7 Natural Remedies to Ease Migraine Symptoms

You may not be aware of this, but migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders globally, affecting roughly 39 million people in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide. Apart from intense headaches, migraine symptoms include sensitivity to light, noise and odours, dizziness and blurred vision, nausea, and more. Severe migraine headaches may require prescribed medication, but there are also at-home remedies that may help reduce their duration and severity.

Below, you will find a list of several trusted natural remedies for easing migraine symptoms. They include but are not limited to doing scalp massage, applying essential oils, adding magnesium to your diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, using cold compresses, having some ginger tea, and getting enough sleep. Continue reading to learn more about lowering the intensity of migraine headaches.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation may be one of the leading causes of migraines – lack of sleep causes stress on the body, which triggers changes in hormone levels. These changes may lead to spikes in serotonin and histamine levels in the brain. Increased serotonin levels may trigger a migraine attack, while increased histamine levels may cause a heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider taking up meditation or yoga. These practices have been shown to help improve your sleep quality. Also, remember to set aside time for yourself before sleeping so you can relax and unwind. Reading a book or listening to music may help, but avoid watching TV – the blue light emitted by the screen may affect your circadian rhythm, which is why it’s best to refrain from it.

Additionally, you can also try some natural remedies for pain management – CBD-based products can be a perfect option, as they are both beneficial for pain relief and have sleep-inducing properties. However, make sure to shop from reputable manufacturers only and pay attention to the packaging. For example, Kimberly James CBD products come in dark glass bottles that help to protect CBD from sunlight and, therefore, preserve its properties for longer.

Scalp Massage

Scalp massage is considered one of the most effective at-home treatments for migraine headaches. While it may seem like a simple procedure, it’s actually very powerful because it boosts circulation and releases toxins in your head. It also helps increase the intensity of the blood vessels in your head, which may prevent clots from forming.

The best part is that the treatment is very simple and only requires two minutes of your time. All you have to do is rub your scalp with your fingertips in a circular motion for about two minutes. Make sure to go over all parts of your head, including the hairline and nape. This treatment can be done several times per day when you’re experiencing migraine symptoms.

Essential Oils

Another great way to reduce the duration and severity of migraine headaches is by applying essential oils to your temples and forehead. It’s believed that these oils can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and provide a sense of calmness.

The best essential oils to use are peppermint, lavender, rosemary, frankincense, eucalyptus, and basil. Simply mix 1-2 drops of these oils with three tablespoons of carrier oil (olive or coconut) and gently massage the mixture onto your temples, forehead, and back of the neck. You can do this several times per day when you’re experiencing migraine symptoms.

Magnesium

Many people don’t know it, but magnesium is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for migraines. It is used by the body to repair itself, both physically and mentally, so it works to relax muscles, improve nerve function, and boost mood. The thing is, most people are deficient in this mineral, which is why it’s essential to make sure you get enough of it.

You can get magnesium from your diet by eating seeds, nuts, fish, leafy greens, and whole grains. However, if you want to take advantage of its migraine benefits quickly, consider taking magnesium supplements. Make sure to consult with your doctor before adding magnesium to your diet to determine the proper dosage for you.

Alcohol and Caffeine

It’s essential to avoid alcohol and caffeine when you’re dealing with migraine headaches. This is because both substances can intensify your headache symptoms and cause dehydration. Drinking too much alcohol may also lower your blood pressure, which may trigger your blood vessels to expand more than usual. 

Aside from that, caffeine is known to be dehydrating too. Together with alcohol, caffeine may dehydrate you further and cause an increase in the sensitivity of your nerves. These two substances may also cause constriction of your blood vessels and trigger muscle spasms.

Ginger Tea

If you’ve ever experienced nausea during your migraine headache attacks, you’d know how uncomfortable it can feel. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties, which is why many people drink ginger tea for their nausea symptoms. 

A typical dosage consists of 2 teaspoons of grated ginger stirred into a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for about ten minutes before drinking it slowly. Drink three cups a day until your nausea symptoms subside. If you have a sensitive stomach, consider drinking it after meals so you won’t have any issues digesting it properly.

Cold Compresses

Cold compresses may help ease migraine symptoms, especially if you’re dealing with bad headaches. Simply place a cold, wet washcloth on your forehead for about 20 minutes. You can also use a cool compress to relieve pain. You can make one by filling a plastic bag with ice and placing it on the affected areas of your head.

Final Thoughts

Migraine headaches are often debilitating, especially when they’re severe. Thankfully, there are several natural remedies that you can use to reduce their intensity and duration. These include massaging your scalp, applying essential oils, adding magnesium to your diet, having some ginger tea, getting enough sleep, and more.

If you’re experiencing severe migraine symptoms, it’s best to consult with your doctor – they will be able to determine the best treatment for you.