Nothing can be quite as debilitating as a migraine. Capable of bringing down the strongest person, migraines can be overwhelming in their severity and length. Traditional medicine has provided us with many options to treat migraines, but these medications tend to be very heavy, and can be quite harsh on the rest of the body. Natural remedies, on the other hand, can be just as effective without the nasty side effects. You may need to experiment and see what works for you, but many migraine sufferers report that they find relief from at least one of the remedies.
What to Do When You Have a Migraine
The first remedy is surprisingly simple. Are you hydrated? One of the most prevalent causes of migraines is dehydration, so drinking some water may help to alleviate symptoms. Next, apply a compress to your head. Some people swear by hot compresses, while others insist that cold compresses work best. Let your body guide you, and select whichever one feels most comfortable.
Then, depending upon your relationship with caffeine, you may want to have some coffee or black tea. If you are someone whose migraines are triggered by jolts of caffeine, then obviously you won't want to do this, If, however, you are the type of person who benefits from a little caffeine, you may want to consume some. Even dark chocolate can be a good source of caffeine. Caffeine is known to alleviate pain, and is so effective that it is even used in some popular over-the-counter headache medications.
How to Prevent Migraines
To ward off migraines, you may also want to consider switching up your supplements. Magnesium is excellent for protecting women against migraines associated with menstruation and also helpful for men and women who suffer from migraines that occur in tandem with auras.
If you suffer from migraines, you should look at your diet to determine if you are lacking any vitamins. Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, can help to prevent migraines. Try upping your intake of vitamin B2. You can also try taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil alleviates inflammation and thus can reduce the frequency of your migraines. Analyze your vitamin regimen to see if you can incorporate these supplements into your life.
Additional Solutions
In addition to the previous solutions, the following home treatments can help relieve migraine pain. One of these remedies is eating ginger, or even taking ginger pills. Although the benefits of treating nausea with ginger have been known since ancient times, migraine sufferers claim that it can be used to treat migraine headaches as well. Another well-known trick is to apply peppermint oil to the part of the head from which the pain is originating. Putting on a headband is also a popular home remedy. Although no one knows why some of these treatments work, they have withstood the test of time, helping generations of migraine sufferers.
For those who struggle with these headaches, finding a convenient, effective home remedy can make a huge difference in quality of life.
