Table of Contents
Migraine Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
2 YEA
[YEA] 02/11/2009: Leslie from Inverness, CA writes: "Feverfew, which is an herb has cured my migraines. You can either grow the stuff, chop it up (a tablespoon's worth) and add it to a cup of hot water to make a tea. Or you can buy it in the health food store in tincture form. Don't buy the dried because it doesn't work. Add a few drops of the tincture to a cup of hot water and drink up. You can drink the tea just a migraine is coming on or drink it as a preventative. It's a nice tasting, soothing tea."
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2 YEA
1 NAY
[YEA] 04/17/2008: Terry from Eugene, Oregon writes: "There is some great information here, but no one has addressed the possibilities of migraine due to non-food sources. My biggest triggers are environmental air quality factors. Things sure to trip my migraine activity is fragrances of all kinds (personal care items or cleaners, candles, incense, etc., scented fabric softeners are evil to me), chemical off-gassing and odors, cleanser odors, new materials off-gassing (new plastics, new leather, etc.), mold, pollens, animal dander, dustmites (big offender for me), dust, smoke of any kind, gas fumes, even unscented off-gassing from formaldehyde or welding fumes. New stereo or video components off-gas for months and will put me down so fast. New furniture will do the same. While I have specific food triggers, what is more vital is making sure my home environment is fragrance, chemical and as odor-free as possible."
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[YEA] 02/11/2008: Amith from Durban, South Africa writes: "I thinks it's silly telling people not eat certain foods. For each individual Migraine Attacks are different.
Here are the common TRIGGERS:
Foods and food additives - Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin), monosodium glutamate (MSG), citrus fruits, meats with nitrites, salt
Foods containing tyramines - Aged cheese, yogurt, sour cream, chicken livers, sausages, bananas, avocados, canned figs, raisins, peanuts, soy sauce, pickled fish, freshly baked breads, pork, vinegars, beans
Family history
Stress
Too much or too little sleep
Medications - Vasodilators (drugs that make blood vessels widen), oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
Smoking
Exposure to bright or fluorescent lighting
Strong odors - Perfumes, colognes, petroleum-based products
Hormonal changes -
Menstruation (common association), pregnancy, ovulation
Head trauma
Weather changes
Metabolic or infectious diseases
Physical exertion or fatigue
Motion sickness
Cold stimulus (eating ice cream)
YOU need to find your TRIGGER. Food is not mine but avoid MSG at all costs, Migraine or not. It's amazing how this screws up your body, yet it's everywhere.
I suffer from Sever Aura-Migraines, the worst kind. I figured out after 12 years it was a lack of sleep. Somehow my body requires at least 8 hours of sleep. If I get less sleep, I have to exercise much more than normal to avoid an attack.
The main problem is finding YOUR TRIGGER. I've never taken any pills for the headaches, But I'm very keen on trying some of the remedies here if I get an attack.
THE GOOD NEWS is the you won't suffer after 50. Migraines go away after 50 according to doctors.
Cool only 22 more years to go.I'm not sure I believe this unless I've heard it from a sufferer. Anyone care to add to this theory?"
[NAY] 05/19/2008: Dawn from London, Canada replies: "That's not true about people over 50 not getting migraines. my grandmother and aunt both still get migraines and they are both over 50."
05/29/2008: Pat from St. Louis, USA replies: "My head didn't get the message that I am not supposed to get migraines after 50! I am 64 and still get them."
06/23/2008: Danielle from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan replies: "Migraines: What ever you do, don't go on medication, that has done nothing but cause problems for me and i feel bad all the time. Since I went on preventatives, I have gotten more migraines then when i wasnt taking medication. I found feverfew worked for me for about a year, but that no longer works anymore. The worst thing is that I am sleep deprived and stressed out, but for working purposes I need to keep on going, anybody have any more things that are good for you to take, because I have always known what NOT to do, and the list is very long....Any suggestions??"
