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.
Menthol-Camphor Ointment
Posted by Donna (Sparta, GA) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★
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.
Lettuce
Posted by Giulietta (Xastiva, Spain) on 09/06/2008
★★★★★
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.
Lettuce
Posted by Mariah (Central, Kansas USA) on 07/25/2009
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.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Phil (Sooke, BC, Canada) on 08/29/2008
★★★★★
Both my wife and I have a great sensitivity to MSG - bad migraines - and I know quite a few other people who are sensitive. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a nasty chemical - looks like shards of glass under a microscope - no wonder it is used as a meat tenderizer. Anyway, I would recommend to anybody who suffers from migraines to try and stay away from MSG. I know it is difficult in this day and age, but it can be done if you are careful and read the ingredients listed on food products.
Lime With Salt
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/22/2008 490 posts
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.
Misc Remedies for Migraines
Posted by Tan Koon Peng (Singapore) on 06/30/2008
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.
Magnetic Pillow Case
Posted by Nancy (Saint John, New Brunswick) on 06/30/2011
Hi,
I live in NB, where do you buy a magnetic pillow case? I have never heard tell of them, thanks Nancy
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 Rob (Atlanta) on 03/28/2016
★★★★★
I use to get ocular migraines frequently from jogging. It took me a few years to figure that out. I tried taking ibuprofen an hour before the jog, but it did not reduce the frequency. Although it made me sad that I cannot jog anymore, I'm more happy to not get the ocular migraines anymore. Instead I have now fell in love with Yoga, it will never replace the jogging but it has it's own beauty to it.
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.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Randahl (San Jose, California) on 04/10/2008
For those looking to use Oil of Oregano for it's antimicrobial properties, I would like to specify that Oil of Oregano is NOT Oregano Essential oil, which would have to be diluted. If you're looking to buy this remedy, make sure that the ingredients list states that there is a carrier oil (like olive oil). Otherwise, be prepared to dilute it yourself, or there could be serious negative effects.
I have seen some people writing in remedies that include putting undiluted essential oils on their skin. I think I saw a remedy for headaches or migraines that recommended putting peppermint essential oil on the temples. I have been studying aromatherapy for 5 years, and one of the most basic lessons is that you almost NEVER use essential oils undiluted. Peppermint essential oil in particular is considered to be a skin irritant to all skin types when used undiluted. If put on the temples, the strength of the fumes could seriously irritate the eyes and the delicate area around the eye. If you are going to try any remedy including essential oils, DILUTE FIRST! Even if the remedy doesn't specify it, you'll be saving yourself from possible complications.
Acupressure, Garlic, Peppermint Tea
Posted by Claudette (Houston, Tx) on 03/06/2008
★★★★★
For the lady who thinks she will quit having migraines when she gets 50.You can quit dreaming. I am 64 and have had migraines for years. I take Imitrex and sometimes when it is not available and I get one, I pinch my hand between the thumb and index finger. And garlic does help, I also drink peppermint tea with honey. Dairy products cause me to have migraines because of the thick mucus it causes at night.
Ocular Migraine Remedies
Posted by Sergio (Lake Worth, FL) on 02/03/2008
★★★★★
I have oocular migraines which is migraines on the eyes. It contributes blindspots on the eyes or shattered glass vission and terrible headaches. But ever since I got a pubscription for contacts ,my migraines just randomly dissapeared .It been 5 months that i lived without any symthons.
Alternating Hot Cold Showers
Posted by April (Savannah, GA) on 01/14/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I stood in a freezing cold, icey shower for nearly 20 minutes with no relief. My migraines are debilitating, throbbing aches that stop me in my tracks. The cold felt good on my skin, but didn't help my pain.
Cumin Seeds
Posted by Jonathan99 (London, UK) on 08/06/2012
★★★★★
Hi, Sometimes black seed oil can help migraines, the blessed seed should be taken regularly.
The secret lies in its strengthening and rebalancing our all important immune system which is our body's defense against illness. Countless people take the blessed seed to make sure they do not fall down to the flu. Also with cancer on the increase, the ability of this alternative health remedy to clear tumours means that you are safeguarding that you will not get cancer.
Lets hope the blessed seed helps.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by Lisa (St. Clair Shores, Michigan) on 11/14/2007
★★★★★
Just wanted to let people know if you have terrible migraines, consider your diet. I started a journal and realized I was drinking about 6-8 cups of green or white tea daily for the health benefits; when I stopped drinking it, my migraines disappeared instantly. I had suffered terribly with migraines 1-3 weekly for about 10 years! Hope this can help someone. Please share with anyone who gets a migraine.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by Vickie (Spokane, WA) on 12/26/2008
It was probably the caffeine in the tea that was giving you the headaches. Green Tea is high in caffeine. I don't know about the White Tea.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by G (Spain) on 11/10/2016
Tea, black, green and puerrh all destroy Dao the enzyme that regulates histamine - too much histamine- migraine.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by S. (Nc, Usa) on 03/13/2015
Thanks for the MSG info Cindy. That may be the "missing link" for some of us.
Cold Showers
Posted by C (PD) on 02/13/2007
★★★★★
In the summer time when I get a migraine that would not quit, I would go in the afternoon to the springs, which is like jumping into ice water, and the migraine would got away instantly, I had always used ice packs which helped, but did not get rid of them, jumping in ice cold springs did, which would be the same as really cold water in your shower or bath.
Cold Showers
Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012
I'm surprised by this 'cure'. Usually extremes of any stimuli can be a trigger for migraines... Whether it be food, noise, temperature, etc. I used to see a headache doc who had created a bizarre headpiece that had ceramic panel inserts. The panels could be frozen or microwaved. I tried 'frozen' first. My headache went from a 6 to a 9 in about one minute! (Sub zero weather days, migraine intensifies just as rapidly. ) Next headache, I tried microwaving the panels. The heat felt good and maybe caused a very minimal pain decrease. Likewise, a hot bath that I can lay my head in the water also helps. Or maybe it is the weightless environment? Just saying that heat feels good, but I certainly wouldnt call it a cure.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tammy (Roseburg, Oregon) on 01/11/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I avoid anything with coconut oil in it! It gives me terrible migraine headaches. My whole family runs this allergic reaction. Now, I don't know if it's "virgin" - it's the C.O. you see in lots of products (candy, esp.) A small amount can set me back for a day; more has caused me a visit to the ER! I did not run across anyone else who said they had the same reaction, but my dad, aunts, cousins, etc. all are allergic to C.O.
Ozonated Water
Posted by Polish (Frankfurt, Germany) on 10/28/2006
★★★★★
1 month ago i was trying ozonated water for the first time and it worked WONDERS for my menstruation migraine. it worked too astonishingly well that i got bold and had some coffee and chocolate that day to "test" the ozone. very devilishly! well, i had "over tested" and felt the migraine creeping slowly back. since i was working at that moment i asked for a painkiller and they gave me a pill of ibuprofen. and my doom [acid reflux] was sealed!
Lemons or Limes With Salt and Pepper
Posted by Anj (London, UK) on 09/21/2006
★★★★★
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.
Lavender Oil
Posted by Sonia (Los Angeles) on 08/25/2006
★★★★★
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.
