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Make it Stop! 4 Natural Remedies for Migraine Pain


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Make it Stop! 4 Natural Remedies for Migraine Pain

Beyond the Common Aspirin

Millions suffer from migraines that seemingly strike out of nowhere for no apparent reason. And while an aspirin or two may help alleviate the common headache, migraine sufferers may need something different.

Migraines may have a variety of causes, and what works to relieve pain for one person may not work for someone else.

Thousands have found relief using common prescription medications, but many of these may come with side effects. And while research is ongoing, several herbs and other natural remedies have also been shown to help.

Below, we’ve listed a few of the most common natural remedies that many find helpful for combatting migraines. Be aware however that many of these may also have side effects. And if you decide to try one, be sure to consult your healthcare professional first.

Menthol

1. Menthol

Menthol is an organic compound typically derived from the herbs peppermint, eucalyptus and pennyroyal. These oils’ pain-relieving, calming and anti-inflammatory qualities make menthol useful for many who suffer from migraines.

  • A 1994 study in Cephalalgia showed that a combination of peppermint oil and ethanol applied to the forehead and temples reduced sensitivity to headache.
Lavender

2. Lavender

As reported by MigraineAgain.com, “A 2012 study conducted by Iranian and German scientists and published in the medical journal European Neurology concluded that ‘Inhalation of lavender essential oil may be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches.’”

Feverfew

3. Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an herb in the daisy family containing anti-inflammatory properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that “A survey of 270 people with migraines in Great Britain found that more than 70% of them felt much better after taking an average of 2 – 3 fresh feverfew leaves daily.”

  • The active compound in feverfew leaves is a chemical called parthenolide, which is responsible for the plant’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Omega-3

4. Omega-3

Omega-3 essential fatty acid protects brain cells and reduces inflammation, so it may also help reduce migraine pain, as well as their frequency and duration. In fact, a three-month Swedish study showed:

  • a 28% reduction in the number of migraine attacks
  • a 32% reduction in their intensity

Omega-3 is found in foods like wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, herring (not pickled herring), mackerel, Pacific oysters, rainbow trout, sardines, tuna, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds.

tip

Word of Advice

If you are considering using an herbal remedy to treat migraine, discuss it with your doctor first, and be sure to let them know about any other medications you are using.

comment_2Have you ever suffered from migraine headaches? If so, how did you treat them? We’d love to hear from you. Just leave a comment below.

Resources:
Wikipedia: Menthol
LiveStrong: What Is the Use of Menthol?
Prevention: 9 Highly Effective Migraine Treatments
Migraines: Peppermint oil
PubMed.gov: Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters
Migraine Again: Is Lavender Essential Oil the New Migraine Essential?
PubMed.gov: Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial
WebMD: Vitamins and Supplements
Examine.com: Feverfew
FoodNavigator.com: Omega to Soothe Migraines

Have you ever suffered from migraines?

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Janice Rebey
Janice Rebey
7 years ago

My daughter occasionally suffers from migraines. These tips are definitely worth a try.

sarah Brown
sarah Brown
7 years ago

Thanks for the tips, I’m a chronic sufferer and the meds they give raise my BP to very unhealthy levels so sometimes I crawl in a dark room for a week at a time.

Sadiemae Smith
Sadiemae Smith
7 years ago

Migraines tend to come when the weather changes drastically….often I try a small dot of peppermint oil in coconut oil and rub on my temples…

Amy Hepfner
Amy Hepfner
7 years ago

Wonderful article!! I have suffered from migraines since birth and sadly not all migraines are created equal. My migraines were structural in nature and I’d been through all the drugs and natural remedies to try to alleviate them. The only thing that worked for me (because of the cause of the migraines) is chiropractic care. I definitely recommend finding out the cause of the migraine before you do any type of remedy whether natural or medical. Better to treat the cause than just the symptoms. What works for one won’t work for all can’t be stressed enough. Thank you for this great article….I hope there are some out there who will find relief from their migraines with this information.

Linda Gilbert
Linda Gilbert
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy Hepfner

Thanks for sharing this information about discovering the cause. And Miss Amy…thank you for this article. I get acephalogenic migraines and have recently made the connection to spinal alignment issues.
The hospital gave me the recommendation to take an gravol and a tylenol regular at the first sign. If I do that at first indication of aura starting it usually stops within 20 minutes, but still feel run over after and usually need to sleep for several hours.

TK - Admin
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy Hepfner

Hi Amy, this is a very good point. While I myself am a migraineur and find chiropractic to be helpful, its efficacy differs from person to person. It’s nice to have some easily accessible and affordable remedies to try in the process of determining your own root cause. I myself like both peppermint and lavender to help relax while i’m waiting for medication to work 🙂

Amy Hepfner
Amy Hepfner
7 years ago
Reply to  TK - Admin

I complete agree TK….you do need something to help until you can get the care you need. 🙂 I’m glad that you have found a natural remedy to help until your medication works. We have to do everything we can to keep them at bay or alleviate them when we get them.

Kristine
Kristine
7 years ago
Reply to  Amy Hepfner

I agree Amy…I suffered from cluster headaches and migraines for years. I finally saw a chiropractor and it has made such a difference for me! I can actually function now and be human! 🙂

Stacey Monahan
Stacey Monahan
7 years ago

My migraines reduced in frequency and duration when I started using the Norwex water filtration system, which adds magnesium to the water. Increasing my magnesium intake through my drinking water was more effective than taking supplements, in my experience.