06/24/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi Danielle from Saskatoon, First question, have you been using aspartame (nutrisweet)? It is well known for causing all kinds of headaches, including migraines! If not go read ingredients in your kitchen foods and see how many of them contain aspartame or any hydrolyzed plant (corn, soy, etc) protein because this is a combination of both MSG and aspartame. Allergies can be the cause of migraines also. If you are blessed with allergies, pay attention to what you eat or drink before they start (usually from minutes after to l hour after ingested). Any diet food or drink is probably going to be loaded with both MSG and aspartame, so beware! I have also heard positive comments from people started on magnesium supplements saying their headaches decreased. Usually with headache reactions from food or drink, my nose starts itching first and then the headache starts. I think it's probably the red food coloring in Marachino cherries that gives me the problem because I can eat all kinds of fresh cherries without headaches."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/23/2007: Beverly from Willsboro, New York writes: "I have started taking garlic tablets EVERY DAY Because in the past I have had over the period of 2 yrs flashing bright lights, like lightening) in front of my eyes. Even when I put my head under a pillow I still saw them, and it was very scarey. I went to a nuerologist and had a cat scan of my brain, his conclusion was' he said I have the side effects of a migraine with out the headaches. Well, since taking one garlic tablet every day, I am very excited to say, that I have had NO problems for about 4 years. So of course I told the Doctor. He didn't say much,I guess he was skeptic."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/23/2008: Sarah from New Baltimore, Michigan writes: "My mother suffers from severe migraines. ... I looked to the Internet for help. I found that green or red grapes often help with migraines and since we had some in the refrigerator I decided to give them to my mother. She ate them and within thirty minutes her migraine was cured, with a tiny headache left."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 11/14/2006: Kim from Marlborough, MA writes: "Cider Vinegar did NOT cure my migraine. Did not even touch it. Several years ago I used to use this Chinese tea called 'Gunpowder'. After having a migraine, going to ER and they helped a little bit, and continuing the migraine for 11 days straight, I went to an Asian store and bought some Gunpowder tea. My migraine went away within 20 minutes. I think it might be a good idea for someone to post this information about Chinese Gunpowder tea. I also use it for any pain and it get's rid of the pain within 20 minutes, colds, same thing. Thank you very much."
[YEA] 10/21/2008: Lanet from Durham, NC replies: "Hello, after reading this post about 4mths ago I told my friend about the gunpowder tea. He just decided to try it out last week. He noticed a big difference in his migraine headaches and he is very pleased with the product. He normally takes imitrex and it seems as if some of the side affects are just as bad as the illness. Thanks for the information."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/28/2008: Carol from Pueblo, Colorado writes: "Response to Julie in Ohio looking for migraine headache relief....
This works almost immediately.....find nat.mur 30x and belladonna30x at health food store in homeopathic (about $4.00 each) take 5 each under tongue....works right away. Then find a traditional chinese medicine practioner licenced to help you resolve the underlying cause, if you want to. Recommend www.ITMonline.org"
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2 YEA
[YEA] 01/22/2006: Heidi from Phoenix, AZ writes: "Try using a frozen ice pack (the flexible kind for sports injuries works best), and place it at the base of the skull. The ice will reduce the swelling in the blood vessels which are causing the restriction of the blood flow and causing the migraine in the first place. It usually relieves my migraines within about 10-15 minutes."
[YEA] 07/14/2009: April from Savannah, GA replies: "Ice Pack Cured my Migraine
I'd had the worst migraine in years and it had already persisted for a day, and I had already taken the max of my prescription medication. My next step was to go to the ER when a coworker suggested the ice pack at the base of the skull. I placed several ice cubes in a Ziplock bag, placed it on the back of my neck, and lay in my bed again. I also took four more Tylenol and fell back asleep. When I awoke this time, the migraine was gone completely."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/09/2009: HV from Coeur d Alene, Idaho writes: "Migraines - Ice/hot neck wraps.
A massage instructor told me that when you have a migraine, the blood is entering the head faster than it is leaving. His solution is to keep a flexable neck wrap in the freezer or refrigerator. Have a very warm wrap ready - such as a sliglthly damp towel hot (but not too hot) from tap water or a microwave. To stop a migraine, wrap the cold wrap around the neck - make sure you get the front of the neck - for 30 seconds. Then apply the hot wrap for 30 seconds. This is to shock the veins open. Repeat as necessary. I don't get migraines anymore - thanks to the ACV - but I really would like feedback on this remedy.
