Migraines: Deal with them at home naturally

Salut,

On our WhatsApp Group page , a member was curious to know how he could help a relative deal with soaring migraine attacks. Though, he sent me a private message, I entreated him to share with the group so we all discover the home remedies together.
After he posted, I searched and found something which suited the health concern on the table and sharing with you doesn't seem like a bad idea. So, here we go..

What are migraines and how do we come to suffer such discomfort?

Migraine is characteristically a moderate to severe emergence of an excruciating headache which may affect one half of the head known as unilateral or both the sides of the head also known as bilateral. It is a neurological disorder which occurs repetitively and may dwell for hours or even days.

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Usually migraine is associated only with a throbbing headache however in reality headache is just one of the components of this intricate malady. The cognitive, medical, neurologic, gastrointestinal and autonomic indications that escort the migraine headache evidently signify the disturbed functioning of the autonomic nervous system and cerebrum to name a few.

For a number of individuals, it may be thought of as an intense situation that can drastically transform their quality of life. However, there are some people who succeed in curing themselves with home and herbal remedies and over-the counter analgesics, if need be.

Some signs and symptoms may vary  from a mild distress to a major emergency which may manifest all the characteristics of the disorder. A migraine attack generally has five possible phases, however not everyone experiencing the attack may pass through all the stages - pre-headache or prodromal, aura, pain, resolution and recovery or postdromal stage.

Please note that women generally have three times more chances of getting a migraine pain as compared to the men and its symptoms may differ for each individual including the severity, frequency and duration of the migraine episode.

The migraine attack may hit a person in several ways such as sometimes a person may feel the aura or the associated symptoms of migraine without any disturbing headache. This condition is also referred to as silent migraine.

Other symptoms associated with migraine include frequent urge of urination, perspiration, nausea, feeling of sickness followed by vomiting, experiencing hypersensitivity towards light, also known as photophobia, difficulty in focusing, sensitivity to sound or phonophobia or may develop osmophobia which is characterized by the sensitivity towards smells.

Migraine is caused by a blend of genetic and environmental factors. A range of psychosomatic conditions such as bipolar disorder, nervousness and melancholy are also associated with migraine attacks. Some of the major causes include hormonal changes and triggers ( stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, poor posture, alcohol, caffeine, irregular eating habits, dehydration, smoking, flashing lights, strong odor, climatic changes, noisy or stuffy atmosphere, sleeping pills, contraceptive medication etc.)

Now, let's get to the natural ways of dealing with migraines at home.

• Aromatherapy:  Aromatherapy is another useful and holistic method for treating migraine headaches. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of lavender essential oil which has anxiolytic and sedative properties and helps soothe the pain and discomfort caused in migraine. It aids in stabilizing the mood and works as a wonderful analgesic agent as well. 

• Dietary changes: Certain dietary habits are a major contributor in triggering migraine attacks. Foods such as wine, chocolate, citrus fruits, monosodium glutamate (MSG), high-fat foods, cheese, and ice-cream are few of the popular food items which may prompt such attacks.Research studies conducted on migraine patients eating restricted diet has shown promising results in reducing the occurrence of migraine headaches. Another study has advocated the effectiveness of low-fat diet in the reduction of duration, severity and frequency of the migration headache. The study has also suggested that low-fat diet may help in reducing the intake of medications required for combating the headaches. Migraine has also been associated with food allergies which can act as triggers. Another pediatric study has recommended the intake of balanced diet without skipping the meals, unnecessary fasting of course lots of water and healthy fluids for the prevention of migraine headaches

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) –rich diet: Riboflavin is an essential nutrient required for growth and is an effectual natural remedy to cure migraine headaches. Riboflavin helps in the production of red blood cells. Studies conducted on migraine patients administered with high-dose of riboflavin have shown positive results not only in significantly reducing the frequency of headaches but also in consumption of anti-migraine medications. Inclusion of riboflavin-rich foods such as milk, eggs, asparagus, whole grains can prove valuable in keeping the body enriched with this beneficial nutrient.   

