Natural Remedies for Migraines

WARNING!

I was super excited about taking 5-htp, as I use Imitrex and from what I read 5-htp seemed pretty much like a natural Imitrex. Imitrex imitates serotonin and basically alters the body's pain reception for migraines. (or something to that effect).

5-htp is a precursor to serotonin, which means your body will take 5-htp, convert it to serotonin and it in theory will act like Imitrex. Though that's where the awesomeness ended for me.

I have a few major warnings for anyone interested in 5-htp:

1) You cannot use it if you are pregnant

2) You cannot use it with many anti-depressants

3) You cannot use it within about 24 hours before or after you use Imitrex. Both anti-depressants that increase serotonin and Imitrex that imitates serotonin used with 5-htp that creates even more serotonin can cause a serotonin overdose and can be fatal.

4) I did more research on it and it turns out that 5-htp is a chemical by-product of L-tryptophan, which is responsible for making serotonin in our bodies. They used to sell tryptophan supplements but after many people started developing eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, an incurable muscle and blood disease, from these supplements, as they were tainted, they banned the sale of tryptophan supplements in the US. (This happened mainly due to one large manufacturer going cheap, but who's to say this won't happen again with 5-htp??)

There have already been a few cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome being caused by 5-htp supplements to date and that got me thinking: "Is taking this 5-htp to hopefully have a cheaper more 'natural' form of Imitrex worth it?" I decided it wasn't worth it.

I just want to warn those who are thinking about taking 5-htp that just because it's natural doesn't make it safer, and just because they sell it doesn't mean it's guaranteed safe. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and only get any attention once a lot of people get sick from it. Use the information we are given to make the best decision for you. I ended up finding that Mint essential oil works really well for me and with no serious side effects. (or any at all for me)

I hope this helps someone, it would have been nice to have this all written for me when I was researching it. :)

Where has mint oil been all my life?! ?

I have suffered from migraines since I was about 5 years old, though after puberty they had become frequent and often unbearable.

After going to a neurologist who confirmed that I have migraines and not just headaches he prescribed Imitrex, it works amazingly, though I just don't like taking medicines (especially expensive ones! ) if I don't have to.

I have tried every remedy on the earth (at least it feels so! ) for migraines and everything I tried either never worked or worked once, maybe, and never again.

Then enter mint essential oil. I use either spearmint or peppermint and rub it on where it hurts, and voila, no more pain. It can take a few applications, but so far it knocks out most headaches/ migraines for me. It's amazing, I have cut back on my Imitrex use by at least half. I have been using it undiluted, however I have read this can cause adverse effects and can make it so my skin develops a sever sensitivity to it. I will from now on try diluting it with almond or jojoba oil and hope it still works as well. Because if I had to stop using mint oil because of my bad judgement I would be kicking myself for the rest of my life. Either way, I am in love with Mint oil, it works amazingly well for me. I have also had success drinking a mint tea for headaches, but not for migraines, I think it's too weak for that.

Oh, and they types of migraines I get are typically hormonal, non-aura. Occasionally they are allergy triggered, and rarely offensive smells (like strong B.O. or perfumes) . I do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

This is just to maybe help those who know what triggers their migraines, maybe if it works for me, it will work for you if you have similar triggers.

My sister had terrible migraines tht would even set her in the hospital. Nothing could stop the pain. Her migrain trigger ended up being the Depo Provera (birth control). I have heard many others since say that Aspartame triggers theirs.

My migraines were directly linked to not drinking enough water. I could be gettting a migraine and drink a huge glass of water and it would stop within minutes. No 'hangover' from it either.

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.

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.

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.

Most people say that the pills don't work, just as regular apple cider vinegar (the clear stuff) does not work as well. The cloudy vinegar...that has the Mother in it seems to be the best choice. One suggestion I have for you is to put the vinegar in fruit juice (apple is my favorite) and much easier to drink. I don't know where this idea came from that you have to drink it in water with honey. Try it with juice, it's much better. Another thing to try is to drink it with a straw which will get the liquid to the back of the throat without tasting it as much.

