Migraines are intense headaches that normally begin behind the right or left eye, creating pain in that side of the head. A migraine headache can last for hours or days, and it can be caused by a number of factors. Generally migraines occur when the temporal artery, located outside the skull in the temple area of the head, enlarges. This action stretches the nerves, causing them to release certain chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Additionally, the blood supply to the head decreases as constriction and dilation of the blood vessels create pressure in the area. Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors, such as certain foods, an excess of caffeine, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, stress, sleep deprivation, liver problems, hormonal fluctuations and menstruation. There are a number of natural ways to treat migraine headaches without having to resort to medication or just waiting out the pain.
Step 1
Make a tea from fresh ginger slices by boiling 3 to 5 slices in water. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and sip. This is a strong, yet effective, concoction. You can also use 500 mg of ginger powder instead of fresh slices.
Step 2
Make a tea of chamomile, dandelion root, dong quai or ginkgo biloba, and sip.
Step 3
Place peppermint oil on your forehead and neck, avoiding your eyes.
Step 4
Take a dose of dong quai, feverfew, passion flower, ginkgo biloba or gotu kola capsules according to the directions on the bottles.
Step 5
Place tinctures of dandelion root, ginkgo biloba or gotu kola as instructed on the bottle in a glass of water, and sip.
Step 6
Place lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale the essence as you sleep off your migraine.
Tips and Warnings
- If you can obtain a formula that includes any or all of the herbal remedies, this is the most powerful antidote, as well as being the most cost effective. Stay away from bright light. The best thing you can do for a migraine is lie down in a dark room. Disregard your pillow and place a rolled towel underneath your neck. A cold compress on the head can also bring relief, as can a good massage around the neck and shoulder area.
Things You'll Need
- Ginger---fresh or powder
- Cayenne pepper powder
- Chamomile tea---fresh buds or tea bags
- Dandelion root (liver tonic and powerful toxin remover)---tea or tincture
- Dong quai---tea or capsules
- Ginkgo biloba (delivers oxygen and blood flow to brain)---tea, capsules or tincture
- Peppermint oil
- Feverfew---capsules
- Passion flower---capsules
- Gotu kola (improves circulation of blood and strengthens blood vessels in the brain)---capsules or tincture
- Lavender oil
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