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.
Cayenne
Posted by Elaine (Paso Robles, California) on 01/23/2013
★★★★★
I've had migraines for years. Usually ibuprofen and sleeping helps. This time it lasted over 4 days and nothing worked. I tried ACV: no results, I went on a 3 mile brisk walk: no results. On the fifth day I tried the cayenne... It's a miracle cure, the migraine subsided within minutes! A couple of hours later, I thought it was coming back so I made a cocktail of 1 cup hot water, a squeeze of lemon, a few drops of honey and a tsp of cayenne, and again it worked instantly. THANK YOU!
5-HTP
Posted by Sandra (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/21/2013
It sounds like you might have tyramine-triggered migraines, rather than simply a gluten/casein sensitivity. Check out the list of foods that contain tyramine. Glad the 5-HTP is working. I'm looking for something to help my aunt, who suffers from migraines probably due to tyramine.
Feverfew
Posted by David (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 12/15/2012
★★★★★
I've been suffering from migraines for 50 years. The solution for me and many others I've gotten onto this is simple: The herb feverfew. It is a natural dilator. I had used B3 for years but feverfew does not have the flush issue.
Take two tablets of feverfew every day until migraines subside, then every other day. If you are under lots of pressure (job, family etc) make sure you take two daily.
Feverfew works if the sufferer has a "classic" migraine; light halo, light sensitivity leading to blurred vision and usually nausea.
This is to be taken as a preventative not as a pill to be taken when the migraine is upon you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Morrison, Tn) on 12/13/2012
★★★★★
I used apple cider vinegar for my migraine the other day. I had the eye problem first (auras) and then the migraine begins. But about 20 minutes into the aura phenomenon, I came on here and saw the ACV recommendation and did it. My migraine never really had a chance to begin. I felt a little pressure all day, just a little. I drank the ACV (2 tbsp in a glass of water), throughout the day and was just fine!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Liz (San Francisco, Ca) on 12/06/2012
★★★★★
Thank you all so much for posting this info about ACV for migraines. One day a couple months ago I was hit hard with a very painful one with sinus issues too. Desparate because pain relievers didn't work, I thought, "well, one more google search. " I read your page, and following someone's story I: drank ACV water, started to feel better. Earlier I could barely walk. Then put some ACV in hot water and "steamed" my face over it for a few minutes, took an epsom salt bath, and felt almost normal after word. Took another "shot" of ACV water and I was good to go! What a relief! Now I drink a generous splash of ACV in water a couple times per day and haven't had a headache or migraine since I started doing that. Seriously, not making this up. Really grateful.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Molly (Lafayette, Colorado) on 11/16/2012
Coconut oil will trigger a migraine instantly for me. Even just smelling in can trigger a horrid migraine.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Scott (Fairfax, Va) on 10/27/2012
★☆☆☆☆
Tammy is right. Coconut oil triggers nasty headaches, at least for me. Be wary and check food labels.
Avoid MSG and Free Glutamates!
Posted by Cindy (Jefferson City, Mo, Usa) on 10/23/2012
★★★★★
Don't just avoid MSG (monosodium glutamate) but avoid glutamate altogether. Sounds easy, but it's not. Many processed foods when processed (especially at high heat and in water) break down into the free amino acid, glutamate, which causes the same reactions in the body as monosodium glutamate. Most processed foods and even foods you cook at home from "scratch" can break down into glutamate. I would advise reading
www.msgmyth.com for more info. My migraines and fibromyalgia are better since I changed my diet and shampoos, lotions, etc. Also, just because a product is labeled as NO MSG does not mean it does not contain multiple ingredients that break down into glutamate and will give you the same reaction as MSG.
Breathe Into a Brown Paper Bag
Posted by Brett (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/23/2012
★★★★★
I have done this now for a few Months ever since my Doctor explain why it work. Migraines are a swelling of the brain. CO2 make the blood vesels constrict causing the flow of blood to slow down. It works almost every time if I do it soon enough.
