Migraine relief is a highly desired practice among the 42 million Americans who experience them. Most people (52%) go undiagnosed and attribute their headaches to their sinuses, so the cycle of chronic migraines that strike from time to time continues. 70% of those people who have migraines are women. Migraines are a real issue for most of those who have them (51%) because they do report the impact on their daily productivity be it work/school/household responsibilities. Migraines vary in duration, frequency, and symptoms so treatment modalities can also vary. There are non-drug options to provide natural migraine relief if possible.
There are simple measures to incorporate daily to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to migraine control/prevention. Staying hydrated is critical. Dehydration is a major migraine trigger. Drinking plenty of water every single day is a must. Managing stress and getting enough sleep are also important measures to take. To do so, incorporating meditation, music, deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and time management strategies are all good tools to incorporate.
Diet is also important to consider. Avoiding specific foods and alcohol should be adhered to. Processed foods should be eliminated. Beans, dried fruit, chocolate, certain cheeses (parmesan, feta, and Swiss). Foods that have nitrates shouldn’t be consumed, which are hot dogs, deli meats, and sausages. Really cold drinks and foods like ice cream aren’t a good idea. Cultured foods like yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream should be excluded. Adding magnesium to your diet is also beneficial. Magnesium deficiency is linked to headaches. Foods high in magnesium include oatmeal, peanut butter, almonds, sunflower seeds, eggs, and cashews.
Lavendar oil can be used. The person can inhale this essential oil and apply small amounts to the temple area. Doing this as part of one’s daily routine has been said to help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. The herb feverfew is also said to help migraines. It looks similar to daisies and comes in flower form. Ginger is known for subsiding nausea symptoms so it can be used in the same way for migraines that cause stomach uneasiness. Butterbur is a type of plant that comes from Europe, Asia, and North America. However, due to liver toxicity its use is controversial, and it is recommended to only use pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free butterbur products. Peppermint oil is another remedy. The scent and placing oil near the temples can ward of migraines.
Finally, relaxation methods such as biofeedback, acupuncture, and yoga, can be food choices. Living with migraines, managing them, and fearing them, are all troublesome and it’s a stressful predicament to be in. Finding what works is an individualized process, and these natural remedies are a good foundation to discover the method(s) that are effective. Reducing symptoms, frequency, and duration are migraine goas to achieve. There may not be a all-ending cure, but being proactive about any health condition is always to our advantage.
Complementary and Integrative Health Treatments for Migraine – PMC (nih.gov)
Diagnosis and management of migraine in ten steps – PMC (nih.gov)
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.
