Natural Remedies For Migraines

Discover the natural remedies for migraines. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.

Migraine headaches are one of the 20 most disabling medical conditions worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. A migraine is characterized by a throbbing pain, usually confined to one side of the head, that tends to get worse with movement. They typically last from four to 72 hours.

Symptoms tend to vary from one person to another. People often experience sensory warning signs, such as blind spots, flashes of light, increased sensitivity to light and sound, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea and vomiting.

Signs like irritability, food cravings, a stiff neck, constipation and frequent yawning may also occur a couple of days prior to a migraine attack.

About 75 percent of all migraine sufferers have a family history of this debilitating problem. The complex condition is thought to be caused by changes in brain chemicals.

Some potential triggers for a migraine are allergies, stress, smoking, alcohol, bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, skipping meals, dehydration, irregular sleep, poor posture, low blood sugar and hormonal fluctuations.

Though there is no known cure for migraines, you can try some natural home remedies to get relief from migraine headaches and reduce their frequency.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for migraines.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Being a nutritional powerhouse, apple cider vinegar helps reduce migraines. Apple cider vinegar also offers health benefits like aiding detoxification, controlling blood sugar, regulating high blood pressure, reducing bone pain, promoting weight loss and relieving constipation.

1. Add one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water.
2. Mix in one tablespoon of honey.
3. Drink this daily to prevent as well as treat migraines.

If you are not used to taking apple cider vinegar, start by taking one teaspoon and gradually increase the amount. During migraine attacks or when you feel them coming on, you can take two or three tablespoons.

2. Ice Pack

Using an ice pack is perhaps the most popular home remedy to get rid of tension as well as migraine headaches. It has a numbing effect that alleviates pain.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean towel and place it on your temples, forehead and/or the back of your neck for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat as needed.
• You can also try alternating hot and cold compresses for about 15 minutes, as needed. For better results, add lavender and/or peppermint essential oils to the water for the compress.

3. Peppermint

The anti-inflammatory property of peppermint helps soothe the nerves. Plus, it has an antispasmodic and calming effect. A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience in 2008 found that the fragrance of this herb induces the feeling associated with headache relief.

• Simply drink peppermint tea sweetened with honey. Repeat as needed.
• You can also massage each of your temples with one drop of peppermint essential oil or a combination of peppermint and lavender oils. Leave it on for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Do this a few times a day until you get relief.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a great home remedy for migraines because it stimulates circulation and improves blood flow. Plus, it contains capsaicin, a compound that works as a natural painkiller.

1. Mix one-half to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of warm water.
2. Optionally, add some lemon juice and honey to improve the taste as well as health benefits.
3. Drink this as needed.

Read full article: Home Remedies for Migraines