Those who suffer from migraine headaches are apt to take the drugs offered by their physician in the hopes of relief from the various symptoms associated with their migraines. However, much of the medicine for migraines comes with side effects. Many people don’t want the side effects from medications and so opt for natural relief. Fortunately, there are some very helpful natural remedies to help when migraines hit. Some are herbs, some are vitamins, and some are just plain sensible tips.
Feverfew is one of the oldest herbal remedies for migraines. This plant can be used in many forms, including steeped in tea or even eaten raw. It contains a powerful chemical called parthenolide, which has been linked to warding off migraines. However, science still does not know how it works. In one study, 70 percent of people who chewed a couple of feverfew leafs each day saw their symptoms improve and experienced fewer migraines. Since this herb does have possible side-effects of its own for certain people who have plant allergies or are on certain medications, always check with your doctor before beginning a regimen including feverfew.
Butterbur
Unlike feverfew, butterbur is toxic in any form except as a processed supplement. On the other hand, its headache-preventing properties are equally impressive. The chemicals in butterbur are thought to relieve spasms and decrease inflammation, which can cause headaches.
Although it has been researched mainly as a preventive treatment, butterbur may also relieve a present migraine if taken early on into the migraine cycle. A small study found that patients who took 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily had 48 percent fewer migraines, compared to a 26 percent decrease experienced by people given only a placebo.
Riboflavin
This B vitamin is found naturally in foods like milk, meat, nuts and green veggies. It was linked to migraine prevention in a small study, but in a very high dose such as would be given by a doctor. Also, Riboflavin (and an enzyme that acts similarly called CoQ10) is involved in producing energy inside the cells of the body. Therefore, it is best to take the supplement in the morning so as not to prevent sleep at night.
Magnesium
Research has confirmed that people with migraines and cluster headaches are often deficient in magnesium. One small study found daily magnesium supplements reduced migraine frequency by nearly 42 percent, compared to only about 16 percent in people given a placebo pill. Of course people have trouble absorbing magnesium, which can lead to the unpleasant side effect of diarrhea. But overall it’s considered safe in 200 milligram daily doses.
Omega 3’s
A goodly amount of Omega 3’s in your diet can fight inflammation, which is a likely culprit in many headaches and possibly some migraines. Doctors recommend flax seeds but fish, like salmon, and fish oil supplements may also help. There are so many other benefits of omega 3s, even if it doesn’t help your headaches, there’s no reason not to try it.
Sniff Some Peppermint
Peppermint has always been associated with good digestion, as in deed, it does aid digestion. But now, it in particular seems to have pain-reducing effects but it’s very individual and may not work for everyone. It also masks less pleasant smells and helps in that way.
This spice is popular for being friendly to upset stomachs, and it can ease migraine-related nausea, too. It may also ease pain thanks to some anti-inflammatory properties. Just be sure you’re getting the real thing. Ginger-ale or ginger snaps are not the real McCoy.
Massage
Similar to a head rub, a whole body massage can help with migraines. Part of that is likely due to the stress relief, as tension is a known headache trigger. One study has shown that participants with migraines who engaged in massage therapy once a week for six weeks had fewer migraines than those participants who did not.
Drink Plenty of Water
Plenty of headaches are triggered by dehydration. In fact, if those who suffer from migraines will quickly drink a few glasses of water when they feel a migraine coming on, they can actually stop the migraine in its tracks. The key is to catch it early. Not a huge water fan? There are plenty of ways to snazz up a glass or trick yourself into sipping more throughout the day. Use a lemon or lime and a little honey or natural sweetener to make lemonade or add a little fruit juice to liven it up. Also, you can make an iced herb tea to help those taste buds.
Tags: alterantive natural treatment, herbal, migraine headaches, migraine treatment, nautral migraine treatment, supplements, vitamins
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