NATURAL REMEDIES FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS

For migraine sufferers, any treatments that help with pain and other symptoms are readily accepted. However, many people with migraines are becoming more and more aware of all the side effects from migraine medicines. For one reason or another, there is a growing percentage of the migraine population that is seeking natural, side-effect free, migraine medicines and treatments. Here are some of the expert-approved ways to ease migraines.

FEVERFEW
One of the oldest herbal remedies for migraines, this plant can be used in many forms, included 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% of people who chewed a couple of feverfew leaves 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.
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. 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.

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.

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.

OMEGA 3’S
Yep, you heard it. A dose of these healthy little fats 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 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.

GINGER
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 deal.

RUB THE TEMPLES
While there is no real research on this method, a lot of people claim it works for them. Most people do tend to rub their heads during the throes of a migraine and a head rub does feel good. If it feels good and works for you, do it!

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.

MEDITATION
One way to reap the stress-reducing benefits for free is to practice the quiet art of meditation. There remains little concrete evidence that meditation in particular can ease the pain, but it is certainly a proven stress reliever.

KEEP HYDRATED
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.
There you have it. These are just some of the natural ways to help a migraine. There are others out there. You will need to experiment to see which ones work for you. Also always consult your doctor before beginning any supplements to check for interference with other medications or other medical conditions.

Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic care, herbal supplements, Massage Therapy, Migraine Support Formula, natural migraine treatment