One other thing.....never put your vinegar in the fridge, the mother is a living thing and the cold will kill it.

Alka Seltzer works for me if I catch the migraine early.

I accidentally found oil pulling as a migraine cure about an hour ago! I have had a migraine for many hours. I was getting ready to give up and go to bed, so I brushed my teeth, then decided to oil pull before I laid down.

I had no expectation of it affecting the headache, just thought I should get it in while I had some down time. But before I could even finish the 15 minutes, my migraine was GONE!

Makes me sad that I've suffered migraines for so many years and have also known about oil pulling, but never tied them together therapeutically. Either way, I can't wait till I get another migraine so I can see if it was a fluke, but by the way I feel and how quickly it just went away, I'm inclined to think I have stumbled upon something that works great, at least for me.

I hope those of you with migraines will also give it a try! It's worth a try! Incidentally, I was using an organic, first cold pressed sunflower seed oil.

I wish you all the best : ) I'll update next time I try it...

I would like to share this info with all the migraine sufferers who read Earth Clinic.

There is no doubt that my weekly 3 day migraines were caused by congestion, and a lack of digestive enzymes . At last after 15 years of suffering here is my sucessful and natural remedy answer and no more migraines at all!

Eat 3 meals a day and if hungry between or after meals only raw fruit.

The last meal must be finished by 7 pm if you go to bed at midnight to allow at least 5 hours to elapse between the last meal and going to bed. (to allow the liver to cope)

Eat 90% raw food, ie 2 lettuce based salads a day organic if possible, and sprouts for protein eg lentil sprouts, chick pea sprouts , mung bean sprouts, and alfalfa sprouts. 5 cups of sprouts give 50 gr protein. Breads made from raw sprouted wheat with chick pea sprouts dried 8 hours in a dehydrator, raw vegetable juices eg carrot, spinach and celery, dried and fresh fruit and soaked (for 8 hours) and rinsed nuts and seeds which can also be made into nut or seed milks. also 2 tablespoons a day of seaweed if you can eat seaweed. Salad dressing can be with raw organic apple cider vinegar or lemon and raw organic cold pressed olive or sesame oil and unrefined seasalt. As many avocados as you like

If you eat something cooked then take immediately afterwards natural enzymes eg natural pills made from natural pineapple and paw paw or papino , about 6 times the dosage on the bottle

Walk at least 1 hour a day to oxygenate the body and improve circulation

Drink at least 1 litre of mineral water a day - never tap water

Avoid sugar ie sacarose, brown or white- instead have raw honey

Avoid sweeteners instead have stevia

Avoid coffee and black tea instead have red tea(Puerrh tea)

Avoid processed cheese (specially blue cheese it is a certain migraine) instead if you must have dairy then have fresh cottage cheese Avoid dairy yoghurts and milk instead have nut and seed milks and cheeses made at home.

Avoid meat, eggs, poultry and fish instead have sprouts, nuts, seeds and seaweed Cooked legumes and grains also give me migraines but sprouted no problem. Good luck this works!

Personally I can't eat more than a quarter cup nuts a day.

I often get week long headaches during my menstrual cycle. This time, over the counter pain relief was not really working. After reading EC, I decided to try magnesium for relief. The magnesium did not work at all so I decided to try liquid b complex. I took one dose and nothing happened. Then, I took another dose and the headache was instantly gone. I decided to double the dose every day for the week and I felt GREAT!!! For anyone suffering from migraine type monthly headaches, please give this a try. I think the liquid supplement was able to be absorbed much faster than the pill form. Thank you EC!!!

Hello Traveler,

Re your husband's migraines, I take two feverfew five days a week to fight off migraines... and often take niacin (the flushing kind) a few times weekly.

You are correct in using as a preventative...if he takes when migraine is already underway, little help.