Turmeric
Posted by Elodie (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 10/17/2012
★★★★★
Whilst I acknowledge everyone is unique and that this may not work for everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience with using tumeric as a natural remedy for treating migraine.I have been getting semi frequent migrains for the past 12 months, and put it down to neck problems/stress. I get the kind which start in the head and travel down to the face, particularly behind the eyes. Sometimes this is accompanied by nausea. Meditating seems to alleviate it somewhat, but as soon as I get up and start moving about again, the pain comes back. So on the weekend I resisted taking a pill and instead reached for some freshly minced tumeric. I bought organic minced tumeric from the health food store. I took 2 teaspoons with warm water, layed down in a dark, quiet room and fell asleep meditating, anything to divert my attention away from the pain. I woke up the following morning, migraine gone, pain free, feeling relieved! I guess the anti inflammatory effect of the tumeric really helped me, and would strongly encourage people to try this before they reach for the nasty pharmaceutical pill.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 09/28/2012
★★★★★
Yes the stuff is amazing for fixing the squigly lines and the throbbing headach after. If you take a capfull in the morning and evening the thing stays away permanently and if you forget for a week or two when you do get an attack its over with quickly and theirs no headache. Which only serves as a reminder to get back into the habit.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lonnie (New York) on 09/28/2012
★★★★★
Getting migraines less frequently due to dietary changes, however still get them once in awhile.
Last night began to see squiggly lines, vision impaired etc, all letting me know the pain was coming. I remembered seeing cures for migraine on this site and looked again. Immediately took 3 tablespoons of ACV with a little honey in 8 ounces. OMG!!! No pain, no vomiting. I feel tired, but there was and is no pain.
I am so grateful. I have tried numerous cures including medication and nothing has worked like this. THANK YOU for posting this remedy.
Breathe Into a Brown Paper Bag
Posted by Makayla (Knoxville, Tn) on 09/26/2012
★★★★★
This works! When I feel a migraine coming on, I do a variation where I lay down and breathe through my bed sheets. It increases the CO2 in your bloodstream, which in turn dilates your blood vessels.
I've read, and confirmed, that it only works when you do it during your aura. If you do it when the actual headache pain hits, it can make it worse.
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.
Chiropractic
Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I, too, signed up for one year of chiropractic adjustments to help prevent migraines. Started out at 3 times a week and would slowly decrease to just once a week (once you are 'adjusted', you need less 'adjusting' :) The first month, I had one of my worst migraines EVER! I decided that things are moving around and maybe I have to get a little worse before I can get a little better. The next month, 'normal' amount of migraines. The next month... A few more than usual. And, month four... WORST MIGRAINE MONTH EVER IN MY LIFE. The kicker is that I would walk into the clinic without a migraine. The chiropractor would knock me in the head with that 'miniature cattle knocker'. I would leave with a monster migraine starting. I let this go on for a month. It got to the point that I was getting a mild migraine out of nervousness to go see the chiropractor who was going to give me a migraine all in the efforts to PREVENT migraines. And I was paying for all this wonderfulness! Would you believe that I lost 8 months of money on that contract?? I signed it. I owed. Even though the services were harming me. I'm not saying dont try it, I'm just relating my experiences. I would suggest not signing a contract, though, at any rate, until you are sure youre headed in the right direction.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Ne, Usa) on 09/25/2012
I tried it again last night. Felt the migraine coming on. After a couple of hours, it was worse. I took the appropriate amount of ACV. Migraine actually got worse. An hour later, I tried a second 'dose'. Fast forward another hour. Migraine getting out of control... Level 8 . Took Relpax (triptan) and four Advil. Another hour later, headache under control. I really wanted to join the majority on this miracle ACV cure, but it just doesnt work for me. It actually worsens the migraine as if I had drank wine or champagne.
