Migraine headaches are extremely painful headaches that may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, dizziness and visual disturbances, known as auras, that happen before the headache's onset. Fox News reports that approximately 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, three-fourths of whom are women. Treating migraine headaches often involves medications prescribed by a physician, although there are some things that can be done at home to relieve migraine pain without medications. These remedies are not meant to replace conventional treatment prescribed by your physician.
Step 1
Practice relaxation by lying down on a bed and closing your eyes. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking deep breaths and concentrating on relaxing one muscle group at a time until you have relaxed every muscle in your body.
Step 2
Apply a cold compress to your forehead or any area where the pain is concentrated. You can purchase reusable cold packs in drug stores and grocery stores. Other products are available for one-time use, as well as gels that provide a cooling sensation on the skin. Cold therapy can help numb the pain and provide relief from migraine headaches. When using cold packs, do not leave on the skin for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Step 3
Drink water to hydrate the body and treat dehydration, which can cause a migraine headache. Ideally, you should try to consume decaffeinated beverages, as caffeine can worsen dehydration. If you are well-hydrated, however, you may try drinking a caffeinated beverage to restrict the blood vessels to relieve the pain. Caffeine intake should be limited because caffeine can trigger migraines in some people instead of relieving the pain.
Step 4
Add nutritional supplements such as riboflavin, magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and melatonin to your daily regimen. The Neurology Department at UCLA notes that while these supplements have not been proven beneficial in relieving migraines acutely, many people have found them helpful in preventatively treating migraines. Always discuss adding supplements with your physician prior to beginning any therapy.
Step 5
Rub a few drops of peppermint oil into your hands to heat it up, and then apply to your forehead and the back of your neck. Dr. Brian Grosberg, director of the Inpatient Headache Program at the Montefiore Headache Center in New York, reports that there have been no studies to prove that peppermint oil works for migraines, though many migraine sufferers have reported relief when using the oil.
Things You'll Need
- Cold pack
- Water
- Caffeine
- Peppermint oil
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Treatment
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headaches-Non-Drug Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
- UCLA Department of Neurology: Migraine Questions and Answers
- Fox News: 11 Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches
