Q: Are there natural remedies for migraines? - K. Smith
A: The best natural remedy for migraines is a healthy lifestyle, which consists of getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. Some other remedies you may want to try:
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese technique involves the insertion of very fine, solid needles into certain points of the body. Acupuncture corrects energy imbalances, which is believed to be where the pain originates in a migraine.
Water
Not cold, not hot, but room temperature water and lots of will help clean out your system. Drink 10-12 ounces slowly and feel the pain go away after using the washroom.
Massage
This is a great way to reduce stress and relieve tension. Massaging your temples in a counter-clockwise motion may help. As well as massaging the inside of your hand, in between your index finger and thumb. Apply pressure there for about 10 minutes and see how it helps the pain go away.
Herbs
Feverfew is the most popular herbal remedy for the prevention of migraine headaches. Butterbur is also thought to prevent migraines. Feverfew can be purchased as capsules, tablets or liquid extracts; the recommended dose for headache relief is 50-100 milligrams of feverfew extract.
Butterbur is an herb that reduces the inflammatory effect of chemicals that trigger headaches, especially migraines. It also acts as a beta-blocker, resulting in normal blood flow to the brain. Doses of at least 75 milligrams twice daily seem to be necessary for the best headache-reducing results.
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Essential Oils
Lavender or peppermint oil may help relieve tension-related headaches. Just simply smell the oil or put it in a diffuser to help spread the smell throughout the room and see how you feel after 30-40 minutes. The scent oftentimes helps the pain go away.
Ginger Root
Ginger contains more than 200 substances in its oils, which is why it has so many different uses. It is believed that ginger may block prostaglandins, which stimulate some muscle contractions, control inflammation and impact some hormones. Therefore migraines may be prevented and stopped by ginger stifling the action of prostaglandins. You can find it in powder, pill or its natural state and add it to water to use the effects.
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Dietary Changes
It is important to keep a diary of headaches and eating habits so you can figure out what foods trigger your headaches. People who reduce fat consumption have seen a significant decrease in migraine headaches. Also, it is helpful to not skip meals.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Headaches and Migraines center for more articles.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
