If you suffer from migraines, you know how painful and debilitating they can be. Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, reports that anxiety, a lack of sleep, stress, food, or even hormonal fluctuations can bring on a migraine. Conventional treatment includes medication to relieve pain, but some people prefer alternative remedies. Treating migraines with ginger is a natural method that may be beneficial. However, because a migraine may be a symptom of an underlying disorder, see your doctor for advice before using any alternative treatment.
Migraine Headaches
Most people experience an occasional headache, but a migraine is a severely painful, recurrent headache, often accompanied by vision problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A migraine may feature pounding on one or both sides of the head, and the pain may be worse in the temple region. You may experience dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light and numbness, reports the Center.
Ginger
The root of the ginger plant is aromatic and pungent, adding flavor to Asian dishes and baked goods. The beige-colored root contains volatile oils, lipids and protease, which may be beneficial in treating migraines. According to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to ease some types of pain. Clinical studies confirming these effects are lacking.
Ginger and Migraines
Little evidence exists that ginger is a cure for migraines, but a 1990 report from the Institute of Biology at Odense University in Denmark suggests that ginger has potential as a treatment. After classifying migraines as a neurological disorder, the Odense study proposes that ginger may abort a migraine or ease its symptoms by blocking prostaglandins that may contribute to migraines. Further research is necessary to confirm these effects.
Dosage/Method
Researchers from the Odense study suggest taking 1/3 tsp. of ginger in powder form at the first sign of a migraine. You may also use fresh ginger, available in the produce section of most grocery stores. Grate the fresh root or use a garlic press to obtain the juice. Prepare ginger tea by steeping 1 tsp. of ginger root in 1 cup of boiling water. Ask your physician if ginger is right for you.
Considerations
Ginger may trigger heartburn in some people, according the Gale encyclopedia. It may interfere with blood thinners and other medications. Gale warns that pregnant women should not use ginger, because large amounts may result in a miscarriage. Consult your doctor before using ginger method to relieve migraines.
References
- Medline Plus: Migraine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraines
- PubMed: Ginger in migraine headache.
- Prevention.com: Spicy Relief
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
