7 Natural Remedies for Migraines

7 Natural Remedies for Migraines


Susan Patterson

Natural Society

Those
who suffer from migraine headaches are more than familiar with the
debilitating pain that ensues when one strikes. While there are numerous
OTC and prescription drugs available to combat the pain, some people
would rather choose a more natural approach. Natural remedies for
migraines aren’t accompanied by the same side effects that drugs have,
and are often used for prevention rather than treatment. A healthy diet,
herbal therapy and whole food supplements are natural options available
to migraine sufferers; here are some tips for preventing and treating
migraines naturally.


1. Natural Remedies for Migraines - Avoid Processed Foods

Many
processed foods contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives that
are known to trigger migraine headaches in some people. A common
preservative, monosodium glutamate (MSG),dreammovies.com is just one of
many preservatives that have been found to cause severe reactions
including migraine headaches.


In 2002, the FDA reported 92 cases of aspartame toxicity. The
artificial sweetener was taken off the market due to reported side
effects, but eventually allowed to be sold again even after the reported
incidence. Other artificial sweeteners such as Splenda have also been
reported to have caused adverse side effects, including headaches.
Sucralose, the chemical name for Splenda, is actually responsible for a
variety of ailments, giving a clear answer to the question: Is Splenda safe?

Limiting
processed and fast foods as much as possible and using natural
sweeteners such as honey and stevia may reduce the chance of having a
reaction and a painful migraine headache.


2. Avoid Certain Foods

Some people experience
migraine headaches after they consume certain foods. Among these foods
are caffeinated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, peanuts, grains with gluten
and dairy products. Switching to a very simple plant-based diet and
introducing the suspected foods one at a time helps to sort out which
foods are causing the headaches.


3. Lavender Therapy

Lavender has long been used by
herbalists to treat a wide variety of conditions including insomnia,
post surgery pain, anxiety, fungal infections and headaches. Migraine
sufferers experience increased inflammation in blood vessels and spasms
in the neck and eye muscles. Lavender acts as an analgesic and reduces
inflammation in those that suffer from migraines. Lavender treatments
can be administered in any number of ways including inhalation therapy,
dried flower sachets, teas or hot packs.


4. Butterbur

Butterbur is an herb used commonly
for pain. Acting as a beta-blocker, this medicinal plant controls blood
pressure, reducing inflammation and stabilizes blood flow to the brain.
Because some butterbur treatments contain chemicals (pyrrolizidine
alkaloids) which can cause damage to the liver, it is important to
choose only products that are certified and carry a “PA-free” label.


5. Lemongrass – Other Herbal Remedies

Although less implemented among natural remedies for migraines, herbal remedies have great potential in
treating headaches or even migraines. Scientists from Griffith
University found that Australian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Ambiguus) has
been used for an untold number of years by indigenous Australians as
traditional medicine, and with good reason. They say the effects of the
plant could be as “good as aspirin when it comes to treating headaches,”
only this is one of many herbal remedies for headaches without the
side-effects associated with OTC medication.


6. Tryptophan Therapy

Tryptophan is an amino acid
that simulates the brain to produce dopamine which releases serotonin.
Serotonin elevates moods, relaxes the small muscles around the
capillaries in the scalp, and reduces tension and anxiety. Consuming a
high quality tryptophan supplement is the best way to get more off this
helpful amino acid.


7. Herbal Pain Relief Tea

There are other herbs
that are beneficial in the treatment of migraines including, peppermint,
cayenne pepper and ginger. Ginger is especially useful to combat the
nausea that often accompanies migraine headaches. To use the 3 herbs
together in tea as a natural pain reliever, mix a one inch piece of
ginger with a teaspoon of dried peppermint and a pinch of cayenne in
boiling water. Allow the mixture to seep for 15 minutes before drinking.
Sweeten only with honey or stevia.


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