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.
Garlic
Posted by Mytwocents (Ga) on 10/02/2016
★☆☆☆☆
I have found that raw garlic actually can trigger my migraines. Use with care.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Barbara (London ) on 06/24/2017
How are you doing? Is this still helping?
Enema
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 08/20/2015 2042 posts
Enema
Posted by Carol divorced mom (USA ) on 06/09/2024
Sue, and others who commented.
the enema is a great home remedy for headaches!
Oil of Oregano
Posted by C. (Charlotte, NC) on 03/15/2015
★★★★★
When specific remedies did not work for me, I looked through my homeopathic stash. Ruta Graveolens (6c) is indicated on the label for "eye strain due to computer use or artificial lights". Somehow that equaled "migraine" to me so I researched online. I saw that it was one of the components in a compound that also contained olive leaf (and some other ingredients) that had been tested for migraines.
I put four pellets under my tongue then rubbed a little organic olive oil on my left temple. I also had my daughter give me Reiki for a few minutes. Thankfully it was enough to get me to a painless sleep. In the morning, I woke up without pain. However, when I put my glasses on, the pain began to pulse. *sigh*
I did more research, this time on oil of oregano. (NOT oregano essential oil.) I read that it has worked for some. The recommended dosage was three (3) drops under the tongue (to stop a current migraine; not to be taken as a preventive). Ran to my medicine cabinet, took three drops under the tongue, then headed to my water bottle. For those of you who are not familiar with it, oil of oregano (NOT oregano essential oil) is spicy HOT. For some it may burn. It is STRONG.
We keep it in our medicine cabinet to ward off viral issues so I'm used it. Still, I can only take about 10 seconds of it under the tongue before I chug-a-lug as much water as I can. Sometimes my lips tingle for a while after and the smell has a tendency to linger on the breath for a while.
The oil of oregano worked but not 100%. The throbbing ceased within five minutes and I was able to wear my glasses again but at various times during the day I've felt the migraine threatening to rebound. It's been more than 12 hours since I took the oregano. I've been sipping water all day to stay hydrated, eating small amounts here and there so I don't get a hunger headache.
Compared with the off-the-charts level of pain I had Thursday and Friday, I would say the pain has been 1-3 all day Saturday.
Potassium
Posted by Prioris (Fl., US) on 02/21/2015
Just an update. I have come to the conclusion that I have Occipital Headache causing migraine.Still trying to find a solution for it. I think the way potassium may help the nerve pain is the ratio of sodium and potassium in body effects the nerve firings.
Too much salt in blood could make nerve firing worse so potassium is an antidote. I have come across one anecdotal report who minimizes salt in their diet and it has helped significantly. So just one more thing to experiment with.
Potassium
Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 03/26/2015
on further examination, I think it was the fact that it helped some because it was potassium gluconate which is an ionic form.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Sue (Maryville, Tn) on 01/23/2015
★★★★★
I just found your site today and have been reading all the posts. For the past couple weeks I have been reading that MSG could be causing my migraines--and this most recent migraine started Dec 26,2014 and I still have it today, Jan 23,2015. I started eating healthier avoiding all additives, preservatives, etc... in July 2014 (So I am still new at this) BUT OVER CHRISTMAS I INDULGED AND ATE THE BAD FOODS AGAIN....then it was the day after Christmas I began with the BAD MONTH LONG MIGRAINE! I am hoping to hear from someone who has migraines and has had luck finding out that MSG was the culprit...or if there is another additive/preservative/chemical that could be causing the bad migraines. I also need websites, books, etc.... if you have them so I can do further research. Thank you so much for your help. I need to get rid of my pain and peppermint oil, mint tea, and Excedrin Migraine are not working :( I want to get rid of this and fix the problem for good...naturally. Thank you!
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Suzy (Calif, US) on 01/23/2015
★★★★★
I started getting migraines after eating dark chocolate when I was in my 30s....never bothered me before. So my point is look at what you eat every day. Eliminate processed foods, coffee, tea. eat fruit and veggies for a few days and see if that helps. Or go to a chiro and see if they can do food allergy testing on you or it could be environmental. Try to live as natural as possible and see if that helps.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Sp (Wb, Nj) on 01/24/2015
Hi Sue, read the book Heal Your Headache by David Buchholz M.D. It's a three step program and food is one of the steps. You're right, MSG is a culprit.
