Effective Migraine Home Remedies

Migraines, though accompanied by symptoms that get in the way of everyday life, need not be the hindrance they so often are. Migraines come with a range of symptoms. Some might experience visual disturbances while others might experience pins and needles or numbness. Migraines might even result in auditory disturbances as well as nausea. More commonly, migraines are accompanied by throbbing headaches that are usually unilateral. Tackling symptoms might require a multifaceted approach that accounts for the various discomforts that come with migraines. If you are looking for safe ways for effective migraine home remedies, you have come to the right place. 

Herbal Remedies for Migraines

It is well-known that many herbs contain medicinal properties, helping reduce inflammation and pain – symptoms associated with various conditions, including migraine. Some herbs have been used to treat headache-like symptoms, including migraine, for centuries. The advantage of treating migraines using herbal remedies is that they come with considerably fewer adverse effects than standard migraine medication. Studies show that many herbs are extremely effective for migraine symptom relief too. Herbs help target various therapeutic pathways, harnessing analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties for holistic symptomatic treatments. 

Peppermint (better known as pudina in India), ginger, garlic, feverfew, apples, chamomile, butterbur, carrot juice, spinach and cucumber have all proven beneficial for headaches and migraine management. In India, many of these herbs are used in daily recipes and in home-made meals. Pudina works both topically as well as orally. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe pain and throbbing. Studies have also shown that ginger's chemical constituents help alleviate migraine symptoms, like nausea and pain. Garlic, another common ingredient found in Indian households, has vasodilatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting better blood circulation, and reducing oxidative stress along with other migraine triggers. Many have reported that chamomile oil or tea helps reduce the impact of migraines too. Research also shows that cannabinoid medication, via its influence on the endocannabinoid system, helps reduce pain and nausea associated with migraines.

Migraines and Diet

While foods that trigger migraines vary from person to person, it is commonly agreed that alcohol, caffeine, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrates are more likely to trigger the condition. Reducing your intake of these foods is likely to reduce the frequency of migraines. Further, studies show that diets low in linoleic acid and high in omega-3 fatty acids, like a fish-rich and low vegetable oil diet, can help reduce the number and effect of migraines someone may experience. Findings also show that foods rich in magnesium are likely to reduce the frequency of migraines as well as the side effects associated with common migraine medications. Magnesium-rich foods include whole grains, nuts and legumes. Diets low in carbohydrates and high in fats help with migraine symptom relief as well.

Exercises for Migraines

Studies show a range of exercises can help limit the frequency, intensity and duration of migraines. Though intense exercise triggers migraines, light aerobic stretches, yoga, Tai Chi and strength training can improve the overall quality of life for anyone suffering from migraines. Aerobic exercises help with cardio, boosting endorphins and mitigating the impact of chronic migraines. Yoga helps build strength but also reduces stress, depression and anxiety, an extremely common migraine trigger. Tai Chi has similar results to yoga. Strength training, while effective in treating migraine symptoms, runs the risk of triggering migraines if too intense. Trust and listen to your body while using strength training to combat migraines. 

Lifestyle Changes for Migraines

Lifestyle changes, if done consistently, can truly be a boon for anyone who is looking for long-term migraine relief. Living healthy will not only help avoid migraines but also help prevent a host of conditions in the future. Consistent physical activity helps tackle obesity, associated with a higher frequency of migraines, reduces stress, decreases anxiety and treats depression, all of which are triggers of migraines. Hydration is crucial for migraine management as well. How much water one is to consume depends on age and gender but staying hydrated ensures better oxidation of the brain, reducing the overall impact of migraines. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and clocking in more hours of restful sleep helps migraineurs tremendously. Studies have shown that people suffering from migraines and insomnia tend to have more pronounced symptoms. 

Instant Relief Tips for Migraines

In case you are looking for quick symptom relief amidst a migraine attack, you could try reducing the overall temperature, possibly by applying cold packs or using an AC, or switching off the lights. Further, there are light stretches you could consider, like the seated forward fold, to help reduce the intensity of a migraine attack. Though caffeine can be a common migraine trigger, coffee can help with instant symptom relief during a migraine attack. Naps are a great way to refresh yourself from migraine symptoms too, giving you a chance to wake up more refreshed without necessarily impacting your sleep cycle if done correctly. You can also get relief from migraines using Shunyata Migraine Relief, our polyherbal migraine and headache pain roll-on.