Migraines can be a real headache, worth the redundancy.
Many people turn to pain relievers and over-the-counter medications to get rid of a headache, but it is possible to relieve it with natural remedies.
In this article, you will see everything you need to know about headaches and how to treat the symptoms naturally.
What is migraine?
A migraine is a sharp, persistent headache. There are different types of migraines with various causes. Migraines usually feel intense and sudden in one part of the head. Headaches that manifest as severe pain behind the eye are often migraines.
People who suffer from chronic migraines can get headaches every day, even several times a day. However, there are ways to reduce and even stop migraines.
Causes of migraine
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes migraines. It appears that migraine may be caused by both changes in the levels of chemicals in the body that perform many functions and may affect the blood vessels.
When blood vessels dilate, inflammation is generated. The inflammation can cause pain.
There are many causes for which someone can suffer from migraines, below we will see some of the most common:
Alterations in hormonal levels
Migraines have been linked to the female hormone estrogen, which controls chemicals in the brain that affect the sensation of pain.
A drop in estrogen levels can trigger a headache. Hormone levels change due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, after childbirth, during premenopause and menopause, the use of hormonal contraceptives, among others.
sleep disturbances
Lack of sleep can lower the body’s pain threshold. A study published in the Headache Journal found that people with insomnia or sleep problems are more sensitive to pain than those without sleep problems.
stress and anxiety
Researchers at The Journal of Headache and Pain have confirmed that stress can trigger migraines.
In this study it was concluded that those who reported headaches had more stress compared to those who did not report headaches or stress.
Food and drinks
Many processed foods contain substances that cause headaches, such as artificial sweeteners, high-sugar foods, and some preservatives.
According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of aspartame, a popular sweetener in the food industry, is believed to trigger migraines.
food withdrawal
Both fasting and eating foods high in sugar or skipping meals can trigger or increase the likelihood of migraines.
This is because blood glucose levels drop suddenly, causing a headache.
caffeine withdrawal
A study published in Human Brain Mapping concluded that caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, fatigue, lack of energy, irritability, anxiety, and lack of concentration, among others.
This is because caffeine causes blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow to the brain. This sudden change can cause withdrawal headaches. Headaches go away as the brain adjusts.
dehydration
Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is essential to counter symptoms like headache and fatigue.
According to an article by the NHS, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, dehydration can trigger severe migraines.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
A study published by the european journal of neurology examines the association between smoking, alcohol and headache.
The study, which evaluated a total of 51,383 subjects, concluded that headache prevalence rates were higher among smokers, especially those who smoked more than 10 cigarettes per day.
For alcohol consumption, similar results were noted, in contrast to non-drinkers.
hereditary factors
Many experts argue that migraines are often hereditary. In fact, up to 90 percent of migraine sufferers have family members who also suffer from migraines.
Elements of the environment and the environment
The Headache Journal suggests that weather changes can cause biological changes in the body and therefore precipitate a migraine in some people.
Weather conditions can also increase the severity of a headache induced by other factors.
Headaches may be associated with extreme temperatures or being overcrowded in a room or on a plane.
home remedies to get rid of migraine
Now that you know the reasons why you may suffer from a migraine, it is time for you to learn some home remedies that can help you fight headaches without having to go to the pharmacy:
1. Ginger tea
Ginger contains more than 200 substances in its oils that have anti-inflammatory actions, so it can help fight migraines.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of ginger
- 1 cup of hot water
Preparation
- Bring a cup of water to a boil.
- Once it boils, add 2 or 3 slices of ginger or a teaspoon of ginger powder.
- Accompany with a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice to give it a better flavor.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Therefore, its relaxing effects can help reduce headaches caused by stress and anxiety.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope of chamomile tea
- 1 cup of water
Preparation
- Put the tea sachet into the cup with hot water.
- Let stand 5 minutes before drinking. You can add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer it sweet.
3. Mint tea
Peppermint tea is known to relieve nausea and upset stomach, some people have severe migraines including upset stomach that intensifies the migraine. Peppermint tea can help calm both.
Ingredients
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 cup of water
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil along with the mint leaves.