I've been on Niacin for ... I guess thirty years, and feverfew for ten.

Never caused stomach upset for me.

Niacin and Feverfew are natural dilators and if your husband's migraines ...which you think may come from the brain injuries... are the cause of the migraines, the dilation of the capillaries staying open may well act to keep blood flowing properly.

I came across Butterbur and Feverfew as recommendations for Migraines and decided to buy both for my husband who has migraines due to multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI.) Most people who write about treating migraines tend to have had them most of their life, or it's related to their menstrual cycles, so I didn't have high hopes. Previously, the only things that have worked for sure have been Botox (to freeze all the muscles along the skull front and back) or percocet (which pretty much works with everything but it's a pain to try to get that from the doctor's due to drug-seekers.) Otherwise, if he's lucky, at the start of a migraine, he can take 1600 milligrams (that's right, 8 200mg pills) and get it to go away. However, this doesn't always work, and on top of that his doctor warned him that he'd be at risk of renal failure if he happened to be dehydrated when taking such a dose. The doctor was otherwise worthless.

I've been giving him 3-4 Feverfew (380mg per pill) pills a day, and 3-4 Butterbur pills a day as well. It's not til now that I've realized the Butterbur has extra Feverfew thrown in. (ButterBur 75mg and Feverfew 200mg.) So far, it's been three days since he's had a headache or migraine. February 9th and 10th he had a headache (which is fairly unusual--he tends to get migraines every other day--sometimes everyday, sometimes only 2-3 times a week.) It's now the 12th-- so clearly not definitive at all, but I wanted to put this out there since it's promising so far. I plan on giving him these high doses until the two bottles run out (which I bought at the natural food store) and then buying online and bringing down the dose and seeing if a migraine shows up or not.

I've looked into overdosing and it's mainly digestive upset-- he hasn't had any of that.

Another remedy to try to arrest the onset of Migraines is Grapefruit Seed Extract. My complaint was feeling very tired, mild to moderate sickness, a constant sore neck, insomnia and 3-4 mild, non-food allergy triggered migraines in one week.

I immediately tried acupuncture on knots in my neck and shoulders, followed by chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy on these sore muscles. Usually, this helps but did not work this time. Realizing that a virus was causing my migraines, my wife suggested Grapefruit Seed Extract.

The directions on the label suggested 5-15 drops, in water, 3 times a day, to be taken with or without food. I took 5 drops, maybe a total of 7 times over a period of 5 days, whenever I felt ill.

The results were dramatic and amazing. After the first 5 drops, my migraines stopped. The sore neck went away and my general feeling of sickness began to abate. After the next three doses, over the next two days, my general feeling of sickness disappeared and my energy came back to 90% of peak. After a month of abandoning all forms of intense exercise, I was able to run for 20 minutes and cycle for 3 hours.

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!!

I have suffered from migraines for years. Nothing worked. I have found an immediate relief without drugs. white noise celestial white noise. 10 hours long youtube video free.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcJ-o_fh1B4 after a couple of minutes I noticed big difference. I have problems with sounds and light with migraines. Please Please put this for migraine relief.

Please do not play white noise loud, just softly works better.

Dear Bella,

I will add a couple of more thoughts to the excellent suggestions I have already seen come through. I would seriously consider each of them. There are so many different causes of headaches. All of these ideas will help you to leave no stone unturned in your quest for a solution.

I have family members that have had migraine relief from taking feverfew daily as a preventative. I myself have been relieved of headaches from going to a good chiropractor.

Herbalist Rachel Weaver cites two common sources of headaches that seem too simple...dehydration and/or constipation. She recommends for a headache to drink a tall glass of water with a pinch of sea salt in it. Better yet, just be sure to be getting plenty of water (a pinch of sea salt is a great addition to that.) Regarding the constipation, if your system is not eliminating toxins daily, you can get all kinds of symptoms, including headaches. If this is an issue for you, do look at the constipation solutions on Earth Clinic.

