Natural Remedies for Migraines

Remedies to Prevent Migraines

Posted by Giulietta (Gandia, Spain) on 09/29/2010

Some anti migraine steps:

1. Walk for an hour and a half nonstop everyday for circulation

2. Daily, take pills made of black grape peels and pips, Take 1 and a half or twice the amount recomended on the bottle (for circulation)

3. Take digestive enzymes whenever you eat anything that isn't raw. And/or other natural digestive aids.

4. Try not to get very upset emotionally.

5. Eat one or 2 big lettuce salads with lots of raw ingredients everyday & avoid the well known triggers- coffee, chocolate, any cheese that isn't fresh or cottage (Blue cheese is especially dangerous), milk, cream, ice cream, and soya sauce, or miso or soya products that resemble meat, and black tea.

6. Sleep in a very well ventilated room (preferably in a howling gale)

Niacin

Posted by Tom (Regina, Sk) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★

MIGRAINES:

Here is a very quick and cheap thing to try, because all it'll cost is a small bottle of the niacin form (nicotinic acid) of Vitamin B3! I note that B3 is not listed under the Vitamins on this site, and B3 is not in the Remedies list under Migraines, either.

From the Linus Pauling site (well, one of them):
Http://www.orthomolecular.org

Two Case Reports on the Treatment of Acute Migraine with Niacin: Its Hypothetical Mechanism of Action Upon Calcitonin-Gene Related Peptide and Platelets
Jonathan E. Prousky, N. D. , FRSH; Erika Sykes, N. D. (Cand)

http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2003/pdf/2003-v18n02-p108.pdf

At the first sign of aura, he orally ingested 300 to 500mg of niacin, slightly chewing the niacin pills to allow them to dissolve slowly in his mouth. Hall found that the benefits of niacin were most pronounced when taken on an empty stomach, although it was noted that there was still a MH relieving effect when taken after meals. Additionally, he remarked that the migraines were resolved when intense flushing occurred.

Migraine Triggers: Food

Posted by Jackie (Belfast, Ireland) on 06/14/2010

where do i start with treating food intolerance? i need relief from migraines which are a result food intolerances. food intolerance tests show i am intolerant to many foods and food additives. Some of these foods i can directly relate to migraines but some of them i cannot directly relate to migraines.

for example, i am intolerant to oranges, lemons, bannanas, tomatoes, diary, but i do not notice any headaches with these.

i do however, relate headaches to preservatives, msg, also chocolate, cheese, wine, and some breads.

as there are preservatives in many foods, it is very difficult to avoid them. i really need to address whatever imbalance there is in my body.

it is difficult for me to know what to take, i cannot take lemon juice and even though i can eat an apple i cannot drink apple juice as it will trigger migraine.

my system seems extremely sensitive as i can take milk thistle tablets but i cannot take milk thistle drops, so if anyone has treatments will they please tell me which form of the treatment is the least likely to trigger migraine? For example, tablets, powder, drops, etc.

if more than one treatment to be taken, please tell me if i can take them together, and what dosage.

many thanks to all who help and if alfred has any further advice i would be glad to hear it.

jackie

Migraine Triggers: Food

Posted by Bobbyb (Wash.) on 03/22/2016

I went through all of these tests, saw many doctors and one suggested the SCD diet this is a very simple neutral sort of diet it helps to calm the Central nervous system down and helps heal the body. Taking minerals and electrolytes is helpful I was already eating NON Gmo organic I also figured out that if there is something else aggravating the body, your body just begins to react to things that it once did The body is on hyperalert. Look at everything in your environment. Got rid of dryer sheets, memory foam, all scented things, all chemical sprays, I checked for mold and did an air check, radon and carbon monoxide checks. I went to all natural shampoos. Even the insecticide you neighbor sprays can effect you.

Swedish Bitters, Digestive Complex, Vitamin B12

Posted by Takoda (Xeresa, Spain) on 05/20/2010
★★★★★

10 years of weekly migraines gone with Swedish bitters, a digestive complex and sublingual vit B12.

I take 2 tablespoons of Swedish bitters at the slightest hint of migraine- sometimes several times a day(I take a bottle wherever I go).
Also I take 30 drops of a digestive complex which has artichoke(cynara scolymus),fumaria (fumaria officinalis), boldo(peumus boldus Mol) bitter chamomile, rosemary and artimisia absinthium). These I take after any cooked meal.

And I take 2 sublingual vit B12 a day, double the recommended dose.

