy and potentially alleviating Migraines.
Embrace the Great Outdoors: Take a whimsical journey into nature! Fresh air, ample sunlight, and a scenic walk can uplift your spirits, reduce stress, and serve as a fantastic distraction from those ferocious Migraines. Let Mother Earth do the job for you!
Embrace the Power of Mindfulness: Practice the art of being present, and engage in mindfulness meditation. Focusing on your breath, thoughts, and sensations can help shift your attention away from Migraines, allowing you to find peace amidst the storm.
Find a Quit, Dark Space: The sweet relief of a quiet, dark space during a Migraine. It's like finding an oasis in the desert of skull-splitting pain. A place where silence supremely reigns, whispers of tranquillity dance across your troubled mind, and darkness becomes your knight in shining armour, shielding you from the merciless glare of the world. It's a sanctuary where your thoughts can finally take a much-needed vacation from the pulsating chaos inside your head. So go ahead, find solace in that dimly-lit corner, embrace the peaceful hush, and give that Migraine a well-deserved eviction notice. Your head might thank you, and your newfound serenity might inspire you to pen the next great masterpiece. Or perhaps just take a nap. Either way, it's a win-win situation!
Vitamin B2: Studies indicate that riboflavin or B2 appears to aid alleviate the symptoms of Migraine.
Melatonin: A 2019 research revealed that Melatonin has potential as an alternative treatment.
Balance Hormones: According to the boffins, experiencing hormonal jamborees can be a cheeky little trigger for Migraine mayhem. These shenanigans can arise during a woman's journey through puberty, leading up to her monthly menstruation, in the midst of pregnancy, and even during the menopausal meltdown. It seems that surveys have whipped up some undeniable evidence, revealing that gals often kick off their Migraine track record right as they begin their monthly rodeo. And don't even get me started on those early stages of baby-making or the rollercoaster ride of pre-menstrual stress (PMS) – it's practically a Migraine extravaganza blitz! A revolution in hormone balance! Ancient Purity’s 100% bioavailable and soy-free DIM supplement is a must-have for both women and men. Methods to aid balance hormones naturally include consuming healthy foods, utilising adaptogen herbs, physical exercise in a moderate way, getting enough rest and stay away from chemical toxins.
Ice Pack: The mystical powers of ice, the unrecognised hero in our never-ending quest to conquer Migraines. Imagine this: a frazzled Migraine sufferer, tormented by pulsating pain and scrambling for relief. In this dire battleground, ice swoops in like a brave knight, chillingly determined to combat the agony. With a whimsical flick of the wand, frozen packs transform into perfectly timed allies, pressing upon temples with an icy promise to numb the aches away. A symphony of shivers ensues, as nature's compressor drowns out the brain's chaotic orchestra. Migraines, beware! Ice, the coolest contender, reigns supreme, providing a glacial respite for the weary souls who dare to challenge the mighty migraines.
Dimmers: A Dim yet Dazzling Solution: Suffering from Migraines often feels like being in a twisted game of hide-and-seek with light, where you desperately seek refuge in darkness. But what if, just what if, we turned the tables? You know that feeling when you find the perfect lighting ambiance? Well, dimmers were made for that! Install these wondrous devices in your home, transforming the flip of a switch into Migraine magic. From a cosy candlelit dinner to movie night with just the right level of brightness, you'll be calling the shots, Migraine be damned!
The Shades of Shade: Enter your new Migraine-fighting superhero: sunglasses! We're not talking about the fancy, runway-ready ones. We mean the sunglasses you whip out on a gloomy day. Slip them on indoors, and voila! You’l get instant coolness and relief from relentless luminosity. Bonus points for looking enigmatic and mysterious—take that, Migraine!
5-HTP: This amino acid can aid boost serotonin levels and lower severity and frequency of discomfort. One research revealed that supplementing with 5-HTP daily for 6 months decreased migraines in 71% of participants.
Feverfew: The magical herb that gives Migraines a sucker punch! You know its secret weapon? Parthenolides, a badass biochemical that goes all ninja on those blood vessels, stopping them from going Hulk mode during Migraines. Hold on, as here comes science! The smarty pants at the School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Science in the U.K. did a fancy review comparing 6 studies. Turns out, Feverfew is a migraine-fighting champ! It kicks those headaches to the curb and doesn't even think about causing any safety mayhem. Bottom line: feverfew is the migraine's worst nightmare, and it comes with a safety guarantee. Take that, migraines!
