The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
5-HTP
Posted by Wendi (San Clemente, Ca) on 09/20/2012
★★★★★
I came across 5-HTP on my doctor's vitamin website. The description said that it was for Depression, Mood Swings, Sleeplessness, Headaches, etc. Since I have all those things, I decided to give it a try! Much to my delight, I found that my 25 year struggle with Gluten and Casein related migraines was suddenly over!! After suffering through years of debilitating migraines, that effectively put a damper on my Junior High, High School, College, and Marriage life. When I was 27ish, I finally figured out that if I removed gluten and cow-related dairy products from my diet, I no longer had migraines. This was great! Except, that gluten and casein are in EVERYTHING! This food allergy (food intolerance) discovery was a blessing in disguise, because now I eat fresh organic fruit and veggies and organic/grass-fed meat. No packaged meals or fastfood ever! But eating out or over at friends' houses was still causing me to lose days due to the migraines. 5-HTP literally changed my life! I started taking 100mg/day in the morning and noticed after a month that I could have little cheats in my diet and get away with them!
Currently I take 200 mg/day and can have a sandwich for lunch and cheesecake! (it's SO wrong, I know! ) I still try very hard to keep the gluten and casein out of my diet. Even though I can cheat and not have a migraine attack, I still can tell that my body feels wrong or icky when I have those foods. But it's SO nice to go from 10 migraines a month, down to 1, maybe 2 per month. I plan to cut back to 100mg/day because I know that there is differing opinions about how much is too much. Plus being able to eat whatever I want makes it very hard to stay gluten/casein free. I hope this post helps other people to realize that they may have food allergies/intolerances that they are unaware of yet.
Magnesium
Posted by Melanie B (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/25/2012
★★★★★
The following month I tried this same remedy (Fenugreek & Thyme) and did not receive the same comfort as before. I have now learned the monthly headaches have been caused by a magnesium deficiency. A few days before I expect to begin menses I soak my feet in warm water with about 1-2 cups of Epsom Salt in it.
I do this for a few days. Sometimes if I start to feel a headache coming on I will soak in a warm bath of Epsom Salt, 2 cups or the full container. I haven't had a headache come on for the past couple months now, and I used to suffer through 3 days of headaches prior.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Agapegirl (Orlando, Florida, Usa) on 09/03/2011
★★★★★
For 14 years I have had 3-day migraines approximately once a month (more or less). This week my 3-day migraine morphed into a 5-day full head headache. I haven't had a traditional "headache" since the migraines began, so I was very concerned. My standard migraine Rx (Relpax) only takes pain away for a few hours and it didn't even do that this week. A couple of times I tried 3 ibuprofen, which worked for about 2 hours each time. On earthclinic, ACV seemed to work for some people, so I decided to drive (nauseated and in pain) 20 minutes to the health store. I bought ACV capsules and took 2 (500 mg each) with water in the parking lot. By the time I reached home the headache/migraine pain was gone. I was exhausted and aching from 5 days of pain so I went to bed early. I took my normal nighttime supplements (200 mg chelated magnesium and 1 gr L-Glutamine), I woke up refreshed and back to normal. I will try ACV capsules the next time pain strikes. Thanks.
Stevia
Posted by Sonja (Greenwood, La) on 07/18/2011
★★★★★
About a year ago I stopped drinking anything with caffeine in it and quit eating chocolate as this was advice given in a book about preventing migraines. It helped my migraines not to be as long and as painful, but they came back none the less. I decided to stop using artificial sweetener in my lemonade I make every day and started using Stevia. One package every morning is all I use. I NEVER get migraines anymore as long as I faithfully use this natural sweetener. I have made the mistake of not using it for a couple of days and I wind up with the start of a migraine. But if I take some stevia, mix it in some water and drink it real fast before the migraine gets worse, it gets rid of it for me. I don't know what it is about this natural sweetener that has cured my migraines but I thought I'd share it with others just in case it can help them too. The stevia I get is the Wal-Mart brand that is in the vitamin section in a box.
Fenugreek, Thyme
Posted by Melanie B (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/29/2011
★★★★★
Fenugreek & Thyme for Migraines
For years I suffered from Migraines. The symptoms I experienced were nausea, light sensitivity, smell sensitivity, and sharp pain on the left temple as well as my eye. To make matters worse this lasted for 2-3 days. I then noticed that it would happen around my menstrual cycle ever month without fail. I couldn't find relief in any over the counter medications. It got to be debilitating. The only thing I could do is lay in bed in a dark quiet room with a cold towel over my head.
One night I said enough is enough, I got up and ran cold water over my head and neck, as I did this the migraine would subside but when I took my head away from the water it would come back. I then remembered being given Fenugreek & Thyme capsules a few months back and decided to give it another try, but this time instead of taking the recommended dose of 1000 mg (700 mg of which was Fenugreek and 300 mg of Thyme), I increased the dosage amount by three and I took 3000 mg.
