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Searches for "migraine devices" have surged by 2900% in the past five years, reflecting an increase in migraine prevalence and intensity in the US. Last year, more people reported migraine attacks than ever before, with around 50% now classified as "moderate to severe," up from 22% in 2004. Migraines can be challenging to treat due to various unknown triggers, including environmental factors, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices.
A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, typically on one side of the head. Why some people will get migraines with these triggers and some do not is unknown. Sometimes, no trigger can be identified, yet a migraine persists.
The accompanying symptoms can include any combination of nausea, vomiting, eye pain, blurred vision, jaw pain, lightheadedness or fainting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so bad that it interferes with your daily activities.
For some people, a warning sign known as an aura may occur before or with the headache. Auras are symptoms of the nervous system experienced before or during the migraine. These symptoms may include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, and physical disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face, or in an arm or leg. Other symptoms are olfactory disturbances, such as the smell of eggs or gasoline without their actual presence. Some people may also have difficulty speaking.
Medications can help prevent some migraines and make them less painful. The right medicines combined with lifestyle changes might help. For those who prefer a more natural solution, there are several natural remedies for migraine relief. Migraine relief without medication is possible with these migraine natural treatments.
If you’re seeking natural migraine relief, here are seven effective remedies that can help ease the discomfort of migraine headaches.
Magnesium is a vital mineral found in our bodies and nature, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greece. When it comes to natural migraine relief, magnesium is a highly recommended remedy due to its ability to help in several ways.
Magnesium regulates brain activity and neurotransmitters, potentially reducing the onset of migraines. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also diminish the inflammatory responses associated with migraine headaches. Additionally, magnesium improves blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. It even blocks certain pain-transmitting chemicals in the brain, offering further relief.
You can find magnesium in various forms, such as liquids, powders, pills, and chewables. Some clinics also offer IV magnesium treatments. For a natural remedy for migraines, magnesium is an excellent option.
Peppermint oil, derived from the Mentha piperita plant, has been used medicinally since ancient times. Essential oils for migraines are becoming more popular, and peppermint oil is one of the top choices.
Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint oil, has a cooling effect that relaxes muscles and helps reduce pain. Its anti-nausea properties are particularly helpful since nausea often accompanies migraines. The calming and stress-reducing effects of peppermint oil, when used in aromatherapy for migraine relief, can help prevent migraine attacks caused by stress.
To use peppermint oil, dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it to your temples, nose, and wrists, or diffuse it in your living space for ongoing relief. This herbal remedy for migraines is a versatile and effective natural solution.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that can provide migraine relief without medication. By inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture helps stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can alleviate migraine pain.
Improving blood flow is another way acupuncture can help. Better circulation and reduced muscle tension contribute to easing migraines, while acupuncture's anti-inflammatory effects may also help reduce the frequency of attacks. Many people find that regular acupuncture sessions can prevent migraines or reduce their intensity, making it a popular holistic migraine treatment.
Lavender oil is another powerful essential oil for migraines. Known for its calming properties, lavender can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common migraine triggers. Inhaling lavender oil can significantly ease migraine pain and improve sleep, a key factor in preventing migraines.
Its anti-inflammatory effects also make lavender a great natural remedy for migraine relief. You can use lavender oil by inhaling it directly, applying it topically (diluted with a carrier oil), or using it in an essential oil diffuser.
Ginger, a powerful spice with medicinal properties, is a go-to option for natural migraine relief. It increases serotonin levels, helping to reduce inflammation and blood vessel constriction, much like conventional migraine medications.
Ginger is also excellent for relieving nausea, a common migraine symptom. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it one of the best herbal remedies for migraines. You can use fresh ginger to make tea or take ginger supplements for ongoing migraine management.
Biofeedback is an emerging technique that allows you to gain control over involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which can help with migraine prevention. During a biofeedback session, sensors monitor your body’s responses, and you are guided through exercises to modify those functions.
Biofeedback reduces stress and helps you identify early migraine warning signs, making it a valuable method for natural migraine relief. It can also regulate temperature control and heart rate, helping you manage migraines triggered by stress or weather changes.
Feverfew, a plant known for its medicinal properties, is one of the best supplements for migraine prevention. It works by reducing histamine, inhibiting prostaglandin production, and improving blood vessel function, all of which play a role in migraine development.
For best results, feverfew should be taken regularly as a preventive measure rather than as a remedy during a migraine attack. This herbal remedy for migraines is available in dried leaf form, capsules, or extracts and is an excellent long-term solution for reducing migraine frequency.
Migraines are increasingly common and intense for sufferers, but there are natural remedies for relief without medication. Supplements like magnesium, ginger, and feverfew may help with pain and prevention, while lavender and peppermint essential oils can alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture and biofeedback also show promise as effective treatments. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements and seek qualified professionals for acupuncture and biofeedback.
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By Dr. Carlie Biggins, N.D.