- Once it boils, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
4. Valerian infusion
According to Persian medicine, valerian relieves headaches as it has a positive effect in treating problems such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Ingredients
- 1 valerian tea bag
- 1 cup of water
Preparation
- Put the tea sachet into the cup with hot water.
- Let stand 5 minutes before drinking. You can add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer it sweet.
5. Cayenne pepper infusion
The chemical compound that makes cayenne pepper hot, called capsaicin, can numb a neurotransmitter responsible for sending pain impulses to the brain. This makes it a great natural ally to combat migraines.
Ingredients
- Cayenne pepper (a pinch)
- Water (a 250 ml cup)
Preparation
- Put the water to boil, and once it boils remove it from the heat.
- In a cup add a pinch of cayenne pepper and add the water.
6. Butterbur infusion
Migraines that accompany the menstrual cycle can be treated with butterbur flowers. A study published in the journal Neurology found that 75 mg of butterbur extract reduced the frequency of migraines by 48%.
Ingredients
- butterbur leaves (a handful)
- Water (1 cup)
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil along with the leaves.
- Once it boils, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Coffee
The prestigious online medical journal, Web MD, ensures that more than 3 cups of coffee a day can cause headaches, while between one and two a day can prevent them. This is because caffeine helps reduce inflammation, which can provide relief.
Ingredients
- Ground coffee (1 measure)
- Water (1 cup)
Preparation
- Pour the water into a suitable container and bring it to a boil. When it has reached the boiling point, pour the ground coffee into the water and stir.
- Let rest between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want it.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is rich in iron, potassium and calcium. All of these minerals can help relieve headaches.
Ingredients
- Apple vinager
- Water
Preparation
- In a glass of water add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Stir well and drink.
9. Himalayan salt infusion with lemon
If your migraines are due to an electrolyte imbalance, caused by dehydration, then drinking salt water will help. Also, dehydration can be the trigger.
Ingredients
- himalayan salt
- Lemon
- Water
Preparation
- In a glass of water, mix one teaspoon of Himalayan salt and the juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon.
- Stir well and let rest for a minute before drinking.
10. Lavender oil
A study published in Hindawi argues that lavender oil can help treat headaches and migraines. Inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil can help control migraine headaches.
The study found that those who used lavender oil to reduce migraine headaches reported a significant reduction in pain after inhaling the oil.
Ingredients
- lavender oil
App
- Put three drops of lavender oil in your palms and rub them together to release the scent.
- Bring your palms to your nose and inhale for three seconds, exhale and repeat three more times.
11. Cinnamon paste
Cinnamon can also eliminate headaches. An effective way to use cinnamon is to mix some ground cinnamon with water to form a thick paste.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon
- Water
Preparation and application
- Mix a tablespoon of cinnamon with half of water.
- Apply it on the forehead and temples, leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
12. Cold compress
Applying a cold compress to the nape of the neck helps reduce migraine pain significantly.
Ingredients
- Ice
- Chiffon or handkerchief
App
- Wrap the ice in a tissue.
- Put a towel on your pillow and put the compress on the towel, lie down for a few minutes making sure that your neck remains on the compress.
13. Watermelon rind
It may sound funny to you, but an old (but effective) migraine remedy is to place a piece of cold watermelon rind on your temples.
Ingredients
- cold watermelon rind
App
- Rest the cold peel on your temples.
- Let it act until the cold calms the migraine.
14. Banana peel
As with the watermelon rind, the banana peel can help reduce migraine headaches.
Ingredients
- Banana peel
- Alcohol
- Chiffon or handkerchief
App
- Take a banana peel and put some alcohol on it.
- Lie down and put it on your forehead tied with gauze so it doesn’t slip.
- Leave it for half an hour until the peel absorbs the toxins and the headache dissipates.
15. Potato slice
Not only are they delicious, but they also have multiple uses. For example, this old trick to eliminate headaches:
Ingredients
- potato slice
- Chiffon or handkerchief
App
- Take a slice of potato and put it on your forehead tied with one.
- Leave it for half an hour until the pain goes away.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.