Also for the same reasoning, if you donate blood, your migraine will go away almost instantly."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Jesse from Wilmington, Delaware writes: "one shot of elduris icelandic vodka.not a joke,really works,i suffer from severe migraines and 1 shot cures them within 20 minutes, just very difficult to find."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/12/2008: S.R.SHARMA from NEW DELHI, DELHI INDIA writes: "MIGRAINE: I HAD DAILY ONE HOUR DURATION ATTACK FOR 5 YEARS.
AN INDIAN PLANT (AAK) HAVING GREEN BIG LEAVES GIVES MILK LIKE SUBSTANCE. IN MORNING BEFORE 10-15 MINUTES OF SUNRISE, ITS SMALLEST PAIR OF LEAVES IMMEDIATELY AFTER PLUCKING TAKEN WITH WATER FOR THREE DAYS....AND MIGRAINE GONE. WHAT A MIRACLE HERB!"
EC: Aak's botanical name is Calotropis procera, correct?
Medical Abstract: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1526483
More information here: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/calotr09.html
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/25/2006: Sonia from Los Angeles writes: "Lavender oil cures migraines and headaches. I use essential lavender oil under my nose so I can smell and breath it in. The smell clears your nasal passages and it much easier to fall asleep. I also use an ice pack over whichever side of the forehead I have the migraine. I fall asleep easily and the headache subsides."
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LEMONS OR LIMES WITH SALT AND PEPPER
[YEA] 09/21/2006: Anj from London, UK writes: "Cut a lemon or /lime into halves or slices, sprinkle about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt and same amount of black pepper. roast/ oven bake/direct on gas fire/ barbecue/ cover it and microwave for 40 seconds, salt and pepper side on top till bubbly juice comes out. Let it cool down but don't let it go completely cold, it should be hot. Suck with the pulp direct from the lemon slices/halves as the peel has secreted some juices that you need. Same method can be used with sour oranges or tangerines.
This recipe came from my mum who used it on all her kids as natural alternative which would not give any side effect, to cure headaches, migraines, cough and colds, flu, as well as when someone feels sick as if they want to vomit. This is a ideal alternative medicine for diabetics and ideal for everyone as you don't have to go shopping, everything you'll have in your home when you have any of these problems. All of us brothers and sisters have been using this all these years, may be it might help someone who wants to try natural alternatives which would not give them any side effects especially if they are diabetics."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/06/2008: Giulietta from Xastiva, Spain writes: "Mostly when I am aware of a migraine starting, if I eat lettuce (the only type I haven't tried is iceberg) and move around in fresh air, it goes. Sometimes I wake up very early like 4 or 5 in the morning and if I get up, eat a lettuce, and move and dont go back to sleep I can usually keep it at bay- I might not always be 100% but I can manage the day if I also eat only raw food that day and a lettuce salad at lunch and supper. Also I have to sleep right next to a wide open window all the time. In stressful times or when travelling I find the only way to avoid migraines is to eat about 75% raw food.
Now the problem is how to get enough protein and grains and still avoid migraines- I am finding it very difficult and would appreciate advice."
07/25/2009: Mariah from Central, Kansas USA replies: "I just read your inquiry about additional nutrients for your raw food. I know I'm about a year too late - but perhaps trying to add in flax seed and wheat germ would assist in those missing nutrients! I hope this helps."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/22/2008: Trisha from Berkeley, California writes: "I have been suffering from Migraines all my life, honestly trying every 'cure' there is--prescription and holistic. It really comes down to a complete lifestyle change, but even then you cannot control all the chemicals in our daily environments. Anyways, last night I was at work and I started to come down with what felt like a PMS headache--one of those where you feel absolutely hopeless to fix because it is hormone related. I usually get these for about 3 days before my period and they clear up the minute I start bleeding. So last night when I told my coworkers that my head hurt, they--being Mexican--immediately offered up the remedy they grew up with: Half a lime with salt. I laughed at them thinking "Yeah right." but tried it anyways, and sure enough, after eating the whole thing and waiting a good 15 minutes, my headache was gone and I was fine the rest of the night and into this morning. It may have been a placebo effect, but it was so simple and there was no harm done. Couldn't hurt to try!
Also--use the netti pot to clear out your sinuses. Often times sinus headaches will disguise themselves as migraines. If the netti pot makes you feel better that's what you have."