Magnesium
Posted by Bethbs (London, GB) on 10/24/2014
★★★★★
I've had frequent migraines since I was a teenager and tried many remedies over the years with little success. Painkillers don't touch the pain; triptans don't work, ACV triggers one within minutes and I've tried pretty much everything else to boot. So I recently visited a specialist migraine consultant and thought I'd share the advice.
Firstly, magnesium in much larger doses than one would normally think. Even if blood levels are normal the specialist suggested that individual body chemistry may result in deficiencies at the transcellular level. She suggested any or all of:
Transdermal magnesium oil (solution of magnesium chloride and distilled water, 50:50 by volume - buy the crystals in bulk online) 10 sprays per day - may sting at first - wash off after 30 mins if uncomfortable
Ionic magnesium: 2.5 ml per day diluted in a large glass of water
Magnesium malate (better absorbed than many of the other forms taken orally). She didn't specify a dose for this but implied it can be taken up to one's tolerance level - if it results in diarrhoea, take less
Epsom salt baths. If it seems extravagant to put 1 lb of Epsom salts in the bath and then run it all out down the plughole, use a half cup in a footbath instead.
A lot of people have posted that they sleep better after using magnesium at night. I found it kept me awake so I use it earlier in the day. Everyone's different.
So far so good - 3 weeks and no migraines, despite a number of potential triggers.
In addition she recommended 400 mg/day of Vitamin B2; and 1000 IU Vitamin D3 (I would suggest not to take this dose long term - perhaps have a break in summer).
And at first sign of an acute attack to take some form of gastric protection such as 10 mg Domperidone or 20 mg Omeprazole before any painkillers.
I hope this helps.
Magnesium
Posted by Bethbs (London, UK) on 12/11/2014
Update 3 months later: After a good start, there's no real reduction in average number or severity of migraines, unfortunately. That's with daily doses of: 1000 IU Vit D3; 2.5 ml ionic magnesium; 10 squirts transdermal magnesium (magnesium oil); and an excellent diet. However for various reasons I've had less exercise than usual and that certainly plays a part as well. I will continue and report back
5-HTP
Posted by Bee (New York, US) on 09/17/2014
Melissa.. About 5HTP
I am also leary of 5 htp after doing research on it.. Actually the last doctor who I didn't like said I should take it for anxiety.. she also gave me a supplement with L lysine, 5 htp and folate and L tyrosine in it.. the 5htp is 150 miligrams.. I am a bit scared to take it as I have read good and not so good things with 5 htp.... I also meditate and use essential oils.. maybe just stick to that.. I also try and get sun and take vit.D..
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Amanda (Seattle, Wa) on 07/11/2014
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Peppermint essential oil gave me relief from migraines. I was desperate for something, and I probably saw a post here on Earth Clinic and decided to try it. It works! It doesn't stop the migraine for me, but it relieves the pain and nausea temporarily so that I don't feel like I'm going to die. I just hold the bottle to my nose and inhale it. You can put it on your face if you want, but it burns quite a bit, so I don't really recommend that. The burn is, at least, a distraction from the agony. I definitely suggest investing in a bottle if you get migraines.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 07/11/2014
Amanda,
Re; Migraines
Solution to classic migraines...I had them since 17 years old. Need to use dilation nutrient...I use either B3 (niacin) in quantity to feel a flush in scalp, face and upper torso...if too much aspirin can relieve itch. I later found that the herb "feverfew" taken five times weekly at two tablets per day can also be a great dilator. The theory is that some genetic types use up more B3 and under pressure or other triggers the capillaries around the eyes collapse in a cascading effect...so supplement with a substance that can neutralize the genetic flaw. I take the niacin three times weekly...usually 250 mg will produce the flush. But a "newbie" should start with 50 mg and work up next day until the flush is obtained. If taken after a light breakfast the effect is greater and faster. You don't need to take both at the same time.
