The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Magnetic Pillow Case
Posted by Lisa (Brampton, Canada) on 04/24/2008
★★★★★
I have had horrible migraines weekly for the past 2 years, ever since I had my miscarriage. I was at my last resort when I tried a magnetic therapy pillow case, and unbelievably, I have not had a migraine, or headache even in the 3 1/2 weeks since I have been sleeping on it!
Magnetic Pillow Case
Posted by Nancy (Saint John, New Brunswick) on 06/30/2011
Hi,
I live in NB, where do you buy a magnetic pillow case? I have never heard tell of them, thanks Nancy
Find Your Trigger
Posted by Terry (Eugene, Oregon) on 04/17/2008
★★★★★
There is some great information here, but no one has addressed the possibilities of migraine due to non-food sources. My biggest triggers are environmental air quality factors. Things sure to trip my migraine activity is fragrances of all kinds (personal care items or cleaners, candles, incense, etc., scented fabric softeners are evil to me), chemical off-gassing and odors, cleanser odors, new materials off-gassing (new plastics, new leather, etc.), mold, pollens, animal dander, dustmites (big offender for me), dust, smoke of any kind, gas fumes, even unscented off-gassing from formaldehyde or welding fumes. New stereo or video components off-gas for months and will put me down so fast. New furniture will do the same. While I have specific food triggers, what is more vital is making sure my home environment is fragrance, chemical and as odor-free as possible.
Find Your Trigger
Posted by Rob (Atlanta) on 03/28/2016
★★★★★
I use to get ocular migraines frequently from jogging. It took me a few years to figure that out. I tried taking ibuprofen an hour before the jog, but it did not reduce the frequency. Although it made me sad that I cannot jog anymore, I'm more happy to not get the ocular migraines anymore. Instead I have now fell in love with Yoga, it will never replace the jogging but it has it's own beauty to it.
Find Your Trigger
Posted by Dabags (Colorado) on 06/08/2016
Ocular migraines are also caused by a lack of metafolic acid - the defect MTHFR. The wrong (synthetic- added to flour, many foods) acts as poison for us. By adding METAfolic acid, you can keep from getting these, or cure one quickly.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Randahl (San Jose, California) on 04/10/2008
For those looking to use Oil of Oregano for it's antimicrobial properties, I would like to specify that Oil of Oregano is NOT Oregano Essential oil, which would have to be diluted. If you're looking to buy this remedy, make sure that the ingredients list states that there is a carrier oil (like olive oil). Otherwise, be prepared to dilute it yourself, or there could be serious negative effects.
I have seen some people writing in remedies that include putting undiluted essential oils on their skin. I think I saw a remedy for headaches or migraines that recommended putting peppermint essential oil on the temples. I have been studying aromatherapy for 5 years, and one of the most basic lessons is that you almost NEVER use essential oils undiluted. Peppermint essential oil in particular is considered to be a skin irritant to all skin types when used undiluted. If put on the temples, the strength of the fumes could seriously irritate the eyes and the delicate area around the eye. If you are going to try any remedy including essential oils, DILUTE FIRST! Even if the remedy doesn't specify it, you'll be saving yourself from possible complications.
Acupressure, Garlic, Peppermint Tea
Posted by Claudette (Houston, Tx) on 03/06/2008
★★★★★
For the lady who thinks she will quit having migraines when she gets 50.You can quit dreaming. I am 64 and have had migraines for years. I take Imitrex and sometimes when it is not available and I get one, I pinch my hand between the thumb and index finger. And garlic does help, I also drink peppermint tea with honey. Dairy products cause me to have migraines because of the thick mucus it causes at night.
Ocular Migraine Remedies
Posted by Sergio (Lake Worth, FL) on 02/03/2008
★★★★★
I have oocular migraines which is migraines on the eyes. It contributes blindspots on the eyes or shattered glass vission and terrible headaches. But ever since I got a pubscription for contacts ,my migraines just randomly dissapeared .It been 5 months that i lived without any symthons.
Alternating Hot Cold Showers
Posted by April (Savannah, GA) on 01/14/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I stood in a freezing cold, icey shower for nearly 20 minutes with no relief. My migraines are debilitating, throbbing aches that stop me in my tracks. The cold felt good on my skin, but didn't help my pain.
