Migraine headaches affect 30 million Americans every year. Three out of four of them are women. One of the reasons may have to do with the woman’s menstrual cycle but other triggers can include alcohol, stress, weather changes, foods, and lack of sleep. However, there are many remedies you can try at home to help relieve your headache and the best part is that they are not gender specific.
WATER CONSUMPTION
Dehydration can be a big cause of headaches. Water is important for all bodily functions. Since our bodies are about 70 percent water, it is important to be sure to get enough water in the system.
DRINK CAFFEINE
Caffeine is a double-edged sword. It can hinder or help headaches. Because it restricts blood vessels, it could help relieve headaches. But be aware that in some people, overuse of caffeine can cause a rebound headache and worsen symptoms in an existing one. You would need to try it to see if this would work for your migraine.
TIE A HEADBAND AROUND YOUR HEAD
This is an ancient practice and there is no evidence on how it came to be practiced, but some people claim it really works.
FISH OIL
People who use this claim that the fish oil reduces inflammation and works by restricting blood vessels in the temples. Although there is no sound evidence for this, you can try and see if it works for you.
PEPPERMINT OIL
Rub it on the part of your head that hurts. People say that it works.
EAT GINGER OR TAKE GINGER CAPSULES
No one knows how this really works, but it helps reduce nausea. Try it and see.
MAGNESIUM
This remedy has been studied and when taken from 400 to 600 milligrams every day, magnesium has been shown very effective for menstrual-associated migraines and migraines with aura. However, too much magnesium may cause diarrhea, so try to balance it out.
VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)
Vitamin B2 can be a migraine preventive if taken in sufficient amounts, such as doses of 400 milligrams a day. This vitamin can make some people urinate more frequently or have darker urine so the dose sometimes has to be adjusted.
COENZYMEQ10
Taking 300 milligrams of CoenzymeQ10 has been proven effective in reducing head pain. The only down side of this is that it can be expensive.
BUTTERBUR
This is considered one of the best “natural medicines”. It is also called petasites. Butterbur is a plant that is grown in Germany. Extensive studies have been done on butterbur. Taken in pill form, this substance is very effective in treating migraine headache and asthma, as well as alleviating upset stomachs.
COLD OR HOT COMPRESS
This is another remedy that some people use and say that it really works. There is no evidence to support why this should work. Maybe it provides a placebo affect or maybe it takes the focus off the pain for the patient. Whatever it does, some people swear by it.
You can try one of these remedies or all of them. However, do keep a migraine diary to document which remedies work for you. This will help you and your doctor in the future.
Tags: Feverfew, Ginger, Magnesium Citrate, natural migraine treatment, Niacin, Riboflavin, Valerian, Vitamin B2
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