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When suffering from a migraine, people can experience throbbing head pain, along with nausea, vomiting and an increased sensitivity to light and sound. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of migraines according to the Mayo Clinic. Individuals are frequently able to recognize their particular triggers, which can include things like hormone and weather fluctuations, as well as stress and glare from the sun.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, there are 36 million Americans affected by this condition. Also in America, one out of four households has a member who is afflicted with migraines, so whether it’s you or someone you love, there are many home remedies available to help prevent migraines and calm the pain during an episode.
9 Natural Ways You Can Cure a Migraine:
1.) Honey
To prevent migraine attacks, The Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy (FACT) recommends, to consume two teaspoons of raw honey at mealtimes as well as at the first sign of a migraine attack, as honey can also help with migraine symptoms. It’s a fast and effective treatment because it absorbs directly into the bloodstream instead of needing to be digested. Honey also helps those suffering with nausea during a migraine attach because it soothes the stomach.
2.) Olive Oil
A study was done on adolescents by the Divisions of Adolescent Medicine in Providence, RI., which found that olive or fish oil can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of their recurring migraines. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, olive and fish oil both contain long chains of omega-1 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to health hormone levels, proper blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls and inflammation, which is why the oils work so well for migraines.
3.) Lavender Oil
Everyday Health recommends inhaling lavender vapors for relief of migraines. To help soothe a migraine, two drops of lavender oil in a pot of boiling water should do the trick. Inhalation of lavender essential oil for 15 minutes is a safe and effective treatment for migraines, according to a study in European Neurology. Reduction in anxiety, stabilization of moods, soothing muscle spasms and reducing hypertension are some of the benefits of lavender oil that help with migraines.
4.) Vicks VapoRub
Safety Mom blogger, Alison Jacobson, applies Vicks VapoRub to her temples and forehead during a migraine and says it works almost immediately to reduce the pain and pressure she experiences. The Department of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University tested this theory with a menthol gel similar to Vicks VapoRub, which reduced migraine pain within two hours. Peppermint essential oils also contain the calming effects of menthol. Mixing peppermint essential oil with water or coconut oil and applying it to the forehead and temples is a remedy that Lori, of the Health Extremist blog, uses, and claims it relieves migraine pain within 30 minutes to an hour.
5.) Peppermint Oil
Migraine headaches are caused by poor blood flow. According to Everyday Health, peppermint oil is not only soothing to your senses, but it actually has vaso-constricting and faso-dilating properties which help open and close the vessels to promote blood flow to help soothe your migraine fast.
6.) Stretch Your Neck
Stretching for 20 minutes, twice a day, can help keep a migraine from starting and can help with the pain once one has begun because tight muscles can contribute to the pain of migraines. A good exercise is to move your chin forward, upward and then toward each shoulder, holding each for five seconds, then releasing for five seconds, according to Health.com. Doing shoulder shrugs and neck isometrics, which are done by pushing your forehead and the sides of your head against your palm, can also be effective.
7.) Eat More Flax Seed
According to Migraine.com, ancient Egyptians used the superfood flax seed to treat constipation, hot flashes and breast pain, as well as high cholesterol and migraines. Flax seed can improve brain function and lower the risk of heart disease due to its high fiber and omega-3 essential fatty acid content. You may be able to decrease the frequency of your migraines by including flaxseeds in your diet. Mixing them into a smoothie, oatmeal or just plain water are great ways to include them, according to Wholesomeone.
8.) Peanut Butter & Ginger
Getting the proper balance of minerals is essential for those with migraines, and one interesting way to get some is through peanut butter and ginger, according to some holistic therapists. A paste of peanut butter and grated ginger, applied directly to the temples, gives the body direct access to magnesium and arginine, according to Peas Health. In a study by the University of Maryland Medical Center, low levels of magnesium were found in migraine sufferers. Also, arginine, a chemical precursor to nitric oxide, acts as a blood-vessel widening agent, according to Defy Medical. Combining magnesium and arginine could do the trick to help relieve a migraine.
9.) Banana Peel Cold Compress
An interesting way to treat migraines is wrapping a banana peed around some ice and using it as a potassium-rich cold compress. To dull the pain of a migraine, the Mayo Clinic mentions applying a cold compress to the head and neck. Peas Health builds on this idea by recommending the addition of a banana peel to the ice to absorb potassium directly through the skin.
Migraine sufferers are familiar with how debilitating they can be, and 113 million work days are lost every year because of migraines and other headaches, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. If you are affected by migraines, try out these remedies to get some much-needed relief.
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