Alternating Hot Cold Showers
Posted by David (Atlanta, Ga) on 05/10/2015
★★★★★
You need more than just a cold shower. You need to alternate hot and cold water over the affected areas of your head. I position myself in a way that the water only runs over my head and neck, and not the rest of my body. Too uncomfortable!!
I run the hot for about 1-2 minutes, and then turn the water to the coldest setting for about 30 seconds. Keep doing this, alternating between hot and cold, and eventually the shock will knock the headache out. Sometimes you may have to this up to a 1/2 hr. Other times it may only take a few minutes, depending on the severity of the Migraine.
Cumin Seeds
Posted by Jonathan99 (London, UK) on 08/06/2012
★★★★★
Hi, Sometimes black seed oil can help migraines, the blessed seed should be taken regularly.
The secret lies in its strengthening and rebalancing our all important immune system which is our body's defense against illness. Countless people take the blessed seed to make sure they do not fall down to the flu. Also with cancer on the increase, the ability of this alternative health remedy to clear tumours means that you are safeguarding that you will not get cancer.
Lets hope the blessed seed helps.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by Lisa (St. Clair Shores, Michigan) on 11/14/2007
★★★★★
Just wanted to let people know if you have terrible migraines, consider your diet. I started a journal and realized I was drinking about 6-8 cups of green or white tea daily for the health benefits; when I stopped drinking it, my migraines disappeared instantly. I had suffered terribly with migraines 1-3 weekly for about 10 years! Hope this can help someone. Please share with anyone who gets a migraine.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by Vickie (Spokane, WA) on 12/26/2008
It was probably the caffeine in the tea that was giving you the headaches. Green Tea is high in caffeine. I don't know about the White Tea.
Stop Drinking Tea
Posted by G (Spain) on 11/10/2016
Tea, black, green and puerrh all destroy Dao the enzyme that regulates histamine - too much histamine- migraine.
Vitamin B and Magnesium
Posted by Tom (Regina, Sk) on 10/24/2010
VITAMIN B2 RIBOFLAVIN
It's possible that several of the B-Complex vitamins act synergistically for specific problems, like migraines. Niacin (straight nicotinic acid form of B3) has evidence of working, and there is also evidence that B2 riboflavin can effect the same relief from migraines, but possibly via a different pathway.
[URL=http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b2-000334.htm
Migraine Headache
Several studies indicate that people who get migraines may decrease the frequency and duration of the headache by taking riboflavin. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that taking 400 mg of riboflavin a day cut the number of migraine attacks in half. The study did not compare riboflavin to conventional medications used to prevent migraines, however, so more research is needed.
The NIH US National Institute of Health has an entire Searchable huge database of studies done in institutes of all kinds from all over the world:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19649688
Studies on adults show the effectiveness and tolerability of riboflavin in migraine prevention, while data on children are scarce. This retrospective study reports on our experience of using riboflavin for migraine prophylaxis in 41 pediatric and adolescent patients, who received 200 or 400 mg/day single oral dose of riboflavin for 3, 4 or 6 months. Attack frequency and intensity decreased (P < 0.01) during treatment, and these results were confirmed during the follow-up. A large number of patients (77.1%) reported that abortive drugs were effective for controlling ictal(relating to seizure or convulsion) events. During the follow-up, 68.4% of cases had a 50% or greater reduction in frequency of attacks and 21.0% in intensity. Two patients had vomiting and increased appetite, respectively, most likely for causes unrelated to the use of riboflavin. In conclusion, riboflavin seems to be a well-tolerated, effective, and low-cost prophylactic treatment in children and adolescents suffering from migraine. On the linked NIH page at the top is the Search. Just use any string like 'migraines and Vitamin B2'.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by S. (Nc, Usa) on 03/13/2015
Thanks for the MSG info Cindy. That may be the "missing link" for some of us.
Cold Showers
Posted by C (PD) on 02/13/2007
★★★★★
In the summer time when I get a migraine that would not quit, I would go in the afternoon to the springs, which is like jumping into ice water, and the migraine would got away instantly, I had always used ice packs which helped, but did not get rid of them, jumping in ice cold springs did, which would be the same as really cold water in your shower or bath.
