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.
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.
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.
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.
Paper Bag Technique
Posted by Wanda (Sykesville, Md) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★
Migraines & paper bags:
Whenever I get auras, sparkles and blurred vision and feel a migraine headache coming on, I grab a lunchbag (McDonald's bag works fine), and breathe in and out of it for 20 minutes. The carbon dioxide that I breathe back in helps constrict the expanded blood vessels which create the pounding headache in a migraine. I've used this technique for several years, with great success.
Paper Bag Technique
Posted by Lin (Sykesville/Eldersburg, Md) on 08/05/2009
I'm also from Sykesville area, too! I get migraines as well -- have for about 20 years now. Sometimes I would swear they are related to my menstrual cycle, sometimes they are not. I can eat really bad foods & be fine, or go on a health-conscious diet & get these headaches. Usually they are with nausea. Also de-hydration has almost nothing to do w/my headaches.
Anyway, I'll try the paper bag technique (from the local McD's right? -LOL!!) Interesting about the carbon dioxide...
Another (CHEAP) sort-of remedy I wanted to mention is...(I've been desperate after having tried both OTC & Rx meds NOT help).......(drumroll, please) a cheap $3 tube of toothpaste. Doesn't have to be any brand in particular...just apply to the temples, maybe around the eyes -- be careful not to get in the eye.
The cool sensation makes the pain temporarily subside. I've found this toothpaste treatment (my BF calls it "warpaint") combined with sleep or rest in darkness, headache meds, & TIME helps to relieve the migraine. Thanks & good luck!
Paper Bag Technique
Posted by Betty - Re/max Palm Springs Ca (Palm Springs , California) on 10/17/2010
I have had terrible migraines weekly for over 40 years I now take 1 CoQ10 and 2 feverfew every morning I have had only three migraines in the past year. Hope this helps my son and daughter in law live in Sykesville.
Magnesium
Posted by Jesse (San Diego) on 08/26/2015
My girlfriend of a year and a half has been getting migraines since she was a child (also when getting her cycle). Early on in our relationship I suggested she take an all natural approach to curing her migraines. After doing some research online we found a few herbs and vitamins known to help alleviate migraine headaches. A few of which were mentioned above. I recommend trying as many ways (without bad side effects) as you can. Migraines are not fully understood yet, and each person has different migraine triggers; so you never know which remedy will work best for you!
Lime With Salt
Posted by Trisha (Berkeley, California) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★
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.
Find Your Trigger
Posted by Terry (Eugene, Oregon) on 04/17/2008
★★★★★
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.
Find Your Trigger
Posted by Dabags (Colorado) on 06/08/2016
Ocular migraines are also caused by a lack of metafolic acid - the defect MTHFR. The wrong (synthetic- added to flour, many foods) acts as poison for us. By adding METAfolic acid, you can keep from getting these, or cure one quickly.
Acupressure, Garlic, Peppermint Tea
Posted by Marthe (San Diego) on 03/15/2018
I am 67 years old and started getting migraines about 5 years ago. My migraines are severe. Along with vomiting, I get diarrhea which actually helps relieve my headache. I also use cold compresses on my neck and apply pressure to my lower neck.
Acupressure, Garlic, Peppermint Tea
Posted by Mary (Arcadia, Ca) on 03/19/2018
Dear Marthe,
What your feeling maybe something bad your sickness reminds me when I had bad headaches. I would get just like you with the vomiting and diahrrea. One day I felt a huge bang in my head it was a BRAIN ANEURYSM. Then it burst and that is when I found out I had a BA. Please go check yourself with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry!
Alternating Hot Cold Showers
Posted by David (Atlanta, Ga) on 05/10/2015
★★★★★
You need more than just a cold shower. You need to alternate hot and cold water over the affected areas of your head. I position myself in a way that the water only runs over my head and neck, and not the rest of my body. Too uncomfortable!!
I run the hot for about 1-2 minutes, and then turn the water to the coldest setting for about 30 seconds. Keep doing this, alternating between hot and cold, and eventually the shock will knock the headache out. Sometimes you may have to this up to a 1/2 hr. Other times it may only take a few minutes, depending on the severity of the Migraine.
Cumin Seeds
Posted by Abeer (Karachi, Pakistan) on 12/26/2007
★★★★★
me and my mother both suffer from severe migrane pains. we both use to take regular medicine to avoid it. then we heard of black seeds. the trick is to chew the seeds raw and then drinking water on it. i and my mother both have been using it, i get instant relief in 10 minutes, my mother was also getting quick relief but now again shes suffering from severe eye migraines. the doctors say that its not curable.. i m really worried. i wish i could find some way of helping her. please inform me of any one has any info or anything to help me find a viable cure for her. thanks.
EC: We wrote Abeer, asking for more details.
Cumin Seeds
Posted by Abeer (USA) on 12/30/2007
Nigella sativa and its black seed are known by other names, varying between places. Some call it black caraway, others call it black cumin (Kalonji), or even coriander seeds. In English, the Nigella sativa plant is commonly referred to as "Love in a Mist".
