The cause of migraines can be elusive. But women who experience them monthly have a clue as to the cause.  It is not uncommon for women to experience a bad headache during menstruation or as a symptom of PMS.

Natural remedies for menstrual migraines include stress relief, dietary changes, and hormone balancing. 

It is better to work towards improving overall health to prevent those monthly migraines than to try and treat them once you have them.

Borax

Borax can be used to help balance hormones and alkalize the body. This remedy is taken all month long, 4 days on and 3 days off. Add 1/8 teaspoon borax to a liter of water and sip throughout the day. This will also help keep calcium and magnesium levels balanced.

Dietary Changes 

Because fluctuating blood sugar levels can trigger migraines, keeping blood sugar levels even is important to minimize the risk of migraines. Smaller and more frequent meals can help keep blood sugar levels more even. Reducing sugar and carbohydrate consumption will also help to balance blood sugar. High protein snacks instead of crackers and chips will keep blood sugars more even.

Proper hydration is also important. Drink plenty of pure fresh water or herbal tea. Coffee, caffeine drinks, soda pop (including diet soda), and energy drinks should be kept to a minimum. 

Supplements to Prevent Menstrual Migraines

Vitamin deficiency can cause countless health problems. Supplements to consider include:

• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• B-Complex
• Magnesium

Herbs for Menstrual Migraines

Consider taking a daily herbal infusion to balance female hormones and prevent monthly migraines. The following recipe is full of important nutrients for the female system.

• 2 tablespoons red raspberry leaf
• 2 tablespoons nettle leaf
• 1 tablespoon peppermint leaf
• Place the above-dried herbs in a jar. Boil water in your kettle.
• Pour 4 cups of water over the herbs.
• Allow them to steep for 4 hours. (If you do this at bedtime it is fine to allow them to steep all night.) You are not adding any more heat, just allowing the hot and then cool water to extract the important minerals and nutrients.
• Strain the leaves out of the water.
• Sweeten with honey if desired.
• Drink the infusion throughout the day. It can be kept in the refrigerator after you strain the leaves out.
• You will need to make a fresh batch each day.

Feverfew works well for many migraine suffers regardless of the cause. However, feverfew needs to be taken daily to prevent migraines. 

Wild Yam is another herb that can be used all month long to balance hormones and prevent migraines cause by hormonal imbalances.  It may take a few months of regular use to see results. 

What to Do If You Have a Menstrual Migraine

• Drink a glass of water with a splash of lemon juice or lime juice.
• If possible, lie down with the lights out for 20 minutes.
• Apply a drop of peppermint and/or lavender essential oil to your palm. Cup your palms over your nose and mouth and slowly inhale and exhale. 
• Try a dose of skullcap herb or white willow bark. You can buy these in tincture or capsule form.

Have you found a remedy for menstrual migraines or headaches? We would love to hear from you!