Headache & Migraine

Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, and 3/4 of them are women. If you’ve ever had a migraine, you can completely understand how annoying it is. Similar to a severe headache, a migraine can make you feel nausea, flashes of light, sometimes even vomiting. A severe one can really drive you crazy. Fortunately, here are many simple ways you can try at home to get rid of a migraine or ease your pain if you are suffering from a migraine.

Causes of Migraine

Understanding the causes of a migraine may make it easier for you to find an appropriate cure. Common triggers for a migraine include:

• Alcohol
• Stress or tension
• Bright lights
• Weather changes
• Changes in lifestyle
• Food
• Lack of rest
• Allergies
• A cold or flu
• The menstrual cycle

Home remedies for Migraines

• Have a good rest. Working shifts or changes in sleep patterns can have a bad impact on the quality of sleep. Try to keep a regular sleep pattern and be sure to turn off the lights while you are sleeping, since bright lights may worsen the headache.

• Take a hot shower. Stay in the hot water as long as you can. This will allow the hot water to penetrate into your neck, thus relieving the pressure.
• Keep hydrated. Dehydration can be a big trigger for migraine-related symptoms. Drink a lot of hot water while you are having a migraine, you can add one teaspoon of honey for better results, and Chamomile Tea or Mint tea are wonderful options too.
• Keep a well-balanced diet. Don’t sip a meal, you can have regular small meals throughout the day or have 3 main meals on time.
• Eat red pepper. Capsaicin, the hot ingredient in red pepper, is an amazing painkiller in combating migraine symptoms. You can either add a little to your meal or buy cayenne pepper capsules in the stores.
• Eat chicken broth. If you are suffering from vomiting caused by a migraine, eat chicken broth, and you may feel better.
• Take caffeine. “Caffeine is a double-edged sword,” if you take too much, your headache may even become worse, but a little bit of it can serve as a painkiller.  Besides, researches have shown that aspirin and ibuprofen will become more effective when combined with caffeine. So next time when you are taking aspirin or ibuprofen, wash it down with a cup of coffee instead of a glass of water.

• Ginger. Ginger is a good natural remedy for a migraine too. It can effectively relieve migraine-related nausea with the anti-inflammatory ingredients it contains.
• Apply cold or hot compress. Apply an ice pack on your head to have a cold compress. Or you can soak your towel with hot water and then apply a hot compress. Both of them will help to ease your pain and make you feel comfortable. Close your eyes and relax while doing it.
• Rub your temple. Although there is no scientific research to support this method, it really works and makes people feel better by gently rubbing the temple. You can also have a massage to give your body a throughout relax.
• Use peppermint oil. Rub a little peppermint oil on your temple or anywhere of your head that hurts, and then you will have a very cool feeling.
• Eat fish oil. It is worth trying to have a dose of fish oil supplements, since studies suggest that healthy fats are effective in fighting inflammation, which is a possible trigger for headaches or migraines.
• Use herbs. Feverfew is one of the oldest herbal cures for a migraine. It contains parthenolide, a powerful chemical which can treat migraines. Another one is butterbur, although it is toxic in any form but the processed supplement, the anti-migraine effect is very impressive.
• Take vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). Vitamin B2 can also works as a home remedy for migraines. It is better to take vitamin B2 in the morning, so that it won’t disrupt your sleeping.