A natural remedy for migraine headaches might be anything from herbs to supplements, acupuncture to aromatherapy.
Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine
If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you might try something from one or more of these categories.
Seven Nutrients
These nutrients are listed alphabetically to avoid indicating a preference.
1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a compound the body produces from tryptophan, an amino acid. The body uses it to make serotonin. Since supplements that affect serotonin levels are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been put forward as an effective natural remedy for migraine treatment.
2. Butterbur
An extract of butterbur root has been found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine in children and adolescents. A clinical trial of this herb was reported in an early 2005 issue of the journal "Headache". Butterbur appears to relieve pain and spasms.
3. Fatty Acids
Research done in the U.S. suggests that fish oil combined with magnesium taurate may be a great natural remedy for migraine. Both reduce blood vessel spasms, which appear to be the main cause of migraines.
4. Feverfew
This herb has long been considered a natural remedy for migraine and other headaches. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets' release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances.
5. Magnesium
This mineral is one of the most promising natural remedies for migraine headaches. Contained in fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables, magnesium is needed for healthy muscle, nerve and blood vessel tone. As a natural remedy for migraine, it is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms.
6. Petasite (Petasites hybridus)
It was in Germany that Petasite was found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine. German researchers showed that people taking Petasite had fewer migraine attacks, and their attacks were shorter. They also had less pain than those taking a placebo.
7. Vitamin B2
Belgian researchers in a 1998 double-blind study learned that vitamin B2 (riboflavin) gave more effective migraine relief than a placebo. This natural remedy reduced both the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
Manual Therapy
Since no one treatment will work for everyone, you may want a natural remedy for migraine that involves manual therapy. Two possibilities are acupuncture and shiatsu.
1. Acupuncture
The Chinese art of acupuncture triggers relief by inserting delicate needles at specific points in the neck and head. Many people, including German researchers, have found it an effective natural remedy for migraine. Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines in Germany.
The researchers gave almost 900 patients one of three treatments: standard migraine drugs, traditional Chinese acupuncture, or "fake" acupuncture. Those who received "fake" acupuncture treatments had needles inserted in areas of the skin not used in traditional practice. In each group, virtually the same percentage of people cut in half the number of days affected by migraine each year.
2. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure rather than acupuncture. As a natural remedy for migraine, shiatsu massage helps relieve tension and reduce stress. Whereas migraine tends to block blood flow or cause "overflow" to the lower head, shiatsu massage releases the blood flow and energy, restoring natural flow.
You can learn to do shiatsu for your own migraines, and get almost instant relief. Or have a family member give you shiatsu. The technique is simple, and regular massages are both preventative and remedial.
In a future article, we will consider the value of additional natural remedies for migraine headaches. If you are pregnant, be sure you ask your health care professional before using this advice. All migraine sufferers should seek professional counsel on using a natural remedy for migraine.
Remedies For Migraine Headaches
In Part 2, we will look at additional natural remedies you can take for migraine headaches.
Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine
If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you get no guarantees. One person's natural remedy for migraine may or may not work for the next person. Since prescription medications also offer no guarantees, and do have side effects, you may want to try a natural remedy for migraine. You should, of course, ask your physician for advice.
Simple Home-style Remedies
A natural remedy for migraine need not be complex. For years, people have been applying simple, home-style remedies that are FREE or low-cost. You may use any or all of these for migraine relief.
1. Sleep
This is a free natural remedy for migraine. Have the migraine sufferer lie sown in a quiet, darkened room and sleep for several hours. Sleep is the body's time for healing, and is an important factor is migraine relief.
2. Ice Pack
A second free natural remedy for migraine is a simple ice pack. Try placing a cold compress on the sufferer's head as he or she lies in a dark, quiet room. You may use a purchased ice cap filled with ice, but it is just as effective to use an unopened bag of frozen vegetables. A bag of frozen peas is especially easy to use, since it readily conforms.
3. Warm bath
A warm, soaking bath in a darkened room will often relieve migraine symptoms. Keep the water as warm as comfortable. Candlelight is sufficient, and can add to the soothing effects.
4. Epsom Salts Bath
Epsom salts is a natural mineral ? magnesium sulfate ? that is a sedative for the nerves and a muscle relaxant. Add one or two cups of Epsom salts to hot bath water and soak, keeping the water comfortably hot.
CAUTION: People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease should not use this natural remedy for migraine.
5. Deep Breathing
Sit quietly in a darkened room ? soft candlelight is fine. Take a breath, as deep as possible, and slowly, slowly exhale it. Take a second deep breath, focusing on its depth, and the feeling as your lungs expand. Slowly release the breath, focusing on the lungs contracting. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly for 5 to 10 minutes, feeling calm and relaxed.
Aromatherapy
Since no one natural remedy for migraine will work for everyone, you may want to try aroma therapy as a complement to other remedies for migraine. Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils, or applying them to the skin. It is important not to apply them directly to the skin, but to mix them in a ?carrier? oil such as sweet almond or apricot kernel that "carry" the essence. You can mix a small amount in your hand, or mix them ahead of time in a small, roll-on bottle.
1. Lavender
Lavender oil, extracted from the small, blue-violet flowers of the lavender plant, is a calming, soothing, sedative for the nerves. You will want pure lavender oil, not a perfume or lavender-scented oil. There are several ways you can use lavender oil as a natural remedy for migraine.
Inhalation: Place 2-4 drops in 2 cups of boiling water and inhale vapors.
Application: Moisten your finger tips with pure almond carrier oil. Add 2 drops of lavender essential oil, and gently massage your temples, behind each ear, and your neck.
CAUTION: Side effects are rare, but some people may develop an allergic reaction to lavender following inhalation or absorption through the skin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this natural remedy for migraine.
2. Other oils
In addition to lavender, you may want to experiment with other essential oils. A few that help migraineurs are: bay, eucalyptus, jasmine, melissa, peppermint, and rosemary. Since migraineurs? attacks can be triggered by certain smells, you will want to choose the one that works best for you.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Surprisingly, apple cider vinegar can be a natural remedy for migraine. Boil together equal parts of natural apple cider vinegar and water in an open pan. When fumes begin to rise, and become comfortably strong, inhale for 50 to 60 deep breaths.
A third article in this series will round out our consideration of natural remedies for migraine headaches. Remember that all migraine sufferers should seek professional advice before using a natural remedy for migraine.
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