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 Sam (Noyb, Usa) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★
It is so wonderful that Cayenne pepper works for migraines, but it isn't just cayenne pepper, many different kinds of hot peppers work. My Dad's a fan of this remedy, he grows all sorts of hot peppers in his garden every year. This has made me do some research into the subject. I came upon some information which was very interesting, and it linked migraines with digestive problems.
It goes like this...
If you are not digesting your food properly, then it will sit in your stomach and rot, in more pleasant terms, it ferments. Needless to say, fermentation is the creation of gas. This gas is then absorbed into the bloodstream and when it reaches your head it expands resulting in a migraine. Now, the fun part is that when one consumes these hot peppers the heat will expel these gasses, and in turn, relieves the migraine. With that in mind, digestive aids, probiotics or simply mindful eating may do the trick to alleviate your problems on a more permanent and effective basis. I hope this information is helpful, I have found alot of helpful information on this site for myself, and simply wanted to give a bit myself.
Ice Pack
Posted by Jeanie (Lancaster, Ca, USA) on 12/28/2009
★★★★★
I have suffered from migraines for 40 years. Recently my husband came in from the cold and to tease me put his hand down the back of my neck, expecting me to yelp. Instead, I said, "Don't move that feels great!" He thought I was kidding. I wasn't. I was getting yet another headache. His hand warmed up so I got a gel pack out of the refrigerator and held it where his hand had been. In about 15 minutes the headache was gone. I have been doing this for about a month. It has stopped every migraine except one, and it was 50% better. I shared this with a friend who said that I was cooling down the brain stem. I googled "migraines and brain stem" and found a significant number of articles linking the two, but, nowhere could I find that applying cold would help. Here is what I do: I use a gel pack that is 4 inches by 5 inches. I do NOT keep it in the freezer - the frig is cold enough. I place it in the area from the base of my neck to the top of my spine. It's best if I can sit down in a high backed comfortable chair or sofa, or lie down. It takes about 15 minutes to start feeling very relaxed and to feel my hands and feet warm up. My daughter thought that it would feel uncomfortable because she always feels cold during a headache, but she said that it surprised her how good it felt. It has worked on other types of headaches as well and even stopped a panic attack. I don't know the science behind it, I just know that it is the fastest, cheapest, no side effects remedy I have ever used. Thanks for this great site - my family is healthier because of you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by E Orlando (Seymour, Ct) on 12/03/2009
Try taking acv every day in a glass of water or whatever you prefer. Stop thinking about it (the headache) and you will be pleasantly surprized . It helps a myriad of conditions!
Migraines and Herpes Virus
Posted by Harmonious1 (Alamogordo, New Mexico) on 09/29/2009
Migraine and Herpes virus connected?
Hi Earth Clinic:
I just found out that there is a connection between some migraines and the herpes virus, which is a frequent visitor to so many of us.
I started taking low dose naltrexone and my herpes outbreaks gradually went away. My migraines became very infrequent and when they do come, they are changed, more manageable and tolerable. Still very painful. Now I have to avoid light and I vomit.
I had a hunch (maybe because of the changes) so I started searching online and found out that herpes can cause migraine, and something called herpes meningitis. Also herpes encephalitis, which can be fatal if not treated in time.
Here is a clip of some text I found:
Herpes Meningitis.
Herpes meningitis occurs in 4% to 8% of cases of primary genital HSV-2, and women are more likely to develop it than men are. Symptoms include headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, herpes meningitis is self-limited, lasting for only two to seven days. Neurologic consequences are rare, but recurrences have been reported.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes meningitis"&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g7
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q="herpes encephalitis"&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10
Anyway, my question is this: Should there be a page for this, so that it can be discussed, and those with migraines could learn that it exists? I searched the site and there is no connection anywhere that I could find between herpes and migraine.
Just a suggestion.
Thanks for this site. It is super!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Griselda (Gandia, Spain) on 09/15/2009
★★★★☆
Keeping migraines at bay: The following protocol works for me
Lots of raw vegetable salads, minimum daily- 1 big lettuce salad(with other raw veg as well) and 1 small or big one with or without lettuce.
Whenever I eat anything cooked (except bread or potatoes) I take lots of natural vegetarian enzymes 4 x what is indicated on the bottle and 6 tabs of a formula that aids the organs of elimination to function. And if a slight feeling of migraine starts I repeat all that.