That is my theory and in practice I have no more classic migraine headaches UNLESS I fail to take the niacin/feverfew for a few weeks. Then ...bam! ...migraine time and I curse my stupidity for running out of the preventative.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Rapunzel (Atlanta, Ga) on 10/29/2015
★☆☆☆☆
I've read in many places where people had great success using peppermint essential oil (which must be diluted with a carrier oil prior to application to your temple area). I'm not one of those people. In fact, the peppermint EO made the migraine I am currently experiencing much worse. I wonder why that is?
Progesterone Cream
Posted by Amanda (Seattle, Wa) on 07/11/2014
★★★★★
I recently started using bioidentical progesterone cream for awful PMS (caused by estrogen dominance/low progesterone). I read a suggestion online that, for premenstrual migraines (which have been debilitating for me, particularly on cycles where I ovulate), rubbing a little bit of progesterone cream on your temples helps. It worked pretty well for me, during my most recent cycle (I'm only on my second cycle using the cream and my body is still adjusting). I'm hoping the cream will eventually help me achieve hormone balance and that I won't get those awful migraines ever again.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bella (New York) on 12/03/2013
★☆☆☆☆
I have had migraines for my whole life including my mom, sister... Each time the weather changes, rain snow thunder comes cold to hot, hot to cold really horrible migraines happen. I have tried all the remedies, supplements, diets I could find and now the only thing that completely works is unfortunately a prescription drug called sumatriptan, I wish I could understand why and how I can find the equivalent effects in a natural remedy, so I never have to take it again....any idea??
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 12/03/2013
Bella: I had headaches too. Brain cells need more fuel than regular cells. I take 600g raw carbs daily from honey, whole sugar, organic fruits, and activated barley. Brain cells need neurotransmitters. Raw proteins from whey, hawaiin spirulina, dessicated liver, and cocoa powders make the best. High mountain cold water extracted shilajit, skate liver oil, and maca are also good. Marine phytoplankton liquid, the expensive one, is the only food that detoxes and energizes the back of the brain where the seat of the emotions are located. Watch raw food and superfood videos for good info.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 12/04/2013 2042 posts
Bella: I suppose you must be experiencing bad side effects from the sumatryptan. The closest natural substance chemically similar to s is 5HTP. Take 50mg 5HTP before retiring every evening. It seems logical to reduce the s proly 50% (if you have tabs a pill splitter will work fine) while taking 5HTP.
Have you tried brain-specific antioxidants like Chinese Skullcap and Gingko biloba?? I would also recommend Magnet Therapy over the entire skull. A strong magnet like a music speaker mag will work well. Do this about 15-30 min daily for a few weeks. Herbs like White Oak Bark, Buthchers Broom, and Horse Chesnut are indicated in vacular disorders as they strengthen the vascular. Vit-C w/ added Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex also helps veins.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Sandra (Media, Pa) on 12/05/2013
Ever consider you might be GLUTEN SENSITIVE? I have been hearing a lot about the connection to migraines. I don't experience these myself, but it's part of every gluten book and post I've read. One thing you could do is find a FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE doctor and get tested. Google the Functional Medicine Institute for a doc in your area. There should be a directory. I know a conventional doc probably won't administer this type of test. I believe it measures your anti-bodies specific reaction to gluten. Good Luck!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elvira (Barrie, Ontario) on 06/08/2017
Choose an registered osteopath instead. Absolutely the best I've ever tried.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Misty (San Antonio) on 02/23/2017
★★★☆☆
Alka Seltzer reduced the headache only slightly but made the nausea worse.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Candy (Missouri) on 03/12/2024
I wondered about this too. Been using it for years.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Ck (Erie, Pa) on 05/01/2011
★★★★★
I have suffered with migraines for 61 years with relief only from sesame oil pulling and acv. It never completely alleviated migraines but helped. The past five years the migraines increased from two or three a week to five. I missed so much work, was out of it most of the time and unable to function when a new naturopath suggested I might be gluten sensitive! After yrs at pgh and Cleveland clinic no one had ever suggested that! I had been living on toast, too I'll to eat much else! I immediately started a gluten free diet and amazingly have been migraine free four months today! I feel my life has been a gift returned to me! I still use avc and sesame oil pulling every day for the remarkable health benefits but want to share my experience for any of you migraine sufferers. Our modified wheats now have over 500 times more gluten than they did 20 yrs ago. It is estimated that 50%of the population of the U.S. have some gluten related illness. Our livers simply cannot process this load. I hope my experience may help someone out there!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Abedog (Kirkland, Wa) on 07/20/2011
Can you do ACV tablets instead of the drink? Asking this because of a child who can't palate the taste?