In 20 minutes my migraine was GONE! All these years of failed over the counter medications and being miserable and all I needed was in an herb. I was able to get a good night's sleep and when I woke in the morning I felt it coming on again so I took 1500mg, but it didn't seem to stop it so I took another 1500mg 30 minutes later and again the migraine disappeared. (I haven't noticed any side effects so far but if anything comes up I will repost).
I hope this helps, and I am happy to add my experience to the community as you all have given me so many great remedies over the years!
Melanie B - of Los Angeles, CA
NSAID + Real Coke
Posted by Migraineur (Vallejo, Ca) on 01/25/2011
★★★★★
I am 49 and have been having migraines for 23 yrs. I recently spoke to a neurologist who told me to take a large dose NSAID I.E. Ibuprophen, relafen, etc. And drink a real Coca Cola (Coke) not a knock off or Pepsi. I prefer Mexican Coke because it has real sugar in it not high fructose corn syrup. It really works! The doc explained that the carbonation speeds the NSAID into the system and the caffeine in the Coke helps, too. He did not advise diet Coke because it has been known to trigger migraines.
Good luck and feel better!
Chiropractic
Posted by Heather (Archdale, North Carolina) on 01/25/2011
★★★★★
Migraines began with cycle but progressed into 14-day long periods of pain, nausea and light sensitivity. They do run in my family. Tried ACV, magnesium, riboflavin and elimination of caffeine to no avail. My chiropractor did a nerve study and I began an aggressive series of 48 visits starting at 3 times per week. I am 99% better! I might have 1 migraine every 3 months now, which is still usually cyclic and they are not at their previous intensity.
5-HTP
Posted by Beth (London, England) on 08/02/2016
★☆☆☆☆
Gave it a fair trial. It did nothing
5-HTP
Posted by Beth (London, England) on 07/24/2020
Thank you, yes. I've tried both. Feverfew grows in my garden and I took it every day for years but the migraines only increased in frequency.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mia (Lyons, Ny) on 11/10/2010
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have occassionally have migraines. They usually are accompanied by the usual light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, etc. Yesterday I began to have an aura (preceeds the migraine) with vision disturbances, light sensitivity, and nausea. I tried the apple cider vinegar remedy and I felt better within about half an hour. I probably would have felt better much sooner but the apple cider vinegar itself makes my stomach feel not so good. Once the apple cider vinegar stomach upset was gone all my other symptoms were gone with it and no headache occured.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Giulietta (Gandia, Spain) on 11/04/2010
My latest findings about migraines:And I am much much better. There are lots of underlying problems which lead to migraines so if you resolve them (or go towards resolving them)then the migraines will be less strong and fewer or you might be able to avoid them altogether. There are 4 main problems
1.) Digestion - always have enzymes with you to take whenever the first sign of a migraine appears and /or after you have cooked food.
2.) Circulation - there is certainly a circulation disorder in a migraine sufferer. So improve circulation-a.) By walking at least an hour a day nonstop 6 days a week b.) Natural supplements that are known to help circulation.
3. Sugar balance - It is important to maintain sugar levels so take stevia instead of sweeteners or sugar or fructose and eat regularly.
4 Nutrients. - Very important to take nutrients that the brain needs ie: magnesium, linseeds, vit B, wheatgerm and beetroot
Other essentials for avoiding migraines:
A- Eat alot of raw food - the minimum per day a big lettuce salad with at least 2 other raw veg and seeds, and apple cider vinegar, cold pressed oil, sea salt or rock salt and cayenne pepper
B. - Completely avoid coffee, black tea, milk and soya products like miso.
C- Sleep in a very well ventilated room.
Good luck
Dietary Changes
Posted by Gail (Forest City, Nc) on 07/12/2010
★★★★★
Hello, I have suffered from severe migraines for years. I am a diabetic so I alway drank sugar free drinks and drinks with sweeteners in them. I was having migraines 3-4 days a week. Severe ones. I stopped all aspartame and anything with artificial sweeteners and migraines are now gone. Thank God.
Ice Pack
Posted by Kay (Destin, Fl) on 09/10/2012
★★★★★
This site is Godsend; thank you too all who contribute!
When 'on the road' and a migraine starts, I buy cold drinks (bottles or cans) to cool my neck while driving; they are the perfect fit between my neck and headrest. At home, I often use bags of frozen vegetables (after when I use up all my gel packs), then I make a hearty soup out of them the next day.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Griselda (Gandia, Spain) on 09/15/2009
★★★★☆
Keeping migraines at bay: The following protocol works for me
Lots of raw vegetable salads, minimum daily- 1 big lettuce salad(with other raw veg as well) and 1 small or big one with or without lettuce.
Whenever I eat anything cooked (except bread or potatoes) I take lots of natural vegetarian enzymes 4 x what is indicated on the bottle and 6 tabs of a formula that aids the organs of elimination to function. And if a slight feeling of migraine starts I repeat all that.