07/22/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello to all who have menstrual problems and migraines, magnesium supplements have been known to decrease the frequency of migraine HA's as well as other discomforts (cramping) if that time of the month."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/30/2009: Carrie from Palmdale, CA writes: "magnesium cured my migraine. I took 400mg and within a half an hour it was gone!! Thanks to those who previously listed this as a cure. I will never take my prescription medication again."
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3 YEA
[YEA] 11/04/2008: ClaudineK from Owings Mills , MD writes: "Hi all. I love this site! I've had migraine attacks since i was 15. 30 years later I continue to suffer from them. They are most often triggered by the hormonal changes I have when getting my cycle. Symptoms began yesterday, sensitivity to light and nausea started and I realized one was coming. I have been drinking ACV daily for about 2 months now and although it has improved my overall health, it didn't stop my migraine from coming back. I did take 60 mg of zinc supplements and read that magnesium also helps. I didn't have any but did have Milk Of Magnesia so took a little bit of that. To my surprise my symptoms lessened significantly. By now i would be in a full blow episode but I am doing okay! As all migraine sufferers know, the constant pain can be truly debilitating I'm so relieved this seems to have worked!"
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[YEA] 04/27/2006: Darla from Los Angeles writes: "I had been suffering from daily severe headaches, usually on the left side of the head, and migraine symptoms, migraine headaches, most severe pain I have ever experienced. I was given many pain meds from doctor from naxopen (ibruprofen type pain killer) to tylenol w/ codeine # 3 and # 4, I was beginning to experience what is called a "rebound headache" from over use of pain meds (both prescribed and OTC), I read somewhere that magnesium helps relieve/prevent migraines. I began taking magnesium w/calcium supplements as well, and in less than 2 weeks, I began to feel much better. I am now headache-free/migraine-free about 90% of the time. I really recommend it to anyone who suffers from daily migraines/headaches, it has really improved my quality of life, hope it helps you too."
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[YEA] 11/25/2005: Marcia from Seminole, FL writes: "I have been a long time sufferer of migraines and last summer I started taking magnesium supplements. I have not had a migraine since July!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/11/2008: Lisa from Queens, NY writes: "My mother discovered this cure for migraines - my father has suffered from them and also others in our family. When I started having severe migraines often, I called her.
1 magnesium pill (200 mg)
1 calcium pill ("")
1 omega 3 pill (1000 mg)
1 flaxseed oil pill ("")
Take these daily for six weeks, then you will have no more migraines. You have to wait 6 wks before it goes into effect. I used to get severe migraines, vomiting, etc. up to 3x a week. It was intolerable. Now I get maybe one mild migraine (no vomiting) when I'm PMSing and if I'm tired.
My father takes 2 supplements/day, but I found 1/day was enough for me - I guess because I weigh less than he does."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/24/2008: Lisa from Brampton, Canada writes: "I have had horrible migraines weekly for the past 2 years, ever since I had my miscarriage. I was at my last resort when I tried a magnetic therapy pillow case, and unbelievably, I have not had a migraine, or headache even in the 3 1/2 weeks since I have been sleeping on it!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/04/2009: Andrea from Highlands Ranch, CO writes: "Marjoram tea relieved my migrain. I have suffered from migrains for over 20 years and have tried most medicines OTC and prescription out there. I know most of my triggers but sometimes one will sneak up on me anyway. I found a remedy online a few years back and now it's all I use. I steep 1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons of marjoram in a small 2 cup tea pot and drink it strait up. It doesn't taste the best but after one cup I find relief from the pain and the foggy head feeling. I buy mine in the spice aisle at the grocery store, some stores carry it cheap in a bag- that works too."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/24/2008: Donna from Sparta, GA writes: "I haven't tried any of these remedies posted, but I have tremendous migraine attacks the the best thing I have discovered for myself was to rub menthol-camphor ointment on my temples and forehead and put a small amount just under my nose and it begin the relieve the tension in my head and put me to sleep. If it begins to wear off repeat the process until it finally goes away."
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09/29/2009: Harmonious1 from Alamogordo, New Mexico writes: "Migraine and Herpes virus connected?
Hi Earth Clinic:
I just found out that there is a connection between some migraines and the herpes virus, which is a frequent visitor to so many of us.