Essential Oils - The Swiss Army Knives of Natural Remedies
Not only can Essential Oils make your house smell like a spa, but they can also kick your Migraines to the curb. These little powerhouses are like the superheroes of the plant world, tackling pain, stress, inflammation, and more with ease. When it comes to headaches, essential oils are your trusty sidekicks. Simply dab a few drops on your forehead, neck, or anywhere else that's feeling the tension, and let the magic happen. You can even take it up a notch by applying them to a heated towel, because who needs a superhero cape when you've got a warm, oil-infused towel? Let’s explore the most effective essential oils…
Peppermint Oil: The head honcho when it comes to headache relief. It's like a cool breeze on a scorching summer day, soothing your pain and inflammation like nobody's business. Plus, it gets those blood vessels pumping bringing more oxygen to your brain and making you feel as fresh as a daisy.
Lavender Oil: The Zen master of the essential oil world. It's got anxiety-busting superpowers, ensuring that you'll be chilling like a cucumber in no time. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a good night's sleep, thanks to lavender's sedative and antidepressant qualities.
Eucalyptus Oil: This one provides a burst of invigorating energy, giving your blood flow a much-needed boost. It's like a traffic cop for your veins, clearing out all those nasty toxins and reducing high blood pressure. Oh, and did we mention it's an ace at wiping out pain too? It's basically a multitasking warrior.
Frankincense Oil: This may sound like something straight out of a fairy-tale, but its benefits are very real. Not only does it bring down inflammation, but it's also a pro at balancing your immune system, hormones, and even your anxiety levels. It's like a rock-star that can do it all.
Rosemary Oil: This herbaceous oil knows a thing or two about pain relief and blood flow regulation. Need to kick that caffeine habit? Rosemary's got your back. Upset stomach? Rosemary will make it chill. It's like your wise grandma in oil form, ready to calm your body and mind.
So, the next time a headache tries to ruin your day, reach for the essential oils. They'll unleash their natural superpowers and save the day, leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to conquer the world.
Foods that Migraine Sufferers Should Avoid
Tired of those pounding Migraines ruining your day? Well, here's some food for thought: a whopping 40% of those headaches could be avoided if people just stopped chowing down on junk and paid attention to their diets. Turns out, that greasy burger and side of fries might taste like heaven, but it's the fast track to Migraine hell. Let me break it down for you, my fellow Migraine sufferers. Say goodbye to added sugar and refined grains, those sneaky little villains hiding in your favourite sweet treats and processed foods. And don't even think about indulging in conventional dairy products or aged cheeses - they're just waiting to launch an assault on your poor, throbbing head.
But wait, there's more! Watch out for pickled or cured fish, gluten-laden pastries, and that oh-so-tempting glass of red wine. Oh, and let's not forget about the notorious caffeine gang - while a cup of joe might provide some relief, overdo it or skip it altogether and you'll be in for a world of hurt. Now, I hate to say it, but low-quality chocolate is also persona non grata. Blame it on that troublemaker called phenylethylamine, who loves nothing more than messing with your blood flow and triggering those skull-splitting headaches. And let's not even mention artificial food additives, sweeteners, and flavour enhancers, because they're like a Migraine's best friends - always ready to wreak havoc. And as if that wasn't enough, brace yourselves for the evil triumvirate of sodium, very cold foods, and nitrates found in processed meats. It's as if they formed a coalition solely dedicated to torturing your poor, defenceless noggin. Oh, and if you're a fan of Chinese takeout, beware of the MSG lurking in those fast food boxes. It's a sure-fire way to turn a craving into a pounding Migraine nightmare.
But hey, I wouldn't be a true advocate for Migraine relief if I didn't mention some dietary tips to help you kick those headaches to the curb. First off, forget about extreme dieting or skipping meals - your body deserves better than that. Stay hydrated, my friend, because dehydration is a one-way ticket to Migraineville. And when it comes to caffeine, find that sweet spot where a cup a day keeps the headaches at bay, but anything more or less will leave you regretting your choices. Last but not least, maintain those blood sugar levels by snacking on something balanced every few hours. Trust me, you don't want to mess with your blood sugar if you're diabetic - that's like throwing gasoline on the Migraine fire. So, there you have it, my fellow Migraine warriors. Take control of your diet, avoid those trigger foods, and get ready to bid adieu to those pesky headaches. Your head will thank you, and who knows, maybe even the universe will reward you with a blissful, Migraine-free existence.
“The sound of her laughter eased Clark’s migraine.” - Bruce Crown, Chronic
