Migraine headaches typically begin in adolescence, or even childhood, and include severe pain on one or both sides of the head, pulsing or throbbing pain, sensitivity to sound and light, and nausea or vomiting.
It is believed that migraines may have a hereditary element, as they are common amongst family members. However, migraine help is available, either from prescription medication or herbal alternatives. Nature has provided a wealth of migraine remedies, many of which may already be in your cupboard.
Cayenne (Capsicum annum)
This herb, known to many as a spicy condiment, is also an effective pain reducer, particularly for those seeking migraine help. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a compound that is believed to block a chemical involved in the nerve transmission of pain. According to a 1992 study published in the headache journal, Cephalalgia, the pain and severity of cluster headaches were decreased significantly in patients who received topical capsaicin treatments for seven days.
While cluster headaches are significantly different than migraines, they still share a common denominator – the intense, localized, recurring head pain. It stands to reason that the same treatment could also provide migraine help for sufferers. Consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner if you wish to try this remedy at home. Side effects may include burning at the area of application.
Cayenne can still provide migraine help, even if a topical solution is undesirable. Try any one of these remedies the next time you need fast relief. They don’t require a doctor’s supervision, and may even prevent an attack before it begins.
- Eat cayenne pepper (with plenty of water) on food at the first sign of a migraine.
- Take up to three 500-milligram capsules per day at the first sign, or any time during an attack.
- Purchase or make a balm containing cayenne and massage it into the temples during a migraine attack.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint can be used both internally and externally to deliver migraine help. It contains menthol, which is a pain reducer, and also reduces nausea. According to a 1994 study published in Cephalalgia, a combination of peppermint essential oil and ethanol significantly reduced the sensitivity to headaches in patients who applied the solution topically to the forehead and temples.
While it isn’t recommended that seekers of migraine help use ethanol unsupervised, there is an effective alternative that should have the same effects.
- Combine 2-3 drops of pure peppermint essential oil to one teaspoon of extra virgin olive or almond oil.
- Apply to the forehead and temples with a sponge. Perform this remedy at the first sign of a migraine, or any time during an attack.
Other ways to use peppermint for migraine help include:
- Consuming peppermint tea. Steep one teaspoon of the dried herb in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and drink immediately.
- Taking a peppermint bath. Add 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil to a tub of hot water, and relax for at least 30 minutes.
For best results, use all of the peppermint migraine remedies in conjunction. Drink the tea, take the bath, and massage your temples with the peppermint oil.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
This common kitchen herb has a long history of relieving pain, treating nausea, and preventing headaches. This makes ginger an ideal choice for anyone seeking migraine help. While there is little scientific research on ginger as a natural remedy for migraines, there have been laboratory studies performed on its ability to reduce pain, and as an anti-inflammatory.
A study published in the 2005 Journal of Medicinal Food states that an extract made from ginger root inhibits several genes which are known to cause inflammation. The herb is also known to decrease the tendency of blood platelets to clump together, which may help ease migraine headache pain. The following methods have been reported effective by migraine sufferers:
- Take up to eight 500-milligram capsules of ground ginger root per day.
- Take 10-20 drops of ginger tincture in water three times per day.
- Eat one teaspoon of the ground root per day, in food.
For additional migraine help, try migraine remedies such as feverfew, bay, and butterbur.
Cindy Ausbrooks - Cindy Ausbrooks is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She enjoys herbalism, natural medicine, animals, crafts, ...