Nevertheless, this is Nigella sativa, which has been known and used from ancient times and is also known in Persian as Shonaiz. and you can find out more abt it on this link http://www.sweetsunnah.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=blackseed can you please inform me of remedy to cure my mothers disease :) thanks and take care abeer
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 11/15/2007
★★★★★
To Lisa from St. Clair Shores, Michigan (ll/14/07)' Were you perhaps using Nutrisweet (aspartame) to sweeten all that green tea you were drinking? If so, it was more likely that aspartame was causing your headaches - it is notarious for causing headaches and many other problems. Honey or stevia is a much safer sweetener.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (Destin, Fl) on 03/08/2012
Possibly your migrane is mechanical, not chemical; maybe neck misalignment or shoulder stress causing nerves/muscles to be pinched? (I get this from bad 'computer posture' I. E. rounded back, crook neck; and when slouching during studying, driving, bench work, cooking all day). In this case, I use a firm, thick travel pillow (in the shape of a "C"), or lay down on my back with a rolled up towel under my neck, to straighten then neck, then the headaches eventually disappear; adding a heating pad or hot shoulder drape to the area works much faster as it helps release muscles that get agitated and contracted due to the nerve stress. The heating pad with moisture cloth, or the shoulder drapes made with buckseeds or rice (for microwaving) are exceptional since they produce moist heat which penetrates the muscles more quickly and thouroughly. A magnesium supplement will also help the muscles relax/decompress.
Vitamin B and Magnesium
Posted by Chris (San Antonio, Texax) on 07/31/2007
★★★★★
My wife had suffered from debilitating migraines for years. The various presciptions the doctors prescribed did not work and had significant side effects. Finally, I did a ton of research and found that migraines are caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B and Magnesium. Since then, a good B-complex vitamin and magnesium supplement a day keeps the migraines away. They start up if she misses more than a day. Also, before she started this supplement, she ended up in the ER again with a massive migraine--I convinced and strong armed the doctor to administer IV magnesium (it couldn't hurt). Amazingly, her migraine was gone in 10 to 20 minutes. He had never seen this--my wife was amazed--she didn't know what the doctors did and didn't believe me until the doctor confirmed. Since then, she is very careful about taking her B-complex and magnesium supplements.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Joanne (Tallahassee, FL, USA) on 05/05/2007
★★★★★
Like PD, I dicovered a connection between Chinese food and my migraines. It was MSG. I've had migraines from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and an ever growing list of prepared foods to the point where I don't eat them much anymore (better for my body anyway). I found the best way to avoid them is try to avoid MSG, but it's very difficult, so I also take magnesium (400 mgs) a day. It seems to help keep them down, although lately I've been getting a lot of them but I think it was dietary because I was eating junk. *L* I'm going to try the ACV and see if that helps.. But if Chinese food triggers you, it just might be MSG.. good luck!
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Cindy (Jefferson City, Mo, Usa) on 10/23/2012
★★★★★
Don't just avoid MSG (monosodium glutamate) but avoid glutamate altogether. Sounds easy, but it's not. Many processed foods when processed (especially at high heat and in water) break down into the free amino acid, glutamate, which causes the same reactions in the body as monosodium glutamate. Most processed foods and even foods you cook at home from "scratch" can break down into glutamate. I would advise reading
www.msgmyth.com for more info. My migraines and fibromyalgia are better since I changed my diet and shampoos, lotions, etc. Also, just because a product is labeled as NO MSG does not mean it does not contain multiple ingredients that break down into glutamate and will give you the same reaction as MSG.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda and Sea Salt
Posted by PD (USA) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
MIGRAINE CURES: I usually have several migraines during a month, but since the first of January, until February 22, 2007 (during the time I could not eat or drink much, because of throat problems), I noticed I never got the first migraine during this time, On Thursday February 22, 2007 I had my first migraine, severe one. I thought I would try something I had bought for Migraines, It was called MY-GRASTICK, (roller stick 3ml/0.1fl.oz.) it contains 100% pure & Natural peppermint (menthe) & Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) & essential oils. I had used it on normal headaches and they went away but it was made for migraines. I tried it for several hours that day. It would ease it for a short while but it would come back just as strong, it would not go away, I finally took my migraine medicine. I then had a second Migraine on Sunday February 25, 2007, even more severe than the last one. I woke up with this one. I then decided to try your
ACV remedy. I mixed ACV with Sea Salt, Baking Soda and water, sipped while putting ice packs on my head. The migraine eased off enough, where I could go to sleep, few hours later sipped some more of the ACV mixture, migraine eased off to a faint pain, never had to take any pills for it. I then got to wondering, what I had eaten, drank, took, did or did not do, that caused the first migraine and second migraine. These are the only changes in my diet before the 1st Migraine on February 22, 2007, I ate Chinese food, I had stopped taking my Vitamin B drops and I was no longer putting a drop of iodine on my hand every night before I went to bed (was putting it on a skin problem) and I accidentally drank some buttermilk (thought it was milk). Between the first migraine on Thursday February 22 and second migraine February 25, 2007, I had eaten Chinese Saturday night, was not taking my Vitamin B drops and was not putting the iodine on my hand. I am not going to eat any more Chinese for awhile, and I am going to test the B Vitamins and iodine drop, to see if one of those were actually keeping me from getting a Migraine. Will let you know my progress.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda and Sea Salt
Posted by Mugs (Washington, DC) on 03/03/2010
The migraine may have come from the chinese food, it is usually loaded with MSG and that will bring on a migraine very quickly in me. Also it makes me hold a lot of fluid.
