Migraines are an extremely painful and debilitating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. It can be difficult to cope with the intense symptoms that come along with a migraine, such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and throbbing headaches. This can be both physically and emotionally draining, leaving you exhausted and in pain.
Although there is neither a cure nor a one-size-fits-all remedy for migraines, several natural remedies have been found to help reduce the symptoms associated with migraine attacks and potentially even prevent future migraines. In this article, we will explore these natural remedies and discuss how they can help to cope with migraine symptoms effectively.
Ginger
Ginger is a well-known herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including nausea, indigestion, and pain. It is also thought to be effective in treating migraines due to its anti-inflammatory properties. A 2020 review of studies showed that one randomized controlled study found evidence that ginger may have beneficial activity.
If you want to try ginger to help reduce your migraine symptoms, you can take it in capsules, powder form, or tea. It’s also available in many supermarkets as fresh ginger root that you can use to make your own ginger tea at home.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a herb that has long been used as a folk remedy for migraines and other headaches. A 2015 review of studies on feverfew for preventing migraines notes that one study found 0.6 fewer migraine days per month in people who took feverfew versus a placebo.
Feverfew is available in capsules, tablets, and tinctures. It can also be found fresh in some supermarkets. To use feverfew fresh, simply chew on a few leaves or add them to a salad or other dish or low-heat dried leaf as a tonic for headache and migraine relief.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a natural remedy that is derived from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is thought to work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate pain and inflammation.
You can find CBD in capsules, tinctures, and oils. You can also go the extra mile and explore other cannabis derivatives, such as 3Chi Delta 8 cartridges for vaping or CBD-based topicals, which can be applied directly to the skin – for instance, to your temples to provide targeted pain relief.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that’s essential for good health. It’s involved in several biochemical reactions in the body and plays a role in many different processes, including energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.
Magnesium deficiency is thought to be a common trigger for migraines. If you think you may be deficient in magnesium, it may be helpful to try taking a magnesium supplement. Magnesium is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
Stress Management
Stress is a common trigger for migraines. If you find that your migraines are often brought on by stress, it may be helpful to try some stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. In addition, you can try massage therapy – a popular treatment for various conditions, including migraines, that relaxes muscles, reduces stress, and improves blood flow.
Alternatively, you can look into acupuncture. It’s an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves placing needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain – endorphins, also known as natural painkillers – to reduce pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture should be performed by a trained professional. You can find a qualified practitioner in your area if you’re interested in trying acupuncture for your migraines.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a therapy that helps you control your body’s involuntary functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It’s often used to treat conditions like migraines, tension headaches, and stress.
During biofeedback sessions, sensors are placed on your body to measure your heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. This information is then displayed on a monitor to see how your body responds to stressors. The aim is to help you to identify when you’re feeling stressed so you can learn to control your body’s response and reduce the symptoms of conditions like migraines.
If you’re interested in trying biofeedback for your migraines, you should find a qualified practitioner in your area.
Dietary Changes
There are several dietary changes that have been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of migraines, including:
- Eliminating trigger foods. Keeping a food diary can help you to identify which foods trigger your migraines. Common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, aged cheeses, processed meats, and chocolate. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can eliminate them from your diet or limit your intake to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.
- Increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods. As you already know, magnesium deficiency is thought to be a common trigger for migraines, so increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods may help to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. Good sources of magnesium include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fish.
- Increasing your intake of water. Dehydration is a common trigger for migraines. If you find that your migraines are often brought on by dehydration, it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. The recommended daily intake of water is eight glasses per day.
Making these dietary changes can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.
Conclusion
Migraines can be an extremely painful and debilitating condition. Although there is no cure for migraines, there are several natural remedies that have been found to help reduce the symptoms associated with migraines and reduce the possibility of them occurring again.
These include stress management, biofeedback, herbal supplements, essential oils, magnesium supplements, and dietary changes. If you’re interested in trying any of these for your migraines, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider first to ensure they’re safe for you to use.