I would recommend a big lettuce based raw vegetable salad everyday as one main meal and I believe that all the above would cure any migraine that is digestion related. (I feel my whole chemistry has changed)

Good luck.

Raw Cabbage, Crystallized Ginger

Posted by Otter (Tyneside, England) on 02/10/2010
★★★★★

I suffer from occasional migraines, which I can stop if i catch them early enough (though sometimes I wake with one and there is not much I can do)

To stop the symptoms developing and to lessen the syptoms when I already have one, I eat some chopped raw cabbage (contains the same active ingredient as aspirin, I believe) and chew a piece of crystalised ginger root. This lessens both the headache and the sick feeling. I don't swallow the ginger, just chew it and swallow the 'juice', then spit it out. Because for some reason it gives me hiccups!!

Raw Cabbage, Crystallized Ginger

Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010

I have taken Indonesian type of ginger candy (usually in the Asian section of a regular grocery store, natural health market,or sometimes you have to find an ethnic grocer)--they are strong but tasty. It has helped with sea sickness, nausea from dietary indiscretions and other self-inflicted causes, and with sinus-type headache. I have not tried for migraine but I will. Ginger candy is also good for kids who are motion sick or just have a tummy ache---no danger of overdosing, tastes good, etc. but it does have a fair amount of sugar so mind that....

Ice Pack

Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010

I fill two gallon size plastic zip baggies with ice cubes--wrap each in a thin dish towel or t-shirt--place one on the neck and one over the eyes and lie down (a cool, dark, quiet room is best)...this is not a permanent fix but brings relief while waiting for other remedies to kick in....also, drink cool water and cool fresh juice (diluted is best). The ice packs usually make it possible for me to get to sleep and stay asleep through the night...if the pain comes back the next day, then more extreme measures are usually called for...(e.g., prescription meds--ugh).

Ice Pack

Posted by Kay (Destin, Fl) on 09/10/2012
★★★★★

This site is Godsend; thank you too all who contribute!

When 'on the road' and a migraine starts, I buy cold drinks (bottles or cans) to cool my neck while driving; they are the perfect fit between my neck and headrest. At home, I often use bags of frozen vegetables (after when I use up all my gel packs), then I make a hearty soup out of them the next day.

Magnesium

Posted by Yazmin (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ) on 05/07/2023
★★★★☆

Never had migraine before but had right side headache twice within 2 years. 3rd time this week n had been on paracetamol. I'm 48. Tried 400gm of magnesium citrate and it didn't go full blown. It's there but bearable. At least I can reduce paracetamol for now. TQ for the tip.

Supplements

Posted by Vi (Saskatoon, Canada) on 06/01/2009
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PMS/Menstruation/Migraines:

I decided to try a new vitamin and supplement regime to get myself off of a very expensive migraine medication that I needed without fail on a monthly basis! However I've been surprised at the changes that went beyond just no migraines. I felt happy, no bloating, lots of energy, and once my period started, I didn't have the awful lower back pain (I actually cleaned the car and ran errands on the first day), and NO MIGRAINES! If you can believe it I didn't even need an Advil. I'm kind of amazed at this because I don't have a great diet, and don't get as much exercise as I should. Unfortunately it's hard to tell what exactly is doing the trick, but from research on this site and others I've started taking:
*SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine - 12 days before - noticeable improvement in mood
*Vitamin B6 - start 12 days before
*Vitamin B complex - daily
*probiotic - daily
* Vit E - daily
*Mg - daily
*Calcium - daily - at night - to help with sleep, and interferes with absorption of other vitamins
* 1 tbsp flax oil, split over 1.5 tsp am and pm or I feel nauseous
* Salmon oil - daily
* 2 tbs apple cider vinegar - one am and one pm - so far only the common brand but will try organic next time
* garlic tablets (improves circulation)

I've also been taking melatonin, starting 12 days before, but I suspect that it's actually making my sleep worse, though some sites say it can help with migraines.

Paper Bag Technique

Posted by Wanda (Sykesville, Md) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★

Migraines & paper bags:

Whenever I get auras, sparkles and blurred vision and feel a migraine headache coming on, I grab a lunchbag (McDonald's bag works fine), and breathe in and out of it for 20 minutes. The carbon dioxide that I breathe back in helps constrict the expanded blood vessels which create the pounding headache in a migraine. I've used this technique for several years, with great success.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Dark Chocolate

Posted by Amanda (Murray, Kentucky, US) on 02/16/2009

Caffeine has always helped my headaches (I get tension headaches, sinus headaches, and migraines), so it is no wonder that Dark Chocolate helps some people alleviate headaches. Unfortunately, caffeine also causes tension, so people who get Tension headaches should avoid caffeine unless they actually have a tension headache.

