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Home Remedies Index
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Natural Home Remedies for Migraine
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Home Remedies for Migraine.
Migraine can be defined as a paroxysmal ailment,
accompanied by a severe headache, generally on one side
of the head, and associated with disorders of the
digestion, the liver, and the vision. It usually occurs when
a person is under great mental tension or has suddenly
got over that stale.
Persons who suffer from this disease have a particular
type of personality. They are intelligent, sensitive, rigid,
and methodical, and tend to be perfectionists. A migraine
comes on suddenly. The head and neck muscles, reacting
from continuous stress, become overworked. The tight
muscles squeeze the arteries and reduce the blood flow.
Then, when the person relaxes suddenly, the constricted
muscles expand, stretching the blood vessel walls.
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With each heart beat, the blood pushes through these vessels and expands them further, causing intense pain.
There is a definite pattern of a migraine. The pain is on only one side of the head and often radiates from the
eye. The right side of the head may be affected in one attack and the next time, the concentration of pain may
be on the left side. Migraine attacks are usually preceded by a short period of depression, irritability, and loss of
appetite. Some persons get attacks daily; others, every month or every two or three months; and still others,
only once or twice in several years.
The main symptoms of migraine are a pounding pain, nausea, and vomiting. The blood vessels on the affected
side of the head* become prominent and pulsating. A migraine gives a fair warning before striking. The patient
sees flashes of light or black spots 1 or only parts of the objects in front of him. He may also feel numbness or
weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face. Sometimes the numbness may affect both sides of the
face, tongue, and the entire mouth, making the speech slurred and difficult As the headache develops, disturbed
digestion becomes a marked feature.
Migraine may result from a variety of causes such as low blood sugar, allergy, infection, excessive intake of
certain drugs, a weak constitution, low energy, nutritional deficiency, consistent overwork, improper sleep and
rest, excessive smoking, drinking, and sexual indulgence. Menstruation in women is also one of the important
causes of migraine. This form of migraine usually abates after menopause.
Herbs for Migraine
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a pretty, daisy-like herb that has been proven to reduce the number and
severity of migraine attacks when taken regularly. The leaves of feverfew contain an active ingredient called
parthenolide, which inhibits the production of substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation.
Feverfew is easy to grow, and migraine sufferers have reported relief from eating two of the fresh leaves daily.
Feverfew is extremely bitter and can cause mouth or tongue irritation. To avoid this problem, try eating the
leaves wrapped in a piece of fresh bread. You can also buy feverfew capsules or extract standardized for the
active ingredient parthenolide. Take between one-quarter and onehalf milligrams of parthenolide daily for
migraine prevention, and up to two grams during an acute attack.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) also has potent anti-inflammatory properties and when eaten regularly can help to
prevent migraines. Ginger improves circulation, relaxes the blood vessels, and decreases the production of pain-
causing prostaglandins. Fresh ginger may be the most effective form of the herb for preventing migraines,
because the pungent oils in the raw herb have the most active properties. For migraine prevention, eat one-
quarter inch slice of fresh ginger root daily, either raw or lightly cooked. If you prefer using dried ginger, buy
good-quality powdered ginger and take 1,000 milligrams daily. In the event of a migraine, take 500 to 1,000
milligrams at the first sign and repeat every couple of hours up to six times a day as needed.
Grapes:
The juice of ripe grapes is an effective home remedy for a migraine. It is said that King Jamshed of Persia, who
was very fond of grapes, once stored the juice of grapes well packed in bottles and made it public that the
bottles contained strong poison, so as to prevent others from taking it. It so happened that the king's wife was
struck with migraine and having obtained no relief from any treatment, decided to end her life by taking this so-
called 'poison'. She took it several times in small doses and contrary to her expectations, it gave her great relief
instead of killing her.
Niacin:
Niacin has proved helpful in the treatment of migraine. Valuable sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat,
green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver, and fish. Vitamin B complex tablets containing
100 mg of niacin can be taken for the same purpose.
Lemon Crust:
The crusts of lemon have also been found beneficial in the treatment- of migraine. These crusts should be
pounded into a fine paste in a mortar. The paste should be applied as a plaster on the forehead. It will provide
great relief.
Vegetable Juices:
Carrot juice, in combination with spinach juice, or beet and cucumber juices, has been found beneficial in 'lie
treatment of migraine. In the first combination, 200 ml of spinach juice may be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice
to prepare 500 ml or half a liter of the combined juices. In the second combination, 100 ml each of beet and
cucumber juices may be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice.
Hydrotherapy for Migraine
Hydrotherapy combined with Aroma Therapy if often effective for migraine. Soaking your hands in hot water at
the first sign of a migraine helps to regulate circulation and can avert a fullblown migraine episode. Adding an
essential oil such as marjoram or lavender to the hand bath makes the treatment even more effective. Add 10
drops of either essential oil (or a combination of the two) to a basin of hot water. Relax, breathe deeply, and
soak your hands in the water for 15 minutes.
Aroma Therapy for Migraine
Fragrant essential oils help to relieve migraine by easing mental and physical tension. The following essential oils
are some of the most helpful for migraine.
Lavender is balancing for the body and mind and promotes relaxation. It relieves physical and mental stress and
engenders an overall sense of well-being. Lavender has a sweet, floral, herbaceous fragrance.
Marjoram has potent sedative properties and is especially helpful for migraine headaches. It has a sweet, spicy,
herbaceous scent.
Peppermint helps to relieve pain, is antispasmodic, and stimulates circulation. The pungent menthol scent has an
uplifting effect on the emotions and helps to clear the brain.
More about Aroma Therapy
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Migraine-Relief Formula
1 ounce feverfew extract
1/2 ounce chamomile extract
1/2 ounce ginger root extract
Combine extracts in a dark-glass bottle. Take 1/2 teaspoon in a small
amount of warm water 2 times a day to prevent migraines, and up to
every 2 hours at the onset of a migraine.
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Aroma Therapy Compress for Migraine
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops marjoram essential oil
2 cups cool water
Add essential oils to a basin of cool water. Soak two washcloths in the water, wring out, and apply
one to the forehead and one to the back of the neck. Lie down and rest for 30 minutes or longer.
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