Everynight and morning I do the Do-in exercise to cure rhinitis, empyema and pollen allergies(one exercise for all those)
I take magnesium and also feverfew
But if a migraine is about to start or has just started, juice of at least 4(or more) freshly squeezed grapefruits (or eating a lettuce) and doing EFT works wonders you can find out what EFT is on the internet.
The cidervinegar at first lessened my migraines but then suddenly completely stopped working and made them worse
After 10 years I hope/believe that the above is the answer
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lisa (South Bound Brook, Nj, Usa) on 09/04/2009
★★★★★
Having suffered crippling migraines, topping out at 10 per month, tried prescriptions, etc. I researched and found a ketogenic diet (higher fat, moderate protein, low carbs) has been shown to help intractable cases of epilepsy in kids with great results, and is being researched in many countries as a help for migraines. Started on it, and within a week I went from 10 to 0 migraines. Also took myself off all wheat and most grains. Now I'm good unless I go off the diet. I make sure to use coconut milk in my coffeee, and coconut oil in my cooking, (even popcorn is better in coconut oil!)
Amalgam Fillings Removed
Posted by Alison (Magherafelt, Northern Ireland) on 08/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I was 50 when I had my amalgam fillings removed. I did not see any benefit to having them removed and was later informed that once you have amalgam fillings it is best to keep them as having them removed causes a lot of mercury to be released into the body system. I chose to have them removed on the suggestion of an naturopath who I was attending because I suffered from migraine. Didn't help with migraines.
Paper Bag Technique
Posted by Lin (Sykesville/Eldersburg, Md) on 08/05/2009
I'm also from Sykesville area, too! I get migraines as well -- have for about 20 years now. Sometimes I would swear they are related to my menstrual cycle, sometimes they are not. I can eat really bad foods & be fine, or go on a health-conscious diet & get these headaches. Usually they are with nausea. Also de-hydration has almost nothing to do w/my headaches.
Anyway, I'll try the paper bag technique (from the local McD's right? -LOL!!) Interesting about the carbon dioxide...
Another (CHEAP) sort-of remedy I wanted to mention is...(I've been desperate after having tried both OTC & Rx meds NOT help).......(drumroll, please) a cheap $3 tube of toothpaste. Doesn't have to be any brand in particular...just apply to the temples, maybe around the eyes -- be careful not to get in the eye.
The cool sensation makes the pain temporarily subside. I've found this toothpaste treatment (my BF calls it "warpaint") combined with sleep or rest in darkness, headache meds, & TIME helps to relieve the migraine. Thanks & good luck!
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Duluth, MN) on 07/17/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I wanted to put my two cents in regarding Apple Cider Vinegar for migraines: I have had migraines all my adult life and have been on various medications for them, some of which worked somewhat and some which didn't. In recent years I've tried natural remedies as well, and several months back read about ACV for migraines. I began drinking 2T in warm water with honey, and drank it every day for two months. In addition, when a migraine came on during that time, I chugged a glass of the same mixture. I am sorry to say neither method worked in the least bit. I have had luck with ACV for dermatological issues and as a hair conditioner, but for migraines and (my son's) asthma, it didn't work at all. I'm glad it's a cure all for some, and really wish it had worked for us. Oh well!
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.
Magnesium
Posted by Carrie (Palmdale, CA) on 06/30/2009
★★★★★
magnesium cured my migraine. I took 400mg and within a half an hour it was gone!! Thanks to those who previously listed this as a cure. I will never take my prescription medication again.
Feverfew
Posted by Linda (Weedsport, NY) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★
Some perfumes cause severe migraine headaches for me. Debilitating pain, faintness, nausea, vomiting, the whole nine yards. Extra strength aspirin used to help, but that brings other problems. I found an online reference to feverfew and bought capsules. Now, even in the migraine stage where I can't see or walk straight, if I can get to the feverfew, I get relief. One or two capsules emptied into a small cup of water, shoot it down and chase it with more water. In my condition, I don't have time to wait for tea to brew. Within 10 minutes, I have complete relief. Then all I have to do is pray the neighbors have finished their laundry or have left for new vistas. :-)
DMSO and Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Sarah (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/14/2009
★★★★★
DMSO and H2O2 for Migraines:
My boyfriend gets constant and debillatating migraine headaches for the past several years (about once or twice a week)... it is what first brought me to Earthclinic many months ago when I started researching. He has ever since been by guniea pig!! I think that there's a lot of it to do with nutritional defficiencies (which I am still figuring out...) but I FINALLY came up with something that works QUICK in the meantime until I figure out the root cause this treats the symptoms.