5-HTP
Posted by Wendi (San Clemente, Ca) on 09/20/2012
★★★★★
I came across 5-HTP on my doctor's vitamin website. The description said that it was for Depression, Mood Swings, Sleeplessness, Headaches, etc. Since I have all those things, I decided to give it a try! Much to my delight, I found that my 25 year struggle with Gluten and Casein related migraines was suddenly over!! After suffering through years of debilitating migraines, that effectively put a damper on my Junior High, High School, College, and Marriage life. When I was 27ish, I finally figured out that if I removed gluten and cow-related dairy products from my diet, I no longer had migraines. This was great! Except, that gluten and casein are in EVERYTHING! This food allergy (food intolerance) discovery was a blessing in disguise, because now I eat fresh organic fruit and veggies and organic/grass-fed meat. No packaged meals or fastfood ever! But eating out or over at friends' houses was still causing me to lose days due to the migraines. 5-HTP literally changed my life! I started taking 100mg/day in the morning and noticed after a month that I could have little cheats in my diet and get away with them!
Currently I take 200 mg/day and can have a sandwich for lunch and cheesecake! (it's SO wrong, I know! ) I still try very hard to keep the gluten and casein out of my diet. Even though I can cheat and not have a migraine attack, I still can tell that my body feels wrong or icky when I have those foods. But it's SO nice to go from 10 migraines a month, down to 1, maybe 2 per month. I plan to cut back to 100mg/day because I know that there is differing opinions about how much is too much. Plus being able to eat whatever I want makes it very hard to stay gluten/casein free. I hope this post helps other people to realize that they may have food allergies/intolerances that they are unaware of yet.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Noelle (Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa) on 09/11/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I have suffered severe migraines since a car accident in 1994. Despite the onset being caused by trauma, I do still get the same 'classic' migraine symptoms as people who have not had a trauma. Of course, have seen every doctor and tried every drug available. My current cocktail has been a triptan - Relpax, four Advils, a Relpax 2 hours later (if needed), and Stadol (if the second Relpax fails). If I get to that point, I am in for 72 hours of hell.
A few days ago, I found the ACV cure and was so excited that I ran right out and bought organic ACV and organic honey. I almost wished for a headache to test it out. I was so positive it would work! Watch out what you wish for. A mere 2 days later and the familiar feeling in the right temple started. No worries. I can get rid of it easily! I mixed 2tsp ACV and 1tsp honey in 8ozs warm water. (Ugh! ) Went up to bed. Forty five minutes later, husband noticed I was agitated from pain. "Your new thing didnt work?" Me, "Not yet. " I just knew that if I could go to sleep that it would be gone by morning. My positive attitude had to count for something, right? No. At 2:00AM, I was up to a level 8/9. It was almost as if I had drank wine (one of my worst triggers) Two rounds of Relpax and 1200mg's of Advil... Four hours later... and sleep finally came.
Ok, I am willing to try it again... Even though I feel like the ACV actually exacerbated my condition! I dont think I used enough ACV. I thought I remembered it being 2tsp, but now I see that people are using 2 and 3 TBSP. I will give an update after I try it again.
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the honey? Is it to make the whole sour cocktail more palatable? Or is there an actual purpose for it?
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Larry (Glen Ellyn, Il) on 09/05/2012
★★★★★
Have had maybe 4 episodes in 30 years so no expert but when they occur they're doozies. Yesterday AM I'm getting ready for work when my vision began to blur and got flashing. This was as bad as I've ever had and probably the worst symptoms ever. After determining it was a migraine attack I quickly jumped to Earth Clinic for what to do. Found the ACV mixture and immediately drank down about 3 tbs with water and honey. Laid down while covering my eyes as they were already super sensitive and felt nausia and the following headache beginning. Within a half hr I was up and around with only a somewhat upset stomach and a little woozie. By noon I was pretty much myself again.
Thanks again Earth Clinic, you'ved saved me from the pill dispenser once more!
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.
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.