Do you have chronic sinus infections? How is your diet?

Do you have dental issues? Mercury fillings or root canals? Sometimes these things are linked to headaches. (Mercury fillings from the toxicity of mercury and root canals because sometimes there is an underlying infection that cannot get out.)

Please let us know what you try and what helps. I hope you find relief soon. I am sorry you have had to deal with this for so long. I am praying for wisdom and relief for you.

~Mama to Many~

To Bella from NY,

Re your migraines:

I've had them since I was about 16 years old. At that time was and continued to be under great stress. (Like most people.) My own migraine issue has caused me to be especially interested in cures.

Studied a great deal on migraines and conclude this: There is the "classic migraine" which manifests with blurred vision (the aura) and light sensitivity culminating in nausea and the headache lasting any length of time...as long as three days.

Many people have what they call migraines but in fact are not the classic form. Look for light sensitivity and narrowing vision when the migraine sets in. Then nausea.

There is a distinct and genetically driven personality type who is susceptible to CLASSIC migraines. When under great and or continued stress their body will quickly utilize and use up the B complex in their system especially niacin, B-3.

At that point there is a capillary collapse in the temporal region that especially effects the eyes. After first studying this phenomenon I realized that extra supplements of B-3 might forestall the migraines. And the niacin did work. I learned to take enough B-3 to barely be "flushed" and I'd know my system had sufficient B-3 to keep the migraines away. The B-3 was working to keep the capillaries dilated.

This worked for decades with me. But dealing with the flushing balance is a bit frustrating, requiring a needed "flush" at least once a week to make sure enough B-3 was present in my system. Then, about 15 years ago I read about the herb "feverfew." And to my delight I found that feverfew, if I take two a day, four or five times weekly will do the same as B-3.

If I run out of feverfew for a month or two, suddenly, I'm hit with a migraine.

Now that is the "classic" migraine description (aura/light sensitivity, nausea) and the theory that vitamin B-3 depletion is the (immediate) cause of the capillary collapse resulting in the attack.

There is another kind of continuous headache called cluster headaches and I have no experience on whether the same causative issues are at work there and whether using B-3 or feverfew might benefit those suffers.

There is a third kind of often occurring headache. More malevolent even than classic migraines. These might have developed after severe infection, typically to the upper regions of the body. That type of "migraine" (not Classic Migraine) might be caused by the virus migrating into the brain (viral meningitis) being the result. DMSO mixed 50/50 with Colloidal Silver and applied three times in a month would show the sufferer if the Silver might be working to kill the virus if indeed viral meningitis is the cause of that particular continuous headache. The application of the DMSO/ CS mix is topical to back of neck as a poultice using white paper towels (somewhat soaked). If this is going to work, a good indication would be that after the second application the sufferer will feel less nausea, be able to walk better without as much vertigo and will feel a surge of energy. Much more on this in other posts I've written on same subject here in EC.

Another kind of headache...neck injury and a chiropractor might be able to help. Be careful for the ones I call "neck twisters." In cases where the neck is hurt, usually the vertebrae (or muscles) will be bulging to one side of neck and pain will radiate down side of neck causing numbness often to hand on the injured side, causing neck and shoulder stiffness. Headaches will be common in this kind of condition because often the blood will be cut off from the base of the skull, and the brain will be deprived of oxygen. I said be careful for "neck twisters" which is where the Chiropractor puts you on your back and takes your head in his hands and twists, popping the vertebra. I believe this is counter productive in the long run IF YOU HAVE A CHRONIC condition. Rather, look for a chiropractor who will place you FACE DOWN and using what is called the "Pierce technique" adjust against the vertebra's bulging direction. This is "mechanics" when you think about it. If you can feel the vertebra coming bulging to the left in your neck (say C-1 or C-2) it makes no sense to twist the HEAD. No, instead the Chiropractor should be using a vibration machine for adjusting "against" the bulging vertebra. Using either a drop table (the drop is about one quarter of an inch, not much but enough to get the vertebra re aligned with the spine) or a hand held mechanism the result is better than the "twist" technique for long term results. One last thing, don't overlook the condition called "military neck' which is the loss of curvature in the neck around C-2 and C-3. This comes usually from reading a great deal. In that case, the Chiropractor puts the patient face down and the adjustment is straight down with the drop table. This can bring almost instant curvature back to the neck...in just a few adjustments. X-Ray comparison is remarkable.