Indian Herb Called Aak

Posted by S.R.SHARMA (NEW DELHI, DELHI INDIA) on 11/12/2008
★★★★★

MIGRAINE: I HAD DAILY ONE HOUR DURATION ATTACK FOR 5 YEARS.

AN INDIAN PLANT (AAK) HAVING GREEN BIG LEAVES GIVES MILK LIKE SUBSTANCE. IN MORNING BEFORE 10-15 MINUTES OF SUNRISE, ITS SMALLEST PAIR OF LEAVES IMMEDIATELY AFTER PLUCKING TAKEN WITH WATER FOR THREE DAYS....AND MIGRAINE GONE. WHAT A MIRACLE HERB!

EC: Aak's botanical name is Calotropis procera, correct?
Medical Abstract: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1526483
More information here: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/calotr09.html

Salt and Water, Acupressure

Posted by Kendra (Haiku, HI) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★

I have been doing the "Your body's many cries for water" cure and it has helped lower the number of migraine attacks. The cure is drinking half your body weight in water adding some celtic salt to the water. I drink 5 12oz bottles of water a day with an eighth of a tsp. of sea salt in each bottle.

I have also learned a technique someone told me about that has helped stop migraine pain. You go inside your mouth with your index finger and massage the area of the jaw juncture. Your thumb massages outside and your index finger inside. When you find the point it will be very sore. I actually worked both sides (right and left) at the same time... and relief came in about ten minutes. I hope this helps other people and ends the suffering.

Salt and Water, Acupressure

Posted by Tb (Columbus, Ohio) on 04/22/2010

I have been using the salt water with netti salt and spring water when I see the aura/lights for dehydration that I seem to have frequently. So far so good, but I have a concern. Does salt water causes the cells to die or osmosis. Can someone please help me to understand this?

Menthol-Camphor Ointment

Posted by Donna (Sparta, GA) on 10/24/2008
★★★★★

I haven't tried any of these remedies posted, but I have tremendous migraine attacks the the best thing I have discovered for myself was to rub menthol-camphor ointment on my temples and forehead and put a small amount just under my nose and it begin the relieve the tension in my head and put me to sleep. If it begins to wear off repeat the process until it finally goes away.

Lettuce

Posted by Giulietta (Xastiva, Spain) on 09/06/2008
★★★★★

Mostly when I am aware of a migraine starting, if I eat lettuce (the only type I haven't tried is iceberg) and move around in fresh air, it goes. Sometimes I wake up very early like 4 or 5 in the morning and if I get up, eat a lettuce, and move and dont go back to sleep I can usually keep it at bay- I might not always be 100% but I can manage the day if I also eat only raw food that day and a lettuce salad at lunch and supper. Also I have to sleep right next to a wide open window all the time. In stressful times or when travelling I find the only way to avoid migraines is to eat about 75% raw food.

Now the problem is how to get enough protein and grains and still avoid migraines- I am finding it very difficult and would appreciate advice.

Lettuce

Posted by Mariah (Central, Kansas USA) on 07/25/2009

I just read your inquiry about additional nutrients for your raw food. I know I'm about a year too late - but perhaps trying to add in flax seed and wheat germ would assist in those missing nutrients! I hope this helps.

Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!

Posted by Phil (Sooke, BC, Canada) on 08/29/2008
★★★★★

Both my wife and I have a great sensitivity to MSG - bad migraines - and I know quite a few other people who are sensitive. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a nasty chemical - looks like shards of glass under a microscope - no wonder it is used as a meat tenderizer. Anyway, I would recommend to anybody who suffers from migraines to try and stay away from MSG. I know it is difficult in this day and age, but it can be done if you are careful and read the ingredients listed on food products.

Lime With Salt

Posted by Trisha (Berkeley, California) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★

I have been suffering from Migraines all my life, honestly trying every 'cure' there is--prescription and holistic. It really comes down to a complete lifestyle change, but even then you cannot control all the chemicals in our daily environments. Anyways, last night I was at work and I started to come down with what felt like a PMS headache--one of those where you feel absolutely hopeless to fix because it is hormone related. I usually get these for about 3 days before my period and they clear up the minute I start bleeding. So last night when I told my coworkers that my head hurt, they--being Mexican--immediately offered up the remedy they grew up with: Half a lime with salt. I laughed at them thinking "Yeah right." but tried it anyways, and sure enough, after eating the whole thing and waiting a good 15 minutes, my headache was gone and I was fine the rest of the night and into this morning. It may have been a placebo effect, but it was so simple and there was no harm done. Couldn't hurt to try!