Magnesium
Posted by Melanie B (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/25/2012
★★★★★
The following month I tried this same remedy (Fenugreek & Thyme) and did not receive the same comfort as before. I have now learned the monthly headaches have been caused by a magnesium deficiency. A few days before I expect to begin menses I soak my feet in warm water with about 1-2 cups of Epsom Salt in it.
I do this for a few days. Sometimes if I start to feel a headache coming on I will soak in a warm bath of Epsom Salt, 2 cups or the full container. I haven't had a headache come on for the past couple months now, and I used to suffer through 3 days of headaches prior.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Sarah (Dallas, Texas) on 06/20/2012
★★★★★
Anitha, thank you. You are the only person I have known to confirm my experience. The very first migraine I ever had was unbearable. I couldn't sleep, and was throwing up. My husband came home, and brought me an Alka Seltzer original, in a glass of water. It gave me total and complete relief. No headache, no upset stomach, and I could sleep. My migraines have lessened in severity, over time, however. So my other favorite remedies for migraine are 1) a glass of whole milk with a chocolate bar, and 2) a pinch of cayenne pepper on the tip of my tongue for 30 seconds, followed by a glass of water.
Cayenne
Posted by Healyourself (Smyrna, Ga, Usa) on 05/29/2012
★★★★★
I had been out of commission for several hours with a full blown migraine when I was having my boyfriend read earthclinic looking for something new to try. I decided on drinking cayenne and knew the honey couldn't hurt and would make it eaiser to drink. So I warmed a cup of water 20 secs, then added 1/2 tspn of cayenne and a long squirt of honey. Drank it down all at once with a straw, then several gulps of cold water.... In 15 mins I was 80% better. Did it 5 more times over the next day and a half. Just one may not make it stay away, but it was amazing. Definitely worth trying for a headache or migraine. I will be using this method again, for sure.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joedietz (Cedarburg, Wisconsin) on 05/01/2012
★★★★★
I have not had a migraine for 15 years. Last night I started getting the blind spots and flashing lights in my vision that usually precurser my migraines. I went to earth clinic and found the ACV recommendation. I took 2-3 tablespoons with honey in 8oz water right away and the vision impairment went away and I never got a headache. Thanks!
Dandelion Greens
Posted by Brandy (Sedona, Az, Usa ) on 04/11/2012
★★★★★
Migraine sufferers : I tried a mix of dandelion greens juice the d greens are the base, with carrot and ginger to taste. The d greens , most cities you have to go to a health food store to find and they will mix it for you. I was suffering from migraines and cluster headaches and sinusitis. My naturopathic Dr.told me about this after I drank a 4 oz small glass my migraine was gone, sometimes it would return in a few hours, drink another glass. Migraines are from toxins a lot of time especially when we ( I ) use med, drugs to get rid of them just makes it worse. Especially when you are getting the every other day. The green drink is basically alkalizing you. As opposed to your body being too acidic. Some people are allergic to dandelion greens. I noticed when I did this I also started detoxing, my ears peeled, I had fungus ( not visible ) but itchy behind ears, my mouth came up with this crud. I asked my Dr he said just that Crud, toxins. I drink a glass every day now- no Migraines. I was hospitalized for these such was the pain. You can play with the juice after headaches are gone add fruit to your greens etc. To make it not taste too bad.
It really isn't I believe in Apple Cider Vinegar but this worked better for me. Not expensive. And the relief is instant right after you ingest- no more than ten minutes or sooner. I would have migraine for a week, had to lie in room with dark glasses, no sound or light. Good luck- Read about alkaline and acid. Buy the cheap litmus paper in Drugstore and pee on them to see your range. Good way to tell if your body is too acid, if it is this will work.
