Migraines are severe, recurring, and painful headaches that can last for hours or even days. Sometimes they can be accompanied by sensory warning signs and other symptoms like distorted vision or temporary loss of vision.

With one exception: Healthy behaviors and straightforward treatments can occasionally prevent migraines from the beginning. Migraines induce pain that is as real as the anguish associated with accidents.

According to Statistics Canada, migraines have been diagnosed in about 8% of Canadians, a quarter or more of whom say their severe headaches impact day-to-day life such as getting a good night’s sleep or driving.

A migraine episode isn’t like other headaches. You might feel queasy, in excruciating pain, and sensitive to light and sound. When you experience a migraine attack or episode, you’ll try virtually anything to get rid of it.

Drug-free techniques for treating migraine symptoms include natural treatments. These at-home remedies could aid in delaying the start of migraine attacks or at least lessen their intensity and length.

Read on as we examine 12 all-natural treatments that could assist you in controlling migraine symptoms.

Please take note that migraine attacks may necessitate the use of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Discuss a treatment strategy that works for you with a doctor.

Natural Remedies for Migraines

1. Try Not to Consume Certain Foods

Many foods and beverages are known migraine triggers, such as:

• Foods with nitrate (i.e. Hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, and sausage)
• Chocolate
• Cheese containing tyramine (i.e. Blue, feta, cheddar, parmesan, and swiss)
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Foods containing monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG (i.e. Instant noodles, soups and crackers)
• Foods that are very cold (i.e. Ice cream and iced drinks)
• Processed foods (i.e. canned foods, packaged meats, and pasteurized milk)
• Pickled foods
• Beans
• Dried fruits
• Cultured dairy products (i.e. Buttermilk, sour cream, and yogurt)

A small amount of caffeine may ease migraine pain in some people. However, too much caffeine may worse a migraine and lead to severe caffeine withdrawal headaches.

Pro tip: keep a journal of everything you eat and how you feel afterwards.

2. Apply lavender oil

Lavender essential oil inhalation may reduce migraine discomfort. You can apply lavender oil in little amounts to your temples or breathe in the oil straight after diluting it with a carrier oil.

According to a 2012 clinical study, people who inhaled lavender oil during a migraine attack for 15 minutes experienced faster relief than those who inhaled a placebo. Lavender oil can also be applied externally to the temple.

But lavender oil can do much more than relief headache pains. Researchers in a 2015 study found that lavender essential oil can be used to help treat pain and any problems associated with inflammation. The study concluded that lavender, when applied topically, provided pain relief comparable to that of tramadol, a prescription medication. 

3. Acupressure

Acupressure is the practice of sending signals to the body through pressure with the fingers and hands to relieve pain and other symptoms. According to a 2014 systematic review, acupressure is a credible alternative therapy for people suffering from chronic headaches and other similar conditions. A separate study found acupressure may help relieve migraine-associated nausea.

With acupuncture, very small needles are injected into specific points on your skin to promote relief from a wide range of medical ailments.

According to a 2020 randomized controlled study, manual acupuncture with 20 sessions was superior to sham acupuncture with usual care in avoiding migraines in patients with a history of episodic migraine without aura. In a procedure known as sham acupuncture, the needles are not put as deeply.

Other symptoms that acupressure alleviates include:

• Cancer-related fatigue
• Menstrual cramps
• Motion sickness
• Muscle tension and pain
• Nausea or vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
• Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy 
• Stress pains
  

4. Apply Feverfew Topically

Feverfew is a flowering herb that looks like a daisy. It’s an old folk remedy for migraines. In modern times, it is believed that a substance in feverfew called parthenolide may help prevent migraines by reducing inflammation or stopping the aggregation of platelets. However, according to a 2012 and 2016 review, there’s not enough evidence to recommend feverfew for migraine prevention. Still, many people claim it helps their migraine symptoms.

Feverfew is available as fluid extracts or tinctures, for topical application. 

As feverfew is similar to aspirin and ibruprofen, it is probably best not to take both at the same time. Side effects reported include nausea, anxiety and insomnia. In serious cases, users have reported mouth ulcers and minor skin irritations after ingesting feverfew.

