Natural Remedies for Migraines

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)

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!

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

Salt and Water, Acupressure

Posted by Kendra (Haiku, HI) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★

I have been doing the "Your body's many cries for water" cure and it has helped lower the number of migraine attacks. The cure is drinking half your body weight in water adding some celtic salt to the water. I drink 5 12oz bottles of water a day with an eighth of a tsp. of sea salt in each bottle.

I have also learned a technique someone told me about that has helped stop migraine pain. You go inside your mouth with your index finger and massage the area of the jaw juncture. Your thumb massages outside and your index finger inside. When you find the point it will be very sore. I actually worked both sides (right and left) at the same time... and relief came in about ten minutes. I hope this helps other people and ends the suffering.

Salt and Water, Acupressure

Posted by Tb (Columbus, Ohio) on 04/22/2010

I have been using the salt water with netti salt and spring water when I see the aura/lights for dehydration that I seem to have frequently. So far so good, but I have a concern. Does salt water causes the cells to die or osmosis. Can someone please help me to understand this?

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 489 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 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.

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.