But you must call to different Chiropractors to ask specifically how they adjust. Look for one that uses the Pierce technique...or ask if the Doctor uses a drop table where he presses against the impaired side of neck.

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.

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.

Posted by Theresa

×

Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and  fueled  her quest for the knowledge held in lore,  and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.  

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Close

(Mpls., Mn) on 12/03/2013

Hey Bella!

What worked for ME was chiropractic adjustments. If you have tried *everything*, then its something to consider.

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??

As one of the most vivid memories of early childhood, migraine headaches have been a part of my life since the age of four. Luckily, they occurred about once a year until my teenage years when they came on with a vengeance, at least 4 times a year. In my twenties, I discovered foods were a trigger; usually coffee, chocolate and especially cheddar cheese, with the older the cheese, the more severe and quicker the onset of pain.

I tried acupuncture and new prescription glasses but get headaches persisted. In all fairness, acupuncture helped but with varying degrees of success. In my late forties, exercise was the new trigger, with intense running, pull-ups and even moderate yoga triggering the headaches.

Finally, my wife mentioned that her yoga teacher was a chiropractor and new exactly how to solve my headaches. After three short 10 minute visits to the chiropractor, cracking my spine in the neck and back, I am migraine free. Now I perform yoga twice a day and avoid my trigger foods and have been migraine free for three months.

Apple Cider Vinegar for migraines: A TRUE MIRACLE WORKER... ACV unpastuerized and Raw Honey has been a God sent. About 4 days ago I realized I forgot to get a refill for some anti depressants I have been taking for 2 1/2 yrs now for migraines and headaches. I needed to wait for my Dr. to approve the refill at the pharmacy which would have taken about 2 to 3 days. NOT GOOD. Anyone who is taking anti depressants know that you can not miss a day because the affects are horrific. As I was about to panic, I remembered Earth Clinic. The first day without my pills I was having a terrible migraine which I expected. I drank 2 tbsp ACV unpastuerized, 2 tbsp raw honey and 8 ounces of water (I warmed the water first, before I added the Apple Cider Vinegar and honey) Because my migraines are extemely bad I had to drink this MAGIC POTION 3 times in 2 to 3 hour increments. After the 3rd drink my migraine was gone completely. For the past 3 days I have been drinking this potion 3 times a day, breakfast, lunch and before I go to bed. I began to feel a slight headache yesterday because I was feeling soooo good that I thought my migraines were gone for good (silly me) and I was experiencing an increase of energy that I have not felt in years so I did not drink the potion for lunch and I began I feel a slight headache getting worse quickly. I made the potion and I could feel the headache go away within 15 to 30 minutes. I drank the potion this morning and lunch so far no headache. I will be drinking it again before I go to bed. I will be my new drink for many years to come... I say this drink is a true miracle worker.

I've had migraines for years. Usually ibuprofen and sleeping helps. This time it lasted over 4 days and nothing worked. I tried ACV: no results, I went on a 3 mile brisk walk: no results. On the fifth day I tried the cayenne... It's a miracle cure, the migraine subsided within minutes! A couple of hours later, I thought it was coming back so I made a cocktail of 1 cup hot water, a squeeze of lemon, a few drops of honey and a tsp of cayenne, and again it worked instantly. THANK YOU!

It sounds like you might have tyramine-triggered migraines, rather than simply a gluten/casein sensitivity. Check out the list of foods that contain tyramine. Glad the 5-HTP is working. I'm looking for something to help my aunt, who suffers from migraines probably due to tyramine.