•  Magnesium-rich diet: Another nutrient which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine is magnesium. Deficiency of magnesium in the body may lead to hyper aggregation of platelets, cortical scattering depression, influence serotonin receptors and may have an impact on the production and secretion of neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that consumption of adequate magnesium is quite effective in providing relief in the migraine patients. An important cautionary advice over here is regarding the adverse reaction such as diarrhea and gastric irritations in some individuals which may be caused by excess magnesium.

• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil contains menthol which has been found effective in treating the migraine headaches. A research study conducted on migraine patients has shown that massaging of forehead and temporal area with menthol 10% solution helps in alleviating the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia and soothes the pain caused in migraine headaches. 

• Ginger: Ginger is one of the most readily available items in a kitchen and is a well-known home remedy for curing migraine. Eating a small piece of ginger may help relieve the digestive problems and nausea associated with migraine and protects the blood vessels in the brain from getting inflamed. Research studies have established the efficacy of ginger in reducing the severity of the migraine attacks. The study has also validated the fact that effectiveness of ginger in curing migraine headaches is at par with the commercially drug, sumatriptan. 
  Bottoms-up with water: Water undoubtedly plays a vital role in the functioning of the entire body. Consumption of healthy fluids including water may help prevent the occurrence of dehydration which may also trigger migraine headaches. Water helps to compensate for the fluid loss happened during nausea and vomiting associated with the migraine headaches. 

• Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may prove helpful for curing migraine and prevent its occurrence. The breathing exercises, also known as ‘pranayam’ performed in yoga assists in calming the mind and help reduce stress.  Various yoga postures may help in relaxing the muscles in the entire body including the head and ease out the strain in the neck and shoulders. 

• Adequate sleep: Sleep is the nature’s way of healing and recovering the stressed response system of the body. It is one of the most valuable cures for migraine headaches. Sleeping in a dark room helps promote melatonin hormone which induces better sleep and helps soothe the migraine pain. One should try to maintain a regular sleep routine as both oversleeping and under sleeping may have detrimental effects on the health. 

• Massaging: A massage with a soft touch always creates an invigorating experience in the body. It enhances the flow of blood and stimulates the production of endorphins. Massaging your head, neck and shoulders would help calm the migraine pain and release strain from the muscles. 

• Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is yet another effective and natural way to heal migraine headaches. Soaking your hands and feet in bearably hot water may reduce the intensity of the migraine attack by soothing the pain and easing the tension out of the muscles.  Immersing the feet in hot water helps in restricting the blood flow in the congested area by dilating the blood vessels. 

• De-stress and enjoy your life: Stress can aggravate the severity and frequency of the migraine attacks. Scan your routine and try to figure out the things that get you in the tensed mode and take a step to resolve them. Look for little things that make you happy and stress free. De-stressing your lives may assist in keeping your mind and body relaxed and can make a huge improvement in the occurrence of migraine attacks. 

• Ice pack: Using an ice-pack is the easiest remedy which is used as a first line defense for migraine by a number of people. You can use a bag of ice or frozen peas and put it on your head, face or scalp wherever, you could feel the agonizing pain. The anti-inflammatory effects of ice help in shrinking the sore tissues and soothe the pain associated with migraine.

 In short: relax, laugh a lot, eat healthy and kick migraine!

As I await feedback from the member, let me know what you think and share with us any tips you have about the issue.

Time to turn the table on migraines! 

A post to the wise is more than enough!

You are welcome to join our WhatsApp Group (+233205763300). The raison d’être of this support group is to  build a community of healthy life enthusiasts, gardeners and clean/organic eaters. We believe that, by journeying this least-traveled path here in Ghana, we can begin to champion preventive health habits in our daily nutritional choices.

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Credit: organicfacts.net