Home Remedies for Migraines

Home Remedies for Migraines

In some instances migraine sufferers may turn to home remedies for migraines. Migraine headaches are extremely painful and may last up to 72 hours so you can imagine that any relief at all would be welcome. Home remedies are sometimes used in conjunction with other medications.

Many people report that ice wraps or towels provide almost immediate relief when applied to the head or neck. Ice wraps can be bought very inexpensively at drug stores and kept in your freezer. You could also use a wet towel. Just wring it out thoroughly and place in the freezer until it is very cold. It seems to work best when placed around the neck, but you can also wrap it around your head.

If you can get someone to give you a relaxing head massage in a darkened room, it can help to ease the pain very effectively. If you are alone, you can try massaging yourself. This helps me a lot. My husband has a wonderful touch and if I can convince him I actually have a headache; he does a great job. I think the key to massage is that it relaxes you and alleviates the throbbing pain.

Some people report relief from eating salty foods like chips, drinking large quantities of water, juices containing vitamin C or small amounts of caffeine. Just remember if you have caffeine induced migraines this may not be the remedy for you. It may make them worse, so use caution. I do get a headache when I cut my caffeine intake and in that case, a little caffeine works like a charm.

Possibly the most obvious home remedy is lifestyle changes. Be sure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and get some exercise. Many people report a vast improvement in migraines once they are on a regular exercise regime. You don’t have to run a marathon; just walk 20 minutes day. I think we all minimize the importance of rest. My husband is a big believer in a short nap daily. He rarely has headaches. I, on the other hand, was brought up in a home where you did not nap during the day unless you were sick. Since I have retired from a full time job, I have come to believe he is right about the nap. I take one now and then and have made an effort not to keep going when I’m tired. I hate to admit he’s right, but I do feel much better and rarely have headaches.

If you have frequent migraines or just an occasional one; check with your doctor to see if he recommends trying home remedies for migraines along with your prescribed regimen. It may provide some measure of relief.