About 12 percent of adults suffer from migraines, which are a type of chronic headache. Migraines can last for hours or even days, and they can be caused by a number of different things. Particular foods, dehydration, lack of sleep, or stress, among other triggers, can all cause migraines. Migraines are painful and can also cause symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, and lethargy. There are many medications for treating migraines, but sometimes natural remedies for migraine relief work as well, if not better:
1. Lavender oil
Lavender is one of the most well-known migraine home remedies. The soothing scent is not only pleasant for migraine sufferers but studies have shown that breathing in lavender can help to reduce the severity and longevity of migraines. Lavender can be used in its dried form or as an essential oil. It can be placed in a pillowcase, sachet, or the oil can be applied to the temples. Other essential oils that users find pleasant or calming, such as lemon, bergamot, jasmine, or sage, can also be helpful.
2. Yoga
Another excellent remedy for migraines is yoga. Exercise can help to prevent migraines because it relieves stress and also increases endorphin levels. Endorphins are natural painkillers. However, most people can’t exercise while they’re experiencing a migraine because the movement can be uncomfortable. Yoga, on the other hand, is gentle and can be very simple. Yoga can relieve muscle tension, which can reduce the severity of a headache and help prevent new ones.
3. Acupuncture or acupressure
Acupuncture can provide a great deal of health benefits, and research has shown that it can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines. Licensed acupuncture specialists can help to ease migraines but migraine sufferers can also use acupressure at home to ease headaches. Gently pressing on key areas of the body, such as the base of the thumb, can be a natural pain reliever.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most well-known natural remedies for migraine treatment. Caffeine helps to constrict blood vessels, which can help to ease the feeling of pressure in the head that a migraine causes. Caffeine can also help your body more quickly absorb other supplements or medications for treating migraines. However, caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration, which can actually increase headaches. For this reason, it’s best to use caffeine only in moderation.
5. Butterbur
Butterbur is one of the lesser-known migraine treatments but studies have shown that it can be effective in not only reducing the severity of a headache, but it can also help to prevent future migraines. Butterbur is an herb that reduces swelling and inflammation and also has natural pain relieving properties. Butterbur can be taken in pill form. When using butterbur, it’s important to choose supplements that are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or PAs, as they can cause health problems.