Cold Showers
Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012
I'm surprised by this 'cure'. Usually extremes of any stimuli can be a trigger for migraines... Whether it be food, noise, temperature, etc. I used to see a headache doc who had created a bizarre headpiece that had ceramic panel inserts. The panels could be frozen or microwaved. I tried 'frozen' first. My headache went from a 6 to a 9 in about one minute! (Sub zero weather days, migraine intensifies just as rapidly. ) Next headache, I tried microwaving the panels. The heat felt good and maybe caused a very minimal pain decrease. Likewise, a hot bath that I can lay my head in the water also helps. Or maybe it is the weightless environment? Just saying that heat feels good, but I certainly wouldnt call it a cure.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tammy (Roseburg, Oregon) on 01/11/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I avoid anything with coconut oil in it! It gives me terrible migraine headaches. My whole family runs this allergic reaction. Now, I don't know if it's "virgin" - it's the C.O. you see in lots of products (candy, esp.) A small amount can set me back for a day; more has caused me a visit to the ER! I did not run across anyone else who said they had the same reaction, but my dad, aunts, cousins, etc. all are allergic to C.O.
Gunpowder Tea
Posted by wendy (MA) on 08/07/2022
There are so many kinds online and my impression is that it is just green tea. What is it that makes "gunpowder" tea so different? Does anyone know?
Ozonated Water
Posted by Polish (Frankfurt, Germany) on 10/28/2006
★★★★★
1 month ago i was trying ozonated water for the first time and it worked WONDERS for my menstruation migraine. it worked too astonishingly well that i got bold and had some coffee and chocolate that day to "test" the ozone. very devilishly! well, i had "over tested" and felt the migraine creeping slowly back. since i was working at that moment i asked for a painkiller and they gave me a pill of ibuprofen. and my doom [acid reflux] was sealed!
Lemons or Limes With Salt and Pepper
Posted by Anj (London, UK) on 09/21/2006
★★★★★
Cut a lemon or /lime into halves or slices, sprinkle about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt and same amount of black pepper. roast/ oven bake/direct on gas fire/ barbecue/ cover it and microwave for 40 seconds, salt and pepper side on top till bubbly juice comes out. Let it cool down but don't let it go completely cold, it should be hot. Suck with the pulp direct from the lemon slices/halves as the peel has secreted some juices that you need. Same method can be used with sour oranges or tangerines.
This recipe came from my mum who used it on all her kids as natural alternative which would not give any side effect, to cure headaches, migraines, cough and colds, flu, as well as when someone feels sick as if they want to vomit. This is a ideal alternative medicine for diabetics and ideal for everyone as you don't have to go shopping, everything you'll have in your home when you have any of these problems. All of us brothers and sisters have been using this all these years, may be it might help someone who wants to try natural alternatives which would not give them any side effects especially if they are diabetics.
Lavender Oil
Posted by Sonia (Los Angeles) on 08/25/2006
★★★★★
Lavender oil cures migraines and headaches. I use essential lavender oil under my nose so I can smell and breath it in. The smell clears your nasal passages and it much easier to fall asleep. I also use an ice pack over whichever side of the forehead I have the migraine. I fall asleep easily and the headache subsides.
Peppermint Oil
Posted by Samantha (Albany, NY) on 02/12/2006
★★★★★
I used to get an average of 4 migraines per week. Now that I regularly visit my chiropractor I very rarely suffer from a migraine. When I do get one, I rub peppermint essential oil on my temples. It helps with both the headache part as well as the nausea.
Ice Pack
Posted by Heidi (Phoenix, AZ) on 01/22/2006
★★★★★
Try using a frozen ice pack (the flexible kind for sports injuries works best), and place it at the base of the skull. The ice will reduce the swelling in the blood vessels which are causing the restriction of the blood flow and causing the migraine in the first place. It usually relieves my migraines within about 10-15 minutes.
Ice Pack
Posted by April (Savannah, GA) on 07/14/2009
★★★★★
Ice Pack Cured my Migraine
I'd had the worst migraine in years and it had already persisted for a day, and I had already taken the max of my prescription medication. My next step was to go to the ER when a coworker suggested the ice pack at the base of the skull. I placed several ice cubes in a Ziplock bag, placed it on the back of my neck, and lay in my bed again. I also took four more Tylenol and fell back asleep. When I awoke this time, the migraine was gone completely.
Icelandic Vodka
Posted by Zikit (New York, NY) on 08/04/2012
vodka and wine is great beverage, I like drink whisky but it is hard to drink. vodka is best.