Remedies to Prevent Migraines
Posted by Giulietta (Gandia, Spain) on 09/29/2010
Some anti migraine steps:
1. Walk for an hour and a half nonstop everyday for circulation
2. Daily, take pills made of black grape peels and pips, Take 1 and a half or twice the amount recomended on the bottle (for circulation)
3. Take digestive enzymes whenever you eat anything that isn't raw. And/or other natural digestive aids.
4. Try not to get very upset emotionally.
5. Eat one or 2 big lettuce salads with lots of raw ingredients everyday & avoid the well known triggers- coffee, chocolate, any cheese that isn't fresh or cottage (Blue cheese is especially dangerous), milk, cream, ice cream, and soya sauce, or miso or soya products that resemble meat, and black tea.
6. Sleep in a very well ventilated room (preferably in a howling gale)
Niacin
Posted by Tom (Regina, Sk) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★
MIGRAINES:
Here is a very quick and cheap thing to try, because all it'll cost is a small bottle of the niacin form (nicotinic acid) of Vitamin B3! I note that B3 is not listed under the Vitamins on this site, and B3 is not in the Remedies list under Migraines, either.
From the Linus Pauling site (well, one of them):
Http://www.orthomolecular.org
Two Case Reports on the Treatment of Acute Migraine with Niacin: Its Hypothetical Mechanism of Action Upon Calcitonin-Gene Related Peptide and Platelets
Jonathan E. Prousky, N. D. , FRSH; Erika Sykes, N. D. (Cand)
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2003/pdf/2003-v18n02-p108.pdf
At the first sign of aura, he orally ingested 300 to 500mg of niacin, slightly chewing the niacin pills to allow them to dissolve slowly in his mouth. Hall found that the benefits of niacin were most pronounced when taken on an empty stomach, although it was noted that there was still a MH relieving effect when taken after meals. Additionally, he remarked that the migraines were resolved when intense flushing occurred.
Migraine Triggers: Food
Posted by Jackie (Belfast, Ireland) on 06/14/2010
where do i start with treating food intolerance? i need relief from migraines which are a result food intolerances. food intolerance tests show i am intolerant to many foods and food additives. Some of these foods i can directly relate to migraines but some of them i cannot directly relate to migraines.
for example, i am intolerant to oranges, lemons, bannanas, tomatoes, diary, but i do not notice any headaches with these.
i do however, relate headaches to preservatives, msg, also chocolate, cheese, wine, and some breads.
as there are preservatives in many foods, it is very difficult to avoid them. i really need to address whatever imbalance there is in my body.
it is difficult for me to know what to take, i cannot take lemon juice and even though i can eat an apple i cannot drink apple juice as it will trigger migraine.
my system seems extremely sensitive as i can take milk thistle tablets but i cannot take milk thistle drops, so if anyone has treatments will they please tell me which form of the treatment is the least likely to trigger migraine? For example, tablets, powder, drops, etc.
if more than one treatment to be taken, please tell me if i can take them together, and what dosage.
many thanks to all who help and if alfred has any further advice i would be glad to hear it.
jackie
Migraine Triggers: Food
Posted by Bobbyb (Wash.) on 03/22/2016
I went through all of these tests, saw many doctors and one suggested the SCD diet this is a very simple neutral sort of diet it helps to calm the Central nervous system down and helps heal the body. Taking minerals and electrolytes is helpful I was already eating NON Gmo organic I also figured out that if there is something else aggravating the body, your body just begins to react to things that it once did The body is on hyperalert. Look at everything in your environment. Got rid of dryer sheets, memory foam, all scented things, all chemical sprays, I checked for mold and did an air check, radon and carbon monoxide checks. I went to all natural shampoos. Even the insecticide you neighbor sprays can effect you.
Swedish Bitters, Digestive Complex, Vitamin B12
Posted by Takoda (Xeresa, Spain) on 05/20/2010
★★★★★
10 years of weekly migraines gone with Swedish bitters, a digestive complex and sublingual vit B12.
