Prescription medications, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, triptans and ergot, are often used to prevent or combat migraine headaches. For those who prefer to treat migraines without medication, a number of alternative or lifestyle remedies may help reduce symptoms or prevent migraine onset in the first place. There is no known cure for migraines, so the more aware you are of how to prevent and reduce your own symptoms, the easier it will be to deal with them.
Step 1
Avoid known migraine triggers that might worsen a migraine in progress. Everyone has different triggers, but some of the most common are smoking or exposure to smoke, caffeine, skipping meals, alcohol, bright lights and loud noses, strong odors, stress, changes in sleep patterns and certain foods, especially those containing nitrates and monosodium glutamate.
Step 2
Experiment with "alternative" remedies that don't include medication. Several that may be helpful with migraine pain include acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic care, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga.
Step 3
Lie down and rest in a dark, quiet place as soon as you feel a headache coming on. Gently massaging any places you feel pain in your scalp and placing an ice pack on the back of your neck may help reduce the severity of your migraine symptoms.
Step 4
Take natural supplements to reduce the severity of migraines. While there's little scientific proof of whether these work, some have been shown to be promising remedies. These include magnesium, feverfew and butterbur, vitamin B2, the amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and Coenzyme Q10.
Step 5
Apply feverfew essential oil to your forehead during a migraine. While not a scientifically proven remedy, some migraine sufferers have reported that this brings quick relief.
Step 6
Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you find yourself vomiting because of a migraine.
Tips and Warnings
- Some migraine triggers, such as hormonal changes and weather changes, may be beyond your control, but being aware of them can help you take steps to minimize the pain of a migraine when it strikes. Keeping a "headache diary" can help you discern not just when and why the headaches strike, but also determine which treatments help the most.
