9 Best Home Remedies For Migraine Headaches

A series of complex exchanges between the nervous and vascular system of the body can result in major variations in specific brain chemicals. This in turn can trigger debilitating headaches known as migraines.   A primary headache disorder, migraine affects nearly one third of the global population. If left untreated, this recurring headache can increase in intensity from moderate to severe. Sometimes the intensity of pain associated with a migraine headache is so extreme, that it can completely incapacitate an individual.

An Insight Into Migraine Headaches

A migraine headache, till recently, was thought to be the outcome of abnormal dilation and constriction of the network of blood vessels which line the brain surface. However, current medical investigative research has revealed the fact that migraine headache is the result of specific anomalies in certain parts of the brain. A typical migraine headache commences as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. As the brain starts to release inflammatory substances like serotonin and / or prostaglandins, the intensity of pain increases manifold. Intense migraine headache, which lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, is often accompanied by phonophobia or sensitivity to sound, photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light and nausea.

Effective Home Remedies For Migraine Headaches

Numerous home remedies exist to counter a painful migraine headache. These effective home remedies can ease the pain and symptoms associated with a particularly intense migraine attack. Some wonderful home remedies for migraine headaches are revealed in this article.

Enjoy A Relaxing Head Massage

There is nothing like a relaxing massage to ease the pain associated with a migraine headache. Stress and tension are major trigger factors for a migraine headache.A long relaxing head massage using essential oils like patchouli or lavender can help to release pent up stress and tension. This in turn can help to reduce the severity of a migraine attack.

Tie A Tight Headband

This popular home remedy for migraine headache has been around since ancient times. To relieve the throbbing, vice like migraine headache, tie a tight headband around the head. Use a narrow strip of cloth to prepare the headband or you can even use an old tie or any other long, narrow piece of cloth.

Inhale Peppermint Oil

You can easily procure pure peppermint oil from any store selling herbal products. Inhaling peppermint oil can help to control the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.Sometimes improper blood flow can trigger a migraine headache. When a person inhales peppermint oil, the blood vessels open up. Proper blood circulation can help to prevent migraine headaches.

Increase Vitamin B2 Intake

Stock up on vitamin B2 supplements especially if you are susceptible to recurrent and violent migraine headaches. Taking higher doses of vitamin B2 or riboflavin can help to ease the intensity and length of a migraine attack. Sustained intake of vitamin B2 supplements can also help to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.
Try A Cold Compress

 Try A Cold Compress

A soothing cold compress is known to relive a migraine headache. The exact effect of cold compress on a throbbing migraine remains ambiguous. But migraine sufferers who have tried this home remedy swear by its effectiveness. Dip a face towel in some cold water. Squeeze out the excess water and spread the towel over your forehead. Repeat this procedure a number of times till the intensity of pain decreases.

Drink Water

Dehydration can trigger headaches, especially migraine headaches. Chronic dehydration can cause debilitating migraine headaches. Drink plenty of water to stop migraine attack.

Use Lavender Oil

Soothing lavender oil can ease a migraine headache. You can either apply pure lavender oil on your temple (side of the head), or you can inhale lavender oil. For a more calming experience that can help to drive away a migraine headache, add two to three drops of pure lavender oil in a small bowl of warm water. As the aroma of pure lavender suffuses your immediate surroundings, you will notice a definite lessening of the pain associated with a migraine headache.

Apply Vinegar

This is an unusual, nonetheless effective home remedy to combat a migraine headache. Dip a face towel in a bowl containing apple cider vinegar. Squeeze out the excess vinegar and press the face towel on those parts of your head which hurt the most. Repeat this process a couple of times. There will be a noticeable reduction in intensity of migraine headache.

Try A Cabbage Cold Compress

This is a wonderful home remedy for migraine headaches. You can prepare a cabbage cold compress by placing a couple of fresh cabbage leaves in the freezer. After a couple of minutes remove the cabbage leaves from the freezer and place them on your forehead. Close your eyes and relax. The migraine headache will disappear magically.