I take 2 tablespoons of Swedish bitters at the slightest hint of migraine- sometimes several times a day(I take a bottle wherever I go).
Also I take 30 drops of a digestive complex which has artichoke(cynara scolymus),fumaria (fumaria officinalis), boldo(peumus boldus Mol) bitter chamomile, rosemary and artimisia absinthium). These I take after any cooked meal.
And I take 2 sublingual vit B12 a day, double the recommended dose.
I would recommend a big lettuce based raw vegetable salad everyday as one main meal and I believe that all the above would cure any migraine that is digestion related. (I feel my whole chemistry has changed)
Good luck.
Raw Cabbage, Crystallized Ginger
Posted by Otter (Tyneside, England) on 02/10/2010
★★★★★
I suffer from occasional migraines, which I can stop if i catch them early enough (though sometimes I wake with one and there is not much I can do)
To stop the symptoms developing and to lessen the syptoms when I already have one, I eat some chopped raw cabbage (contains the same active ingredient as aspirin, I believe) and chew a piece of crystalised ginger root. This lessens both the headache and the sick feeling. I don't swallow the ginger, just chew it and swallow the 'juice', then spit it out. Because for some reason it gives me hiccups!!
Raw Cabbage, Crystallized Ginger
Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010
I have taken Indonesian type of ginger candy (usually in the Asian section of a regular grocery store, natural health market,or sometimes you have to find an ethnic grocer)--they are strong but tasty. It has helped with sea sickness, nausea from dietary indiscretions and other self-inflicted causes, and with sinus-type headache. I have not tried for migraine but I will. Ginger candy is also good for kids who are motion sick or just have a tummy ache---no danger of overdosing, tastes good, etc. but it does have a fair amount of sugar so mind that....
Ice Pack
Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010
I fill two gallon size plastic zip baggies with ice cubes--wrap each in a thin dish towel or t-shirt--place one on the neck and one over the eyes and lie down (a cool, dark, quiet room is best)...this is not a permanent fix but brings relief while waiting for other remedies to kick in....also, drink cool water and cool fresh juice (diluted is best). The ice packs usually make it possible for me to get to sleep and stay asleep through the night...if the pain comes back the next day, then more extreme measures are usually called for...(e.g., prescription meds--ugh).
Supplements
Posted by Vi (Saskatoon, Canada) on 06/01/2009
★★★★★
PMS/Menstruation/Migraines:
I decided to try a new vitamin and supplement regime to get myself off of a very expensive migraine medication that I needed without fail on a monthly basis! However I've been surprised at the changes that went beyond just no migraines. I felt happy, no bloating, lots of energy, and once my period started, I didn't have the awful lower back pain (I actually cleaned the car and ran errands on the first day), and NO MIGRAINES! If you can believe it I didn't even need an Advil. I'm kind of amazed at this because I don't have a great diet, and don't get as much exercise as I should. Unfortunately it's hard to tell what exactly is doing the trick, but from research on this site and others I've started taking:
*SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine - 12 days before - noticeable improvement in mood
*Vitamin B6 - start 12 days before
*Vitamin B complex - daily
*probiotic - daily
* Vit E - daily
*Mg - daily
*Calcium - daily - at night - to help with sleep, and interferes with absorption of other vitamins
* 1 tbsp flax oil, split over 1.5 tsp am and pm or I feel nauseous
* Salmon oil - daily
* 2 tbs apple cider vinegar - one am and one pm - so far only the common brand but will try organic next time
* garlic tablets (improves circulation)
I've also been taking melatonin, starting 12 days before, but I suspect that it's actually making my sleep worse, though some sites say it can help with migraines.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Dark Chocolate
Posted by Amanda (Murray, Kentucky, US) on 02/16/2009
Caffeine has always helped my headaches (I get tension headaches, sinus headaches, and migraines), so it is no wonder that Dark Chocolate helps some people alleviate headaches. Unfortunately, caffeine also causes tension, so people who get Tension headaches should avoid caffeine unless they actually have a tension headache.
Indian Herb Called Aak
Posted by S.R.SHARMA (NEW DELHI, DELHI INDIA) on 11/12/2008
★★★★★
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!