5. Apply Peppermint Oil

Although there is little study, the menthol component in peppermint oil may help prevent migraine attacks.

Although there has been little research on peppermint leaves, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that there is some evidence that topical peppermint oil may help with tension headaches.

According to a study in 2010, the menthol in peppermint oil may prevent or reduce the symptoms of migraines. The study found that applying a menthol solution to the forehead and temples was more effective than placebo for migraine-associated pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.

6. Use Ginger

Ginger is known for easing nausea caused by many conditions including migraines. It may also have other migraine benefits. According to research, ginger powder decreased migraine severity and duration. Findings also suggest that ginger’s effectiveness is statistically comparable to the prescription drug sumatriptan, and with a better side effect profile.

7. Sign up for yoga

Yoga employs physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall wellness. The frequency, length, and severity of migraine attacks may be reduced by yoga. It is believed to reduce anxiety, relax tension in places that provoke migraines, and enhance vascular health.

Yoga is a physical meditation practice that many use to manage pain naturally. Research shows it may relieve the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines. Although more studies have to be conducted, yoga is thought to improve anxiety, release tension in migraine-trigger areas, and improve vascular health.

Studies have also shown that practicing yoga may also relieve pain related to stress or anxiety. For example, a 2013 study found that yoga may improve lower back pain. 

8. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a relaxation method. It teaches you to control bodily reactions to stress such as muscle tensing. During biofeedback, you’re connected to electrical sensors that help you receive information about your body.

This feedback helps you make subtle changes in your body, such as reducing migraines triggered by your body’s physical reactions to stress.

9. Introduce Magnesium to Your Diet

Headaches and migraines are associated with magnesium shortage. Supplementing with magnesium oxide may help avoid migraines with aura. Additionally, it may stop menstrual migraines (hormone headaches).

Magnesium deficiency is linked to the cortical spreading of depression (the physical mechanism of migraine in the brain), cause blood vessels to constrict, affect serotonin (a key molecule related to Migraine), and influence a variety of neurotransmitters. Studies show magnesium oxide supplements help prevent migraines, including menstrual-related migraines.

You can get magnesium from foods that include:

• Almonds
• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Brazil nuts
• Cashews
• Peanut butter
• Oatmeal
• Eggs
• Milk
  

10. Book a Massage

Massage may reduce migraine frequency. Migraine is associated with low serotonin in the brain, and massage has been shown to increase serotonin. There’s limited evidence to support the use of massage for migraine relief, but it’s generally safe and has a low risk of side effects.

In general, massage therapy increases endorphins and stimulates the Para-Sympathetic Nervous system, therefore promoting relaxation. A massage can also increase blood flow in areas that might be ischemic (lacking blood flow) and therefore help relieve migraine pains.

In multiple studies, massage therapy was shown to decrease the frequency and the duration of migraines. Studies have also shown that massage therapy can help decrease pain in the neck area by relaxing areas that contain hyper-irritable tissue that are very tender.

11. Drink More Water

One of the main causes of migraines in humans is dehydration. Make sure to consume lots of water throughout the day, especially when exercising, to avoid dehydration. You might need to consume more water than usual on hot days.

12. Get Better Sleep

High migraine frequency is directly associated with poor sleep quality. You can improve your sleep by going to bed at the same time every night, abstaining from coffee in the afternoon, and avoiding stimulating activities right before bed.

Conclusion

If you suffer from migraines, you are aware of how difficult the symptoms can be. You could be unable to engage in activities you enjoy or miss work. But the solutions listed above might offer some solace.

It’s crucial to consult a doctor if your migraine attacks or episodes don’t improve after trying home cures. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or affect your everyday life, see a doctor.

Disclaimer: This information is presented for educational purposes only. Information shared here should not be misconstrued as medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any dietary program. Canada Kratom Express distributes/sells raw kratom powder for ethnobotanical and research use only. All purchases are governed by our terms and conditions. Canada kratom express makes no warranties, express or implied, that the information contained in these materials will meet your needs.