Everynight and morning I do the Do-in exercise to cure rhinitis, empyema and pollen allergies(one exercise for all those)
I take magnesium and also feverfew
But if a migraine is about to start or has just started, juice of at least 4(or more) freshly squeezed grapefruits (or eating a lettuce) and doing EFT works wonders you can find out what EFT is on the internet.
The cidervinegar at first lessened my migraines but then suddenly completely stopped working and made them worse
After 10 years I hope/believe that the above is the answer
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lisa (South Bound Brook, Nj, Usa) on 09/04/2009
★★★★★
Having suffered crippling migraines, topping out at 10 per month, tried prescriptions, etc. I researched and found a ketogenic diet (higher fat, moderate protein, low carbs) has been shown to help intractable cases of epilepsy in kids with great results, and is being researched in many countries as a help for migraines. Started on it, and within a week I went from 10 to 0 migraines. Also took myself off all wheat and most grains. Now I'm good unless I go off the diet. I make sure to use coconut milk in my coffeee, and coconut oil in my cooking, (even popcorn is better in coconut oil!)
Amalgam Fillings Removed
Posted by Zahid (Leeds, West Yorkshire, Uk) on 06/23/2011
My migraines started about 5 years ago and affected the right side of my head near the temple. At first I would get them several times a year but in the past two years they became a daily event. When my migraines started I was sensitive to light and noise. I would have to draw my curtains and get into bed. I would pass out at some point, waking up several hours later.
I too have amalgam fillings and having done some research on the net I figured I needed to remove my fillings. I was advised by my dentist to take Chlorella for a week prior to having the fillings removed and to continue for another week after removal of the fillings. However, an article I read on the internet suggested taking Chlorella for 3 months before and after removal of the fillings. I came across a free book online called
Superfoods For Optimum Health: Chlorella and Spirulina
by Mike Adams, the Consumer Wellness Research Center (chlorellafactor. Com). Google it!
I started on 2.5g Chlorella powder combined with 5g Spirulina powder (a ratio of 1:2 is advised) for 2 weeks (twice a day) to allow my body to get used to these superfoods. After the initial 2 weeks I increased the amounts to 5g Chlorella and 10g Spirulina and I having been taking that for the past 5 weeks (twice a day). To be completely honest I can't remember exactly when my migraines stopped. What a relief!
I purchased my Chlorella (1kg powder for £55, and Spirulina (1kg powder for £45) from Indigo-Herbs of Glastonbury in the UK.
I still intend to have my amalgams removed, but my priority now is to deal with my eczema (face and back of hands)
The introduction (extract) from the free online book reads as follows:
Some have called this book, "The most courageous voice yet... " on chlorella and spirulina. That's because inside this book, you'll get the astounding truth on how these two superfoods are far more than just "supplements" like vitamins and minerals: they are disease preventing and even reversing foods from nature that can actually help conquer cancer, nerve damage, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, clinical depression, and much more.
You probably haven't heard that before, and here's why: no company selling chlorella or spirulina is allowed to tell you the truth about it. That's because the FDA would consider such statements to be "medical claims. " So you never hear the real story on how these amazing superfoods can actually reverse serious diseases with no side effects and often without surgery, drugs, or other barbaric treatments like chemotherapy."
Magnesium
Posted by Yazmin (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ) on 05/07/2023
★★★★☆
Never had migraine before but had right side headache twice within 2 years. 3rd time this week n had been on paracetamol. I'm 48. Tried 400gm of magnesium citrate and it didn't go full blown. It's there but bearable. At least I can reduce paracetamol for now. TQ for the tip.
Feverfew
Posted by Linda (Weedsport, NY) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★
Some perfumes cause severe migraine headaches for me. Debilitating pain, faintness, nausea, vomiting, the whole nine yards. Extra strength aspirin used to help, but that brings other problems. I found an online reference to feverfew and bought capsules. Now, even in the migraine stage where I can't see or walk straight, if I can get to the feverfew, I get relief. One or two capsules emptied into a small cup of water, shoot it down and chase it with more water. In my condition, I don't have time to wait for tea to brew. Within 10 minutes, I have complete relief. Then all I have to do is pray the neighbors have finished their laundry or have left for new vistas. :-)
Supplements
Posted by Anonymous (Anonymous, USA) on 06/02/2009
Magnesium is supposed to help migraines.
Ice Pack
Posted by HV (Coeur d Alene, Idaho) on 05/09/2009
★★★★★
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 slightly 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.
Spirulina
Posted by Robin (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) on 04/15/2009
★★★★★
I have had migraines for 24years. nothing seemed to work at all. By accident, I found a cure for them! I was using spirulina (12 capsules a day) for something else and I realized that I had gone two months with absolutely nooo headaches at all. I'm a very skeptical person when it comes to trying new things, but spirulina made me a believer. Try it and let me know how it works for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Candy (Fort Madison, IA) on 04/13/2009
I think your mother would get even better relief for her headaches if she were to get a good transdermal form of magnesium. There are some really good ones out there, and all she has to do is soak her feet in it for about 20 minutes in the evening. If you do a google search on it, you will find lots of good information about it. Hope this helps.