Also raises your metabolic rate and brings your temp to normal if below, being alkaline! Brandy
Gunpowder Tea
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 03/24/2012
★★★★★
I wake up many mornings with a headache which can sometimes ruin my day. I tried the gunpowder tea remedy that I saw here and to my surprise, by the time I finish drinking the tea, I am already feeling much better and am able to get on with my day. Thank you for sending in this remedy! No OTC anti-inflammatory had been able to help with this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (Destin, Fl) on 03/08/2012
Possibly your migrane is mechanical, not chemical; maybe neck misalignment or shoulder stress causing nerves/muscles to be pinched? (I get this from bad 'computer posture' I. E. rounded back, crook neck; and when slouching during studying, driving, bench work, cooking all day). In this case, I use a firm, thick travel pillow (in the shape of a "C"), or lay down on my back with a rolled up towel under my neck, to straighten then neck, then the headaches eventually disappear; adding a heating pad or hot shoulder drape to the area works much faster as it helps release muscles that get agitated and contracted due to the nerve stress. The heating pad with moisture cloth, or the shoulder drapes made with buckseeds or rice (for microwaving) are exceptional since they produce moist heat which penetrates the muscles more quickly and thouroughly. A magnesium supplement will also help the muscles relax/decompress.
Ice Pack
Posted by Kathy (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/08/2012
★★★★★
Along with the cold pack on the neck I put my feet in a bathtub with hot water, as hot as I can stand it. After about 10 min the migraine starts to melt away.... Ahhhh relief!
Ice Pack
Posted by Nightfire (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/04/2012
★★★★★
OMG... Thank you, thank you, thank you! After trying cure after cure and being frustrated to the point of actually taking over the counter meds (gah) which I knew was too far progressed to even put a 'dent' in the headache I had, which seem to grow worse by the second no matter what I tried. After a cold shower and feeling frustrated as well as miserable and in constant agony. I went to the freezer and grabbed a frozen roll of ground turkey and dropped it in a baggy, put it behind my neck then watched a comedy for about a hour (and the headache was baaad). By the time it was over the headache had decreased then went away (I was dancing around my kitchen, lol) after all I tried it was as simple as that! The kind of headache that should have lasted 3 days. I nearly cried because of the relief. So hey sometimes it 'can' be that 'easy'. Hope this works for you. Hugs Hugs.
Gunpowder Tea
Posted by Carly (Duluth, Mn/ Usa) on 02/18/2012
★★★★★
My son got a horrible, throwing up migraine headache. He was laying on the couch clutching the edge of a blanket. I came to Earth Clinic thinking there might be something for him. Saw the Gunpowder tea, called the local wholefoods, and and sent my husband out to retrieve it. Brewed it, and sat down next to him to wait for it to cool while I wondered if he would be able to hold it down long enough to see if it helped. He actually wanted to try it, and drank 1 cup down. Within 5 minutes he was up and looking for some food. Amazing! Now I carry some (teabag) in my purse in case he gets a migraine.
At a basketball game, I gave some to a dear lady who gets horrible migraines. Her husband gave me a look of disbelief, but the next time I saw her, they were both beaming and telling me how much it stopped the pain and symptoms cold of her next migraine. Now, they share the good news with others.
I don't know why this would work, but it does.
I love Earth Clinic! My other favorite cure from here is the eggwhites for burns. It immediately stops the burn pain and prevents any scarring. Just do it right away and keep applying it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Binu (Bangalore, Karnataka, India) on 01/01/2012
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar with honey is a wonder drug for Migraine. I used to get severe migraine attacks during sleep and usually wake up with pain. The pain and nausea will extend to 2 days.
This remedy gives instant relief from pain and I am feeling better.
Thnx, binu
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Valmaraz (Del Rio, Texas) on 12/06/2011
★★★★★
Thank you so much for posting this! I came home last night from class with a huge migraine and I felt so sick and dizzy. The right side of my head was pulsing from the pain! I started to cry from the pain and my husband was getting ready to take me to the hospital. I googled home remedies for migraines and came across this site and this post. Instead of taking me to the hospital he went to H-E-B and bought honey and Apple Cider Vinegar. I feel so much better!
