Have you ever had a migraine sneak up on you? Like, literally out of nowhere. One minute you're living your best life and the next minute you don't even want people speaking to you, you're not in the mood to talk, move, or anything. That throbbing, pulsing sensation is usually on one side of the head, and sometimes you may even start to feel nauseous. Yeah, me too! Every so often the absolute worst migraine will sneak up on me. I am unable to focus on anything else besides the nagging pain I'm in.
It could be many different things as to why that migraine snuck up on you. Lack of sleep, stress, skipped meals, your diet and eating habits, hormonal changes, menstruation, effects of the medication you're currently taking, and even changes in the weather can all be risk factors for migraine. Finding all-natural remedies is kind of my thing, so I’m happy to share the all-natural remedies I use to alleviate my migraine headaches.
Try these methods to alleviate migraines:
Smelling peppermint oil or lavender oil.
Peppermint oil and lavender oil are known to almost instantly provide relief by reducing your symptoms. They both provide calming properties.
Applying a hot or cold compress to your neck and/or head.
A hot compress relaxes the tension, and a cold compress cools blood flow and reduces inflammation in the brain.
Tip: a warm shower gives you the same relief.
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Laying in a dark, quiet room.
Light sensitivity (the sun, computer monitors, television) often makes a migraine far worse. Laying in a dark, quiet room will bring you a sense of calmness, relaxation and relief.
A good water-drinking lifestyle:
Staying hydrated.
Hydrating properly is necessary in general, but especially for headaches. Drinking enough water while getting enough electrolytes can easily prevent headaches most times.
Your diet is directly linked to your everyday wellbeing. Eating inflammation-fighting foods are linked to alleviating migraine symptoms. I keep certain foods stocked in my refrigerator for this reason alone.
Try these foods to alleviate migraines:
- Spinach and other dark leafy greens like. Foods rich in magnesium decrease or even, in some cases prevent migraines from sneaking up on you.
- Ginger. An anti-inflammatory that does the entire body good. It enhances blood flow and relieves you of pain and nausea.
- Avocado. They contain vitamin D, which prevents stress. Stress is a trigger for migraines. Avocados are also rich in magnesium.
- Salmon. This fish is rich in Omega-3. It’s a great source of anti-inflammatory and nerve-protecting properties. Omega-3 also improves your blood flow.
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My must-have anti-inflammatory items that I keep stocked:
- Turmeric. It’s good for both your body and brain. It has great anti-inflammatory effects and turmeric is a great antioxidant that protects your cells.
- Ginger. Helps prevent inflammation and is great at relieving vomiting and nausea symptoms.
- Herbal teas. Some of the best teas to alleviate migraines are peppermint tea, ginger tea, lavender tea and chamomile tea. You can easily find each of these teas at your local grocery store.
Keep these natural and effective treatment options in your back pocket. I hope you found some comfort in these all-natural ways to alleviate your next migraine.