Migraine Headaches Home Remedies

A Migraine headache is among the most troublesome and debilitating conditions you can have. Apart from the throbbing headache, which is in itself very traumatic, the symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to light and sound. To add to the problem, the causes for a migraine are not fully understood, and treatment does not have a high rate of success. Many patients get no relief from migraine treatment, and some get only limited relief. Still, there is a lot that can be done to manage the problem, even if this takes a lot of trial and error.

One important part of migraine treatment is diet modification. Certain foods are often found to be triggers of migraine headaches, and it is important to identify these foods and avoid them. Common triggers include coffee, chocolate, ice cream, and dairy products. Identification of triggers can be quite difficult, and a good way to simplify this process is to start maintaining a diet diary. Make a note of every single thing you eat or drink through the day, and simultaneously keep track of when your migraine attacks occur. This will help you to identify a pattern, thus narrowing down to a single trigger or a group of triggers. You should also try to keep track of other possible triggers, including certain smells, certain activities, loud noises, and stress. You can also try to make a note of foods that ease a migraine headache. Some people find that salty foods give them relief, while others find that a cup of tea helps.

Another good way to ease a migraine attack is a cold compress applied to the forehead, temples, and eyes. You can use either a plastic bag that has been filled with ice or a hand towel that has been dipped in cold water. It is also advisable to retire to a dark, quiet room by yourself for half an hour, especially if you are sensitive to light and sound, or if either of these seem to be triggers. If possible, try to get a massage from a family member or friend. No special technique is necessary, just gentle pressure applied to the scalp and shoulders. Two herbal treatments for migraine are also being explored – feverfew and cannabis, and you can try using these after consulting your doctor.

If these measures do not seem adequate, you should not hesitate to get medical help as there are numerous medical options available.