Ways to Treat Migraine Headaches without Medication

 Although the cause of migraines remains a mystery, medical studies show that they are severe headaches that often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and intolerance to light and sound. Most people who experience migraines often know what triggers them. The range of triggers can range from hormonal changes and stress to extended exposure to sunlight. Even changes in barometric pressure caused by a storm system can spark the onset of a migraine.

 

A colossal number are affected by migraines with an estimated 36 million Americans affected by these incapacitating headaches according to the American Migraine Foundation. Statistics further show that one in four American households has at least one individual who suffers from migraines. Whether it’s you or your loved one, these home remedies can help prevent and manage migraines whenever they occur.

 

Vicks VapoRub

 

Applying Vicks VapoRub will immediately reduce pain and pressure caused by migraine headaches. Lots of people have turned to menthol gel products such as Vicks VapoRub to elevate the intense pain of migraines. Medical studies from the Department of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University demonstrated that Vicks VapoRub and other medical menthol substances had a calming during a migraine attack. This key ingredient that makes Vicks VapoRub an effective migraine treatment is peppermint which is also contained in essential oils. A homemade mixture of essential oils, water and coconut oil should be applied directly to the forehead and temples during a migraine attack. The pain ceases after one hour of application.

 

Ice and Banana Peel Compress

 

While it is not the first remedy that might come to mind during a migraine attack, ice wrapped in banana peel works wonders. Medically speaking, the ice and banana peel combo is nothing more than a cooled down potassium compress. It dulls the pain of a migraine when applied to the neck and forehead. As an added benefit, the ice cold potassium gets absorbed through the skin introducing electrolytes that counter the effects of sodium. Potassium improves the blood flow in the body that can help manage pain caused by migraines.

 

Olive Oil

 

Research from Rhode Island-based Division of Adolescent Medicine demonstrated that olive oil, and to some extent, fish oil, is an effective remedy for disrupting the regularity, duration, and intensity of chronic migraines in teens. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in both olive oil and fish oil is an essential building block for hormones used to regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of major blood vessels. It also helps in the reduction of irritation of blood vessels according to the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health.

 

Lavender Oil

 

A couple of drops of lavender oil in boiling water can bring a migraine to a screeching halt. Research shows that inhaling water dosed with a few drops of lavender soothes headaches and migraines. You have to inhale the lavender-laced water for at least 15 minutes for relief to wash over your whole body. Lavender oil is also used to relieve anxiety, mood imbalances, hypertension, and muscle spasms.

 

Eating Flax Seed

 

As early as the ancient Egyptian civilization, flax seed has always been known as a super seed. People have used it to relieve constipation, headaches, hot flashes, and breast pains. Flax seeds are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids and fiber that lower cholesterol in the body and soothes migraines. Eating flax seeds with water, oatmeal, or even mixing them with a smoothie greatly reduces the frequency of migraines.

 

Honey

 

Taking two teaspoons of honey before meal time goes a long way in reducing the chances of getting a migraine according to the Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy (FACT). Honey is also effective in dulling the symptoms associated with migraines. When a migraine is about to start, eating a teaspoon of honey can avert it according to FACT. Since honey is not digested and goes directly into the bloodstream, its effect is almost immediate. Honey also soothes the stomach making it the perfect home remedy for people who get nauseated during migraines.

 

Peanut Butter and Ginger

 

A combination of peanut butter and ginger can seem a little strange at first, but holistic medicine studies show it is an effective migraine treatment. Apply the combination directly to the temple where the body absorbs the arginine and magnesium directly. Since most people who get migraines often have low magnesium levels, it is an effective treatment. The arginine widens the blood vessels improving the absorption of magnesium.

 

Stretching the Neck

 

Stiffness in the neck can sometimes lead to a migraine. Stretching your neck for about 20 minutes a day reduces tension in the neck area and, therefore, can prevent a migraine. Stretching the neck can also reduce the duration of a migraine when it occurs. To effectively stretch the neck muscles, move the chin forward, back and stretch it to each side of the shoulders. Hold each stretch for 5 seconds for better results.

 

Migraines can be deliberating. Every year hundreds of millions of work hours are lost due to migraines. These home remedies can provide the long-sort relief you’ve been looking for. If one of these remedies works for you, share with your friends on social media.