20 Effective Home Remedies for a Migraine

A migraine can be described as a throbbing headache recurrent in which only one side of the head gets affected. This pain is often accompanied by disturbed vision and nausea. The reason for getting this pain is due to abnormal brain activity, and it gets triggered in different people for different reasons. The chain of events differs for each person for migraine attacks. Migraine attacks can be seen in children as young as 10 yrs. A migraine can be triggered by simple foods like chocolate, dairy foods, taste enhancers, fruits, meat etc. They are seen to be hereditary. These headaches are often painful and can last for hours. In this article, we will share effective home remedies for migraine headaches.

How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches Naturally?

Different people respond differently to treatments. Some people experience migraine attacks rarely and need very little or no treatment at all. Others may suffer a prolonged migraine attack that would require medical supervision. Although there are many medications available to combat a migraine, there are several home remedies for migraine headaches that you can try. This article offers you tips on how to cure a migraine at home.

1. Put Ice Packs

Apply an ice pack on scalp, forehead or neck to get relief from migraine pain. The ice pack helps in reducing the blood flow thereby bringing in some relief from the attack. In case the ice pack is not readily available you can also use frozen gel or any cloth dipped in cold water as an alternative to the ice pack.

2. Caffeine

It is an ingredient available in coffee and some other foods as well. It may give you relief from your migraine attack. Consuming caffeine in moderation is ok, but if taken in excess, it can cause fatigue or increase the chances of more headaches.

3. Silence and no Exposure to Light

A migraine attack can get worse with lights and sounds. Try taking some time off and resting in a room. The silence can work wonders for your headache and aid in speedy recovery.

4. Regular Exercises

A regular workout helps in preventing recurrent migraine attacks. When you exercise regularly, your body will release endorphins which will help in fighting pains. A daily work out also helps you sleep better and keeps your stress levels under control.

5. Intake of Magnesium

This mineral is usually found in abundance in dark green vegetables, nuts and whole grains. It is known to have properties that can reduce migraines and alleviate your pain.

6. Get a Good Sleep

One of the best home remedies for migraine pain is a good night’s sleep. A healthy sleeping pattern is a key to reducing your migraine attacks.

7. Practise Yoga

Some people complain of getting headaches if they exercise. Yoga, with its smooth and slow movements, is very useful in preventing migraine attacks. They are also an excellent alternative to exercises.

8. Vitamin B2

One of the home remedies for migraine pain relief includes the consumption of food rich in Vitamin B2. This vitamin is found mainly in fishes, cheese, dairy and chicken.

9. Knowing your Triggers

A migraine, most of the time, is caused by certain events or foods. Make a chart to understand what triggers your migraine and avoid it.

10. Use of Butterbur

This plant has been known to provide relief from migraines for ages. It reduces the intensity and number of migraine attacks.

11. Peppermint

Peppermint soothes the nerves and aids in improving circulation. Drinking mint tea can ward off pains stemming from a migraine attack.

12. Willow Bark 

Willow bark contains the compound salicin that reduces pain. It is also known as the natural aspirin. A tea of willow bark works like magic for your persistent migraine pain.

13. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the best-known home remedies for migraine headaches in adults. It can help in increasing the blood flow to the tissues. A regular treatment plan will undoubtedly make a difference to the migraine attacks and pain.

14. Massage

A head massage will improve circulation and is very relaxing. Regular massages are seen to reduce the chances of occurrence of migraines.

15. Consult a Chiropractor

Sometimes migraines stem from alignment issues also. Talk with your chiropractor can help you determine the root cause of your migraine attacks. This will help you in reducing the frequency and intensity of the attacks.

16. Feverfew

Feverfew herb finds its use in treating headaches and migraines since ages. You can drink a cup of tea made from this herb when you can feel a headache coming on.

17. Hot Showers

Hot showers are soothing and can be very relaxing especially when you have a migraine attack. Try applying an ice pack below your neck while you are taking a shower. The hot and cold combination is beneficial in relieving pain from migraine attacks.

18. Cherries

Yummy to eat, they are also helpful in combating migraine pains. Cherries contain quercetin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

19. Step Outside

Sometimes a whiff of fresh air works as the best remedy for migraine attacks. A few minutes spent outside can have a refreshing effect on yourself and help in reducing your migraine pain.

20. Acupressure

It is believed that pinching the spot between your thumb and the index finger can help alleviate migraine pain.

FAQs

Here are answers to some FAQs about a migraine:

1. How to Cure a Menstrual Migraine at Home? 

The primary trigger for a migraine during menstruation is hormonal changes that happen in the body. It is because the estrogen levels take a sharp dip during periods leaving you with a debilitating headache. Home remedies for a menstrual migraine include light exercising and meditations. You can even try using birth control pills as they prevent a sudden drop in your estrogen levels during periods. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also helps in preventing migraine attacks during menstruation.

2. How to Treat Migraine Pain during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Naturally? 

Several remedies can help you with your migraine attacks when you are pregnant or nursing. Home remedies for a migraine headache during pregnancy can be to comfort yourself in a dark room or take a nap. Lying down for a little while can help in reducing the pain. Apply a cold pack on your neck or head to restrict the flow of blood. Practice yoga and relaxation exercises that focus on taking pressure off your back, head and neck. Stress and dehydration can sometimes cause migraine attacks when you are expecting or breastfeeding. The best home remedies for migraines while breastfeeding include maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle to keep the migraine attacks at bay.

Migraines are a nightmare and can throw you off the track when they strike. Maintaining a diary and noting down the triggers can help you in managing your migraine attacks better. A healthy lifestyle certainly helps in reducing the number of migraine attacks and its intensity.

Also Read:

Natural Remedies for Headaches in Women
Causes for Post Workout Headache and its Prevention