Nine natural ways to reduce a migraine
Migraines are not typical headaches. They cause pounding pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and even nausea. Here are nine natural ways to reduce one.
Before a migraine strikes, it is a good idea to learn more about the remedies that could help you potentially get rid of that pounding pain.
With that said, if the natural remedies do not work, you should visit your doctor. You can check out a headache migraine treatment in Sydney or you can call a local doctor instead. However, you can always try some of these natural remedies as they might just work!
Headaches can disrupt your daily lifestyle significantly, as well as being very unpleasant. Here are nine natural ways to reduce a migraine.
1) Avoid certain foods
Did you know that your diet plays a huge role in preventing migraine attacks? A lot of foods and beverages can cause migraines. So try to avoid foods with nitrates, such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, deli meats:
- Processed foods.
- Pickled foods.
- Chocolate.
- Alcohol.
- Beans.
- Dried fruits.
- Some cheese, such as feta, blue, cheddar, and others.
- Cultured dairy products, like yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk.
- Foods that contain flavor enhancers
- Cold food, such as iced drinks and ice cream.
Caffeine in small amounts is known to help ease migraine pain for some people. Sometimes, caffeine is actually an ingredient in some headache medications, but too much of it can cause a migraine attack. It can also lead to a severe headache caused by caffeine withdrawal. Keep a daily food journal to learn your triggers.
2) Acupuncture might help
In a 2020 randomized controlled study, it was shown that acupuncture is often effective in treating migraine. It was done along with usual care. Sham acupuncture was used in this study, which is a treatment where the needles are not inserted as deep.
3) Use lavender oil
Lavender essential oil can help ease headaches. You can inhale the oil directly, or you can dilute it with carrier oil and apply it to your temples. In another randomized controlled study in 2016, there was evidence that three months of lavender therapy reduced the frequency and the severity of a migraine attack.
4) Use peppermint oil
Did you know that peppermint oil has a chemical menthol that can help prevent a migraine attack, although there is not much research done on this? You can inhale the peppermint directly, or dilute it with carrier oil and apply it to the temples.
5) Feverfew might help
Feverfew is a herb that resembles a daisy. Some research suggests that feverfew can help prevent migraine headaches, but the results are not that clear. While some research suggests that it can reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and its symptoms, others state that it is not as effective.
6) Ginger is good for you
Other than being a healthy ingredient in cooking, ginger can help with nausea that is often a symptom of other conditions, one of which are migraines. It offers some pain-relieving benefits for migraine attacks. Ginger is known to help relieve pain, and since it is healthy, you might as well give it a go!
7) Are you lacking magnesium?
Magnesium deficiency is often linked to migraines, and its supplementation can help prevent headaches and migraines. It can also help prevent hormone headaches, including menstrual headaches. If you do not want to take supplements, you can consider some of these foods that are rich in magnesium:
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Milk
- Brazil nuts
- Cashews
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Sesame seeds
- Brazil nuts
8) Try yoga
Yoga uses meditation, breathing, and certain body postures that promote wellbeing and health. In some cases, yoga can relieve the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine headaches. It is also known to improve anxiety, and help release tension triggers.
9) Relieve stress
A very common cause of headaches is stress. While it might be difficult to deal with stress and control it, there are some methods that could help. Learning how to better manage yours tress can help reduce the frequency of your migraines. Here are some common techniques you can try:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Counseling and therapy
- Music therapy and mental imagery
- Muscle relaxation
- Massages
Visit a doctor if you still need help.
If you’ve tried many natural remedies and nothing seems to work, you can purchase over the counter medication. But if that also does not work, it is time to visit your doctor. Check out the neurologist in Sydney or visit a local doctor instead. Your doctor will be able to help you deal with migraine pain.
If you are located in New Jersey, you have even more options to choose from. For individuals living in or near Garden State who battle with persistent migraines, seeking comprehensive migraine treatment in New Jersey can be a significant step towards improving their quality of life. With a range of specialists focusing on headache disorders, patients have access to customized care plans that address their unique needs.
Migraines can ruin your day. They can come suddenly and last for days, which affects your daily performance. If your migraines are disrupting your life, it might be time to try some of these natural remedies, or you can visit your doctor instead.