I started taking low dose naltrexone and my herpes outbreaks gradually went away. My migraines became very infrequent and when they do come, they are changed, more manageable and tolerable. Still very painful. Now I have to avoid light and I vomit.
I had a hunch (maybe because of the changes) so I started searching online and found out that herpes can cause migraine, and something called herpes meningitis. Also herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal if not treated in time.
Here is a clip of some text I found:
Herpes Meningitis.
Herpes meningitis occurs in 4% to 8% of cases of primary genital HSV-2, and women are more likely to develop it than men are. Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, herpes meningitis is self-limited, lasting for only two to seven days. Neurologic consequences are rare, but recurrences have been reported.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes meningitis"&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g7
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes encephalitis"&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10
Anyway, my question is this: Should there be a page for this, so that it can be discussed, and those with migraines could learn that it exists? I searched the site and there is no connection anywhere that I could find between herpes and migraine.
Just a suggestion.
Thanks for this site. It is super!"
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06/30/2008: Tan Koon Peng from Singapore writes: "Dietary recommendations for migraines:
Supplement your diet with magnesium. Up to 50% of patients experiencing an acute migraine attack have lowered levels of ionized magnesium. Because of its safety profile, oral magnesium supplementation can be recommended to a majority of migraine sufferers. One study showed that migraine attack frequency was reduced by 41.6% in those who participated in regular magnesium supplementation.
Take 5-HTP in the morning. 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. Migraines are caused in part by low serotonin. When serotonin levels are low, blood vessels dilate. Therefore, increasing serotonin may be helpful in preventing migraine occurrences.3 * Supplement with CoQ10. In one particular key trial, 61.3% of migraineurs who supplemented with CoQ10 during a four-month trial period reduced their occurrence of migraine attacks by at least 50%.4
1. Add ground flax seed to your diet since it contains healthy dietary fiber and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
2. Add virgin coconut oil to your diet to benefit from plant-based healthy saturated fat.
3. Add foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet.
4. Eat plenty of unrefined low-glycemic carbohydrates (brown rice, sprouted grains, winter squash).
5. Limit intake of fruits that have a high glycemic index such as apricots, raisins, banana, papaya, and mango.
6. Eat plenty of vegetables and vegetable juices (kelp, sprouts, green and black olives, peppers, spinach, chard, celery, zucchini).
7. Drink purified water throughout the day.
8. If you are a caffeine addict,chances are caffeine are causing your headache, detox your body of caffeine and stay away from caffeine and you will not have any more headache.
No need to see a doctor for he will just prescribe medicine with side effects, it is simply not worth it.Do not overload your body with artifical chemical!
1. Feverfew is great for migraines.
2. Gingko helps with the blood circulation in the brain.You can get a good one from this brand (pharmanex).
3.You can get buy 1 or 2 cans of isotonic drink (eg.100PLUS), and mix it with drinking water according to a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (simply, it means one cup 100plus, one cup water.or 2 cups water). Another method will be to submerge your feet in a basin of warm water so that it bring the blood pressure down from your throbbing head.
4. Tian ma mi huan jun pian is cheap and effective for headache. You can get it from chinese medical shop.
5. Gatorade is useful for headache.Try it!
6. Inhaling lavender,eucalyptus or pepermint oil work for headache.Just dab some pepermint, eucalyptus or lavender oil to a cotton ball & breathe in the scent for a few moments. Do not get pure peppermint oil on your skin-this could burn it,if it is not duliuted. This remedy works everytime for John.You can also apply any of these oil to your temple.
Eye pillow stuffed with lavender also works great for headache.
7. Rub half a lime on your forehead and you will have no more headache.
8a. Rub the area right above your eye brows slowly in a circular motion and your headache will go away.
b. Rubbing the area on the back of your head right where the head and neck meet is useful too!
9. A study at Michigan State University suggests that apples act as a tranquilizer. The study reveals that eating 2 apples a day reduces tensions, headaches, and emotional upsets.
10. For headache relief, apply a cold compress of witch hazel over the forehead.
11. Spicy soups will cure a migrane.It's capsaicin in the Hot Chili peppers that does the trick.Chinese Hot and Sour soup works too. So next time you get a migraine, get some of these soup.
12. Raw cabbage is useful for headache."
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