I was reading about DMSO and how it could theoretically be used to treat a stroke in an emergency, and I was thinking that headaches have similar problems of lack of oxygen to the brain... so when he came over this morning w terrible headache that had lasted all night and not been relieved by Amerge or Flova prescription migraine pills... I mixed him a cocktail of organic "Monster C" juice, about 1 cup (8 oz.) with a tiny bit (about 1/8 t. DMSO and added a few drops of food grade 35% hudrogen peroxide. We applied an icepack to his forehead and within 20 minutes the headache that had lasted for about 8 hours went away completely! So happy! Hopes this remedy helps someone else.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karen (Anderson, SC) on 06/07/2009
★★★★★
Hi,Just wanted to comment on the acv treatment for migraines. It works. I started this a couple of years ago. Migraines run in my family. Severe ones. Nothing has ever worked. Came across this site a couple of yrs ago, decided to try it. Tasted really awful, but the bad taste outweighed having another migraine. I took it faithfully twice a day. My migraines went away. I didnt get sick at all. Well I decided to come off of it. I thought I was cured, haha. Not long after, got the flu twice within 2 months, migraines started coming back. Needless to say, I am here to say it is my daily regimen, now. I use unsweetened apple juice (32 oz.bottle), 1/4 cup honey,and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Shake it up real good. to melt honey, run it under hot water. I drink about 4 oz morning and night. The taste is bad to begin with, but hang in there. It does grow on you. IT WORKS. Best migraine preventive medicine I have ever taken. Hope it work for you. Please give it a try. What have you got to lose.
Marjoram Tea
Posted by Andrea (Highlands Ranch, CO) on 06/04/2009
★★★★★
Marjoram tea relieved my migrain. I have suffered from migrains for over 20 years and have tried most medicines OTC and prescription out there. I know most of my triggers but sometimes one will sneak up on me anyway. I found a remedy online a few years back and now it's all I use. I steep 1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons of marjoram in a small 2 cup tea pot and drink it strait up. It doesn't taste the best but after one cup I find relief from the pain and the foggy head feeling. I buy mine in the spice aisle at the grocery store, some stores carry it cheap in a bag- that works too.
Supplements
Posted by Anonymous (Anonymous, USA) on 06/02/2009
Magnesium is supposed to help migraines.
Supplements
Posted by Vi (Saskatoon, Canada) on 06/01/2009
★★★★★
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.
Ice Pack
Posted by HV (Coeur d Alene, Idaho) on 05/09/2009
★★★★★
Migraines - Ice/hot neck wraps.
A massage instructor told me that when you have a migraine, the blood is entering the head faster than it is leaving. His solution is to keep a flexable neck wrap in the freezer or refrigerator. Have a very warm wrap ready - such as a slightly damp towel hot (but not too hot) from tap water or a microwave.
To stop a migraine, wrap the cold wrap around the neck - make sure you get the front of the neck - for 30 seconds. Then apply the hot wrap for 30 seconds. This is to shock the veins open. Repeat as necessary. I don't get migraines anymore - thanks to the ACV - but I really would like feedback on this remedy.
Also for the same reasoning, if you donate blood, your migraine will go away almost instantly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vinece (Van Nuys, CA) on 05/02/2009
★★★★★
wow! ACV really worked for my boyfriends migraine. He was in soooo much pain. I could not stand to see him like that. So after taking meds and nothing happened i came across this site. So I ran out to the store and got migraine meds and Apple cider vinegar.
When I got home, he was in the bathroom with his face in the sink filled with water! I wanted to laugh but I couldnt. So I made him a mix of 8oz of water with 1 tbl of honey and 2 1/2 tbl of ACV. I had him drink it and it worked so fast!! He was so surprised!
I kid you not, within 2 minutes he was like im going to play NBA Live (A video game on Xbox) I was like OMG! One sec he was dying and the next minute he is playing video games. I am so happy that I came across this site. And I dont usually post anything, but I hope this helps someone else out.