Kayleen Evans
Kayleen Evans
7 years ago

My son gets migraines and it has helped a lot to have him take daily Calcium and Magnesium supplements. He doesn’t get them as often since taking these with his multivitamin. As soon as he feels one coming on, he grabs the DoTERRA ‘Past tense’ Oil and rubs on his temples, this seems to help a lot. I’m sure it has menthol and lavender in it!

Susan Bergen
Susan Bergen
7 years ago

Excellent Article! I Use to suffer a lot with migraines. Since I started using Norwex cleaning products instead of chemical ones that we can get in stores, I have been able to almost eliminate my migraines. I also have to be very careful what kind of scents I use if any. They can trigger migraines too. I am eager to try the new Essential Oils from Norwex. I am going to go for the citrus aromas with a hint of mint. I am a bit hesitant in trying the spicy Cinnamon and Cloves since I have to avoid the Christmas isles of pine cones.

Ruth Day
Ruth Day
7 years ago

My migraines, have stopped by using lavender at night in my diffuser. I also started using our Norwex Rescue gel on the back of my neck and forehead along with rubbing it in my temples.
I also use our Water Filterstion System. I believe adding back into my body, water infiesed magnesium is a major factor in my changes.

Virginia Tucker
Virginia Tucker
7 years ago

Good suggestions. I have suffered from migraines for 30 years. Unfortunately had to quit my job but was able to begin disability 8 years ago. Different ideas work for different people. Everything is worth a try! I was so excited to begin using Norwex so I no longer had to have chemicals in my home. I’ve been successful in getting my family on board. What a blessing!!!

Robin Lang
Robin Lang
7 years ago

I started getting migraines about 10 years ago and they progressively got worse until I finally went to the doctor because I was taking so much over-the-counter medicine 3 to 4 times a week. I now take daily meds to help prevent them and have my migraine meds when I get one. With these meds, I have them under control. I have tried essential oils, and various other products with peppermint & other “minty/menthol” things in them, but haven’t had much success. I love that I no longer have cleaning products in my house, other than my Norwex! I will be trying the essential oils when they are available.

Brandy Downs
Brandy Downs
7 years ago

I suffer from infrequent Ocular Migraines that render me unable to see properly untill they pass. I plan to try these suggestions!

Linda Mueller
Linda Mueller
7 years ago

Icepacks are my first line of therapy. I have been a migraine sufferer for 35 years and have worked in the medical field. I am no longer able to use aspirin due to stomach ulcers from aspirin use. I also now am aware of rebound headaches with use of headache medications. This is why I try other remedies before resorting to medication such as ice, sleep, dark room, peppermint, lavender, or massage. I also love no longer have to clean with chemicals and those strong odors in my home thanks to NORWEX!!!

Melanie
Melanie
7 years ago

Rescue gel is very helpful. When I get a migraine I’ve found using the Rescie Gel helps the muscles in my neck and shoulders relax. Allowing my medication to kick in faster.

Amanda Gobatto
Amanda Gobatto
7 years ago

I suffer from migraines and I never knew that Omega 3’s could help! I will definitely be trying that out. Thank you.

Leah Rissien
Leah Rissien
7 years ago

I’ve gotten migraines after a head injury. I never had anything that would relieve them. Now I have some natural remedies to try. Thanks for sharing this info!

Julie Timmer
Julie Timmer
7 years ago

I’ve only started experiencing migraines approximately 2 years ago. They’re tending to become more frequent. I’m slowly acquiring some of the triggers, some are avoidable others are not. I do visit my chiropractor, as I often experience neck pain before hand. Other remedies include prescribed Maxalt.

Julie Timmer
Julie Timmer
7 years ago

I’ve only started experiencing migraines approximately 2 years ago. They’re tending to become more frequent. I’m slowly acquiring some of the triggers, some are avoidable others are not. I do visit my chiropractor, as I often experience neck pain before hand. Other remedies include dark room rest and prescribed Maxalt.

Jen Haralson
Jen Haralson
7 years ago

I’m so glad you’re sharing some natural migraine relief ideas! I love Rescue Gel as a first line of defense, it’s so helpful!

SoniaStephKevlin
SoniaStephKevlin
7 years ago

i use peppermint and an essential oil called deep relief to rub on my temples! works wonders!!

Hope Beach
Hope Beach
7 years ago

I sell doTerra essential oils and love to use lavender, frankincence, and peppermint in that order to rid myself of bad head tension!

Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson
7 years ago

Tylenol usually works for me but it is good to know that there are better ways to get rid of them will definitely have to try it out!

Pat Johnson
Pat Johnson
7 years ago

Ice cold towel on the back of my neck!

April Gray
April Gray
7 years ago

Suffer from migraines almost everyday! Fever-few seems the best natural remedy for me!

Jeannette Forget
Jeannette Forget
7 years ago

When I was in my thirties, I suffered from migraines. Have not had any for many moons now! I diffuse essential oils, greatly reduced the use of chemicals in my home and ear healthy!

Jennifer Rottman
Jennifer Rottman
6 years ago

I have been suffering migraines for years. I am using Propranolol daily as a preventative and Imitrex for a Migraine. I would love to try a more natural method.

Jennifer Rottman
Jennifer Rottman
6 years ago

I am looking forward to trying some norwex products for a natural remedy for my migraines.

Gingi Freeman
Gingi Freeman
6 years ago

I haven’t had migraines in ages, but I will keep these tips in mind in case one ever strikes again!

Tracy Tapscott
Tracy Tapscott
6 years ago

Ice packs work for me.

Lauren Rogers
Lauren Rogers
3 years ago

I take two prescriptions for chronic migraines, but I also have a roller applicator of mint essential oil I use on my temples that really helps. This is the first time I’ve read about feverfew, I’d like to do more research to see if it could work for me.