Also--use the netti pot to clear out your sinuses. Often times sinus headaches will disguise themselves as migraines. If the netti pot makes you feel better that's what you have.

Lime With Salt

Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/22/2008 490 posts

Hello to all who have menstrual problems and migraines, magnesium supplements have been known to decrease the frequency of migraine HA's as well as other discomforts (cramping) if that time of the month.

Misc Remedies for Migraines

Posted by Tan Koon Peng (Singapore) on 06/30/2008

Dietary recommendations for migraines:
Supplement your diet with magnesium. Up to 50% of patients experiencing an acute migraine attack have lowered levels of ionized magnesium. Because of its safety profile, oral magnesium supplementation can be recommended to a majority of migraine sufferers. One study showed that migraine attack frequency was reduced by 41.6% in those who participated in regular magnesium supplementation.

Take 5-HTP in the morning. 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. Migraines are caused in part by low serotonin. When serotonin levels are low, blood vessels dilate. Therefore, increasing serotonin may be helpful in preventing migraine occurrences.3 * Supplement with CoQ10. In one particular key trial, 61.3% of migraineurs who supplemented with CoQ10 during a four-month trial period reduced their occurrence of migraine attacks by at least 50%.4

1. Add ground flax seed to your diet since it contains healthy dietary fiber and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
2. Add virgin coconut oil to your diet to benefit from plant-based healthy saturated fat.
3. Add foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet.
4. Eat plenty of unrefined low-glycemic carbohydrates (brown rice, sprouted grains, winter squash).
5. Limit intake of fruits that have a high glycemic index such as apricots, raisins, banana, papaya, and mango.
6. Eat plenty of vegetables and vegetable juices (kelp, sprouts, green and black olives, peppers, spinach, chard, celery, zucchini).
7. Drink purified water throughout the day.
8. If you are a caffeine addict,chances are caffeine are causing your headache, detox your body of caffeine and stay away from caffeine and you will not have any more headache.

No need to see a doctor for he will just prescribe medicine with side effects, it is simply not worth it.Do not overload your body with artifical chemical!

1. Feverfew is great for migraines.

2. Gingko helps with the blood circulation in the brain.You can get a good one from this brand (pharmanex).

3.You can get buy 1 or 2 cans of isotonic drink (eg.100PLUS), and mix it with drinking water according to a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (simply, it means one cup 100plus, one cup water.or 2 cups water). Another method will be to submerge your feet in a basin of warm water so that it bring the blood pressure down from your throbbing head.

4. Tian ma mi huan jun pian is cheap and effective for headache. You can get it from chinese medical shop.

5. Gatorade is useful for headache.Try it!

6. Inhaling lavender,eucalyptus or pepermint oil work for headache.Just dab some pepermint, eucalyptus or lavender oil to a cotton ball & breathe in the scent for a few moments. Do not get pure peppermint oil on your skin-this could burn it,if it is not duliuted. This remedy works everytime for John.You can also apply any of these oil to your temple.
Eye pillow stuffed with lavender also works great for headache.

7. Rub half a lime on your forehead and you will have no more headache.

8a. Rub the area right above your eye brows slowly in a circular motion and your headache will go away.

b. Rubbing the area on the back of your head right where the head and neck meet is useful too!

9. A study at Michigan State University suggests that apples act as a tranquilizer. The study reveals that eating 2 apples a day reduces tensions, headaches, and emotional upsets.

10. For headache relief, apply a cold compress of witch hazel over the forehead.

11. Spicy soups will cure a migrane.It's capsaicin in the Hot Chili peppers that does the trick.Chinese Hot and Sour soup works too. So next time you get a migraine, get some of these soup.

12. Raw cabbage is useful for headache.

Washing Your Feet

Posted by Kathy (Piqua, USA) on 05/17/2008
★★★★★

For migraine cure: Washing your feet always helps. Feet have accupressure points (energy centers). Also the muslims wash their feet 5 times a day. -(in Bible also). I believe washing feet helps to ground you. I also think migraines come on from being too psychic for too long. To solve problems we reach out for answers and need to return soul to body and ground. The sixth chakra needs to close.*** Also slowing